01 Oct 2020

It can be argued that in economies real change comes in two forms: development or deterioration.

From this perspective, when things change, they either improve or worsen.

If they do neither, the question then becomes what kind of change is it that makes things better or worse-after all “change for the better” and “change for the worse” are more familiar experiences and concepts than “change that makes no difference”.

However, according to economics experts; Max Weber, a German sociologist and economist, and Karl Marx a German philosopher, economist, historian, sociologist, political theorist, journalist and revolutionist guide that in the management of human capital it is of paramount importance to keep abreast of other changes such as technological, human capital changes in accordance with principles and trajectories of talent evolution, careers that are static should be reviewed to determine whether they should remain or otherwise and also to be cognizant that changes in human capital are in fact developmental and not cosmetic “change for change’s sake”.

The founder and director of Global Transformation and Networks PTY LTD: a human resource consultancy company, Mr Taolo Moshaga said early childhood development initiative by government was a very positive step in the right direction in ensuring a solid foundation for young learners.

The initiative that came earnestly after attaining independence in 1966, arguing numerous developments evolved illustrating that the education system is healthy.

At an early stage, he said they are inducted to learn a variety of issues pertaining to life skills that are ultimate building blocks for human capital development.

Mr Moshaga shared that such grounds them to be motivated and focused in future learning activities and development so goes an English proverb ‘catch them young.’

He said the introduction of free education system from primary to secondary level as well as sponsorship in institutions of higher learning was a turning point in the education sector.

The consultant said government had over the years initiated and developed programmes specifically focused on higher learning and infrastructure that accommodates future educational challenges.

This had been reflected by high number of primary schools, junior and senior secondary schools, tertiary institutions as well as research and productivity enhancement institutions, he said citing Botswana National Productivity Centre (BNPC), Botswana Public Service College (BPSC) and Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA).

He said government’s commitment to deliver quality education had been boosted by private participation such as Gaborone Institute of Professional Studies, Limkokwing University, Botho University and Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies (GUC), among others.

He said the other element that added more value to the human capital development of Botswana is the introduction of Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) that keeps a register of Education and Training Providers (ETPs) and their registered, approved or accredited learning programmes. BQA therefore coordinate the education, training and skills development quality assurance system, from early childhood to tertiary level (lifelong learning).

The establishment of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) was a tremendous move that added an impetus to the education system of which it is responsible for planning of the education and training as well as advising the Government of Botswana on all matters related to human capital development.

Over and above HRDC is responsible for implementation of the National Human Resource Development Strategy (NHRDS), he said.

The existence of the HRDC ensured that the labour or rather work force gets an opportunity for development in short courses for higher productivity, he said.

He said the training levy introduction became the vehicle for human capital development specifically in privately owned entities thus a lot of Batswana had been trained and acquired accreditation certification through the levy processes.

In return, he orated that enhanced their esteem and quality work out-put. ENDS