ECONOMY
Local skills training needed
Posted Fri, 09 Dec 2005
In addressing South Africa's skills shortages, the focus should be on local training and encouraging skilled expatriates to return, the government said on Thursday.
"In principle, the approach of this government is first and
foremost to train South Africans so that they can acquire the
skills for them to participate in the economy," government
spokesperson Joel Netshitenzhe told reporters in Pretoria.
He was briefing the media on the outcomes of Wednesday's Cabinet
meeting.
"Secondly, to recruit as many South Africans as possible who are
based abroad, to join us in this endeavour to grow the economy."
To complement these measures, the country would have to consider
the recruitment of other nationals to address the skills deficit.
A recent South African government visit to India in this regard
resulted in an agreement with that government for assistance in
mathematics and science education, information and communications
technology, and public service
management.
Netshitenzhe said the skills shortage was identified as one of
South Africa's main disadvantages in a recent investment climate
survey conducted with the help of the World Bank.
It compared countries with similar levels of development —
pitting South Africa against nations like Brazil, Malaysia, Kenya,
Poland and China.
Other drawbacks identified for South Africa included the
volatility of the rand, and high salaries — especially those
earned by managers and professionals.
Problems with the efficiency of South African ports and customs
services were also pointed out.
Advantages for South Africa included high levels of confidence
in the country's legal system, the low cost of energy, and low
levels of bribery, Netshitenzhe said.
Sapa
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