HRDC welcomes new board

Sharon Mathala | Thursday November 26, 2015 16:15

Launched recently, the new board members have vowed to continue where the old board left.

The interim council paved way and set policies and mandates for the HRDC, which took over from the dissolved Tertiary Education Council (TEC).

Although HRDC is currently marred in controversy over its alleged expulsion of its acting CEO, Patrick Mmolotsi, it held its farewell dinner for the board pioneers.

The new board members are Shelani Nkgoisa, Thapelo Matsheka, Helen Chilisa, Grace Tabengwa, Kelapile Ndubano, Sebetlela Sebetlela, Kemosweditse Ntebela, Ruth Maphorisa, Dorcus Phiri, Batho Molomo and Moggie Mbaakanyi.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), Unity Dow, challenged the board to come up with initiatives that would encompass the new presidential ESP initiative.

“You come at a difficult time, although there are challenges with money, the new ESP challenges you to prioritise your immediate needs,” said the minister after observing a moment of silence for the deceased Matsha College students.

The outgoing Board chairman, Kegalale Gasennelwe, said some of their achievements were to bring together some of the already existing structures within the TEC to match the mandate of the HRDC.

“Obviously transformation and transition is always a daunting task. We were tasked with blending in the old structures to fit that of the new and reformed HRDC. I can safely say we have achieved that and that was one of our biggest wins, “ said Gasennelwe.

For his part, the new board chairperson, Molomo, expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Board for a job well done. He said: “For the longest time our academic scope neglected early childhood education, this is going to be one of our main focuses.”