Dr Angelique Wildschut and Dr Bongiwe Mncwango, from the Equitable Education and Economies division, are leading the development of a Human Resource Development (HRD) Observatory for South Africa with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa. The intended outcome is a centralised platform that consolidates HRD intelligence and makes it accessible to decision makers.
For the DSTI, the Observatory is key to ensuring that South Africa’s innovation system can supply the skills needed in strategic growth sectors. This work is facilitated through the European Union’s Partnering for Impact grant which supports civil society organizations and local stakeholders driving a low-carbon and inclusive economy in South Africa, aligning with the Global Gateway strategy and the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP).
On 20 October 2026, the project launched the HRD Community of Practice under the theme “Building a shared vision for South Africa’s HRD Observatory: from data to intelligence to action”. This event aimed to develop a shared understanding of how an Observatory can strengthen South Africa’s national skills system by connecting data, research, and stakeholder knowledge. Stakeholders from government, higher education institutions, non-profit organisations, and the private sector explored how the Observatory can address fragmented HRD evidence, drawing on local and regional observatory experience.
Robust debate surfaced the questions that will shape the Observatory’s future, including what sets it apart, where it should sit and how to sustain it. Many participants pledged time, expertise and datasets, with engagement continuing in the new year.
