84 No. 37261 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 24 JANUARY 2014 Chapter 11: Skills Development for the Future 11.1 Overview The knowledge economy or society requires profoundly new ways of thinking, working and living. These include building new capacities for the entire nation. These capacities are inevitably associated with the ability and use of ICT, and are often referred to as e-skills. The rapid development of ICT over the past 20 years has seen many career paths become obsolete in secretarial services, booking services, finance services etc. Many new jobs using and developing new ICT-based applications are being created. Guiding South Africans, especially young people and equipping them with skills that cater for these new opportunities, building an astuteness to rapidly appropriate the new programmes and devices into local benefit i.e. 'e-astuteness' and encouraging and supporting ICT entrepreneurs, are vital for the future of South Africa. 11.2 Legislative and policy framework Developing the human resource capacity of the country was an integral part of government policies on the sector to address inequalities and to grow the economy. In reviewing the sector's White Papers regarding training and skills development the following issues were raised: Transformation of the workplace to become representative of the demographic profile of South Africa with a specific focus on those previously disadvantaged. Accreditation of people in the sector. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and National Qualifications Framework (NQF) will recognise skills and compliance and will be monitored by the Ministry. Human resource directorates will be established. Training activities were identified for workers, technicians, institutions and schools. artisans, tertiary The ICT Charter has had a direct impact on the sector and the SAQA and NQF guidelines have been developed. In terms of broadcasting, neither the HR fund nor the directorate was established. However, there have been some important developments: the National e-Skills Plan of Action (NeSPA) has been developed and the Human Resources Development Council of South Africa (HRDCSA), the e-Skills Council, the MICT Seta, Knowledge Production Hubs, and the National e-Skills Dialogue Initiative (NeSDI) were all established to prioritise skills development. 11.2.1 National Development Plan 2030 (NDP) The NDP has created a vision and has identified targets to be obtained by 2030 in order to eliminate poverty, reduce inequality and spur the economic development of the country. Education, training and innovation are considered key priorities for South Africa's development and life-long learning is to be encouraged. The focus is on developing capacity and skills amongst South Africa's people. Currently, too many people are unemployed (24,7%) and this is especially so amongst South Africa's youth (70,9% of 15-34 year-olds). Education and skills are key to changing this. Currently, only 3% of 20 to 24-year-olds are enrolled for further education and training programmes. The National Development Plan calls for an e-literate society by 2030. It further highlights the three priorities namely: Raising employment through faster economic growth; 80 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za