The HSRC was part of two days of rich deliberations at the 5th Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) Summit, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre under the theme “Living and Working in a Changing World” on the 16th – 17th April 2026. The summit brought together government, policymakers, business, organised labour, academia, and civil society, providing a critical platform for robust engagement on the human resource and skills development challenges confronting South Africa in a rapidly evolving global and local context.
Several key insights emerged from the discussions:
- Digital transformation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, requiring society to think holistically about the future of work, the nature of jobs, and the broader implications of artificial intelligence for the economy and employment.
- Reskilling and upskilling are no longer optional. Rapid technological and economic shifts demand continuous skills development to ensure job security, workforce sustainability, and inclusive growth.
- Emerging sectors such as the green economy, the just energy transition, and the digital economy are reshaping labour market demands. Intentional planning is needed to build appropriate capacity and ensure a pipeline of skilled workers ready to contribute meaningfully to these growth areas.
- As we reconceptualise curricula across all levels of education and training, there is a strong imperative to embed entrepreneurial skills, critical thinking, digital and AI competencies, and financial literacy as core components of learning.
- The scale of youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET) remains deeply concerning. More coordinated and targeted interventions are required to ensure that young people are not structurally excluded from economic participation.
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), under the leadership of our CEO, Prof Sarah Mosoetsa, contributed actively to the summit by sharing evidence-based insights and showcasing the Council’s work in addressing youth and graduate unemployment. Prof Mosoetsa facilitated a session on “Building Skills for a Transformed Economy and Society,” highlighting practical pathways for aligning skills development with economic transformation. In its research promotion and visibility drive, Team HSRC also contributed through an exhibition promoting the work of the Council and the various research themes we focus on.
The discussions reaffirmed that while the context has evolved, the core challenge remains the same: building an inclusive, adaptive, and future-ready skills system that enables all South Africans to thrive in a changing world.
