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Agriculture department improves the skills of its staff
14 August 2007
Limpopo Department of Agriculture has embarked on a learnership programme geared towards improving the skills of its staff particularly the Human Resource Management personnel. Two hundred and thirty employees wrote an assessment test and 40 were selected for training to be provided by Regyness, an institute providing training.
The staff will receive one week training monthly for twelve months after which the competent candidate will receive a qualification certificate which could make them acquire a National Diploma should they proceed to another level which takes 12 months of training also. According to the Human Resource Development Senior Manager in the Department, Ms Ennes Mkhavele, the training will boost the staff as "it will complement their knowledge and skills and enable them to move to climb the ladder in their career paths".
The Personnel Board of Personnel Practitioners will ensure quality training is provided. The MEC for Agriculture, Mrs Dikeledi Magadzi, encouraged the selected staff to make use of the opportunity and proceed studying on completion of the training.
Speaking during the gathering at Polokwane on 14 August 2007 at which the selected staff and the trainer, Regyness were present, MEC Magadzi said her Department targeted "employees who have been in the government system for [a number of years with only matric as their highest qualification. They have throughout their years of service acquired valuable experience to such an extent that they are able to become mentors to young graduates in the internship programme. This lack of formal qualification and recognition affect staff morale, prospects of upward mobility and overall service delivery."
She said that the selected 40 should serve as trendsetters for their colleagues who are still to receive similar training. It was also indicated that those who are awarded bursaries in the Department are excluded from participation in the programme.
For more information contact:
Segoati Mahlangu
Cell: 082 801 1736
Thembi Makhuvele
Cell: 082 803 5648
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Limpopo Provincial Government
14 August 2007
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government (http://www.limpopo.gov.za)