A whole-of-society approach is critical in fostering sustainable socio-economic transformation, Dr. Justine Chinoperekwei, the Director of the Centre for Organisation Leadership and Development (COLDN) has said.
The sentiments come as COLDN has partnered with the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development in designing and facilitating the National Stakeholder Consultation on Skills Audit and Development that is running from 12 February 2024 to mid-March.
“We started off with a National Skills Indaba and Strategic Planning Meeting for the Ministry that was held in December 2023 in Mutare. This laid the foundation for the stakeholder engagement which is a precursor of a skills audit and the development of a national skills development framework using the whole-of-society approach,” Dr. Chinoperekwei said.
The current mindset and orientation to skills development have revealed a glaring gap where available skills do not match industry and economic development needs.
“From the consultations so far, a common theme has emerged that suggests that the current education system is producing more theory-based graduates who lack practical skills to be relevant to the needs of the sectors and society in general, that is the aspiration of Vision 2030.
“To address this gap, it is prudent to revolutionalize the supply side of the education system by concentrating more on practical and soft skills that complement existing technical skills so that we have a whole person properly suited for the current demands for Vision 2030 and beyond,” said Tsitsi Loice Maradze, an independent Organisation Development Practioner.
Commenting on the significance of the mandate of the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development, Paul Nyausaru, another independent organisation development practitioner, said human capital development is key in driving the broader aspirations of this economy.
“I compliment the government for introducing this key ministry which has a mandate for skills audit and development, hence these consultations are a significant entry point for the ministry,” Nyausaru said.