THE MINISTER OF TERTIARY EDUCATION, RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (MoTE) HONOURABLE MAGANG NGAKA NGAKA PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO HRDC

In an effort to appreciate the mandate of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), the Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoTE), Honourable Magang Ngaka Ngaka paid a courtesy visit to the Council on 9th October 2018. The Minister’s visit also entailed sharing his vision and working relationship with the council.

‘‘It has always been the Honourable Minister’s wish to meet the Staff of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) after his appointment in April 2018 but unfortunately due to other official commitments this could not be possible.’’ said Dr Raphael Dingalo, Chief Executive Officer of HRDC in welcoming the Minister to the meet and greet session.

Dr Dingalo further went on to share the mandate of the organisation which involves Human Resource Development Planning – Demand; Human Resource Development Planning – Supply; funding of Tertiary Institutions, the Student Support Fund and the Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF) as well as the promotion of Research & Innovation in Institutions. Furthermore, he provided a brief update on the major initiatives that HRDC is currently spearheading such as the Labour Market Observatory (LMO), Labour Market Information Management System (LMIS). Dr Dingalo indicated that the HRDC Board had approved the National Human Development Plan (NHRDP) and is due to be presented to Cabinet.

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister Magang Ngaka Ngaka reiterated that he had wished to meet the HRDC Staff earlier. He also said that he was appointed the Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoTE) on the 4th April 2018 and his experience is in Electrical and Economics, therefore, he has the skills and expertise to trouble shoot systems and programmes in the process of uplifting HRDC to achieve its mandate.

‘‘HRDC is the driver for innovation and transforming our country from a natural resource based to a knowledge based economy as such your role is crucial to guide and implement reforms that will eventually transform Botswana’’, emphasised Honourable Minister.

He also highlighted that he will continue to engage with HRDC and indicated that his office is always open to facilitate the work of HRDC.

In conclusion, the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of HRDC, Mr Meshack Tafa thanked the Minister for the visit and stated that HRDC will continue to dialogue with the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoTE) on how to enhance initiatives and programmes intended to drive the National Human Resource Development Strategy (NHRDS). Other Staff members who remarked during the meeting highlighted that for HRDC to achieve its mandate, it needs to be adequately resourced in terms of human resource and financial support.

 

 

News Date: 
Tuesday, October 9, 2018