By Honest Sihlango
The Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (HRDC) 5th Summit, held from 16–17 April 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, marked a significant milestone in advancing the country’s human capital development agenda. Convened under the theme “Living and Working in a Changing World,” the Summit brought together leaders from government, business, organised labour, and civil society to strengthen collaboration and accelerate skills development efforts.
Among the key contributors to this national dialogue was the National Skills Fund (NSF), which played an active role in supporting the Summit’s objectives and showcasing its impact on skills development across South Africa. Through its exhibition presence, the NSF provided stakeholders with insights into its funded programmes, partnerships, and interventions aimed at addressing critical skills shortages and empowering the youth.
By engaging directly with stakeholders, the NSF demonstrated how its initiatives support workplace-based learning opportunities, expand access to quality training, and contribute to youth empowerment. The exhibition also served as a platform to foster new partnerships and reinforce existing collaborations with industry, training providers, and government entities
Deputy President: Paul Mashatile, Minister: Buti Manamela, and NSF Acting CEO Melissa Era visit the National Skills Fund exhibition stall.
The Summit took place in a context shaped by rapid technological advancements and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussions focused on workplace-based learning (WPBL), digital transformation, and the need for innovative approaches to equipping citizens with future-fit skills. In alignment with these priorities, the NSF highlighted its ongoing investments in education and training initiatives that promote employability, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic participation.
Building on the vision articulated during the State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Summit reinforced the urgency of a bold and inclusive skills revolution. This call was echoed by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela, who emphasised that human capital development remains a central priority of the 7th Administration.
A key highlight of the Summit was the keynote address delivered by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who officially launched the Reconceptualised Human Resource Development Strategy (2025–2035) and the Master Skills Plan (2025–2030). These frameworks aim to align national programmes, strengthen accountability, and guide coordinated efforts across sectors. For the NSF, these strategic instruments provide a clear policy direction that enhances alignment between its funded projects and broader national priorities.
Delegates engage with representatives from the NSF at the exhibition stall during the 5th HRDC Summit, exploring initiatives aimed at advancing skills development and empowering youth.
The rapid rise of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), emerged as a central theme shaping the future of work and skills development. Delegates acknowledged that while these innovations hold immense potential to drive productivity, innovation, and economic growth, they also present significant risks, particularly the possibility of deepening inequality if societies fail to equip citizens with relevant and future-fit skills.
Addressing the Summit, Deputy President Paul Mashatile emphasised the urgency of responding to these technological shifts through deliberate and coordinated action. “The success of our human resource development agenda will not be measured by the strategies we produce, but by the impact we achieve. It will be measured by the number of young people who gain meaningful employment, the number of workers who are reskilled and upskilled, and the extent to which we reduce inequality and poverty,” he said, underscoring the importance of tangible outcomes in building an inclusive economy.
The Summit highlighted the need to integrate digital skills across all levels of education and training as a matter of priority. This includes investing in innovation, supporting research and development, and ensuring that policy frameworks remain responsive to the pace of technological change. Participants agreed that a proactive approach is essential to ensure that South Africa remains competitive in an increasingly digital global landscape.
A strong emphasis was also placed on youth empowerment, recognising young people as central to the country’s development agenda. Expanding workplace-based learning opportunities, strengthening partnerships with industry, and fostering entrepreneurship were identified as key strategies to enable meaningful youth participation in the economy.
In his closing remarks, Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela reaffirmed the importance of moving from dialogue to implementation, calling on all stakeholders to translate commitments into measurable impact. “We must now move with urgency from plans to action, ensuring that our collective efforts result in real opportunities for our people and meaningful transformation of our economy,” he noted, emphasising accountability and sustained collaboration.
As the Summit concluded, the role of institutions such as the NSF was underscored as critical to achieving these outcomes. Through its continued investment in skills development programmes, workplace-based learning initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the NSF remains a key driver in advancing the country’s human capital development agenda, ensuring that the resolutions of the Summit are not only aspirational but actively realised on the ground.
