In response to unemployment, particularly among the youth population and inadequate skill levels among young entrants to the workforce, Bitou Municipality is taking proactive steps to address workforce skills development.
This week Bitou Municipality is sending 45 employees to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration and an additional 10 employees to enrol in a Higher Certificate in Economic Development at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
The breakdown of the officials participating in the courses is 21 males and 24 females for the Advanced Diploma, underscoring Bitou’s dedication to gender equality.
This step follows a Bitou Municipal Council decision on June 30, 2022, to approve the municipality's Education, Training, and Development Policy.
The policy aligns with key South African legislation and frameworks, including the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), and the National Skills Development Strategy 3.
Speaking at a send-off ceremony before the group went to Cape Town, Bitou Executive Mayor Councillor Claude Terblanche, who is also partaking in the programme, encouraged the staff to work hard and use the opportunity to elevate themselves.
Councillor Terblanche said he is happy he crossed paths with Bitou Municipal Manager, Mbulelo Memani, who is very focused on skills development.
“Even when I was still a merchandiser some of my friends were already working with him and they had also benefited from him.
Speaking to the group he said: “The world is changing and it's important to have skills so that you can still stand tall in the face of a rapidly evolving global and technological landscape.”
Further, he cautioned that service delivery should not be hampered by them taking on the extra workload.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Manager told staff that organizations that neglect skills development initiatives risk facing consequences such as low staff morale, unsafe work environments, and diminished productivity.
“In contrast, Bitou Municipality prioritizes learning and development as integral components of its organizational culture. As part of its commitment to capacity building and succession planning.”
Speaking to the employees he said: “You must serve as ambassadors of Bitou Municipality at UWC, representing the organization with professionalism and integrity.
Mr Memani said Bitou remains committed to investing in its employees and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. By equipping its workforce with the necessary skills and qualifications, Bitou Municipality aims to drive sustainable growth, innovation, and prosperity for the benefit of its community and stakeholders.
Issued on behalf of Bitou Communications
