By Themba Gadebe

The Human Resource Development Strategy (HRD) being launched by Gauteng Premier Mbazima Shilowa on Tuesday 26 September, is expected to contribute to the province’s growth and development initiatives.

According to the provincial government, the launch follows extensive work by the Office of the Premier and Education Department towards developing the HRD strategy for the province last year.

The HRD was identified as a key strategy with the potential to provide quality skills for key economic and social sectors while also promoting shared growth through building social capital and expanding opportunities to the poor.

“This strategy is one of many in the province aimed at meeting the objectives of the medium term priorities of government and overcoming the socio-economic challenges,” Gauteng Education Department said.

Other strategies include the Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) and the Global City Region (GCR) Strategy.

The implementation of the GDS is set to help the province achieve an economic growth rate of eight percent by 2014, while the GCR seeks to address inequality and uneven development in the province.

“The vision of the (HRD) strategy is to develop employable, entrepreneurial and smart people.

“It is also based on the HRD imperatives contributing towards a knowledge intensive and smart province, while supporting the drive to eradicate poverty and unemployment,” the provincial education department’s spokesperson Panyaza Lesufi said.

Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Gauteng Education MEC Angie Motshekga and executive mayors are expected to address the launch.

Source: BuaNews