George Municipality strengthens skills development through collaborative WSP process
At the signing are from the back, Juanee November (Assistant HR Officer); Micheal Eksteen (Acting Deputy Director HR); Nompumelelo Jende (Acting Training Manager); Nondumiso Mbi (Assistant HR Officer) In the front row are from left Ziyanda Bless (Chairperson SAMWU George); Bevan Ellman (Acting Municipal Manager and Director Corporate Services) and Gertrude Potts (Chairperson IMATU George).
George Municipality successfully concluded the signing of its Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) on 28 April 2026 in the Council Chambers, with union representatives present. The signing marks a key milestone in the Municipality’s commitment to employee development and inclusive labour processes.
The Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) is a strategic document that identifies an organisation’s current and future skills needs and outlines the education, training, and development interventions planned for the forthcoming financial year. It serves as a critical tool for aligning employee development with organisational objectives, improving workforce capability, and ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Skills Development Act and the relevant Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). In the municipal environment, the WSP is informed by the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), organisational priorities, skills audits, and Personal Development Plans (PDPs), thereby ensuring that training interventions are relevant, targeted, and responsive to both individual and institutional needs.
Acting Municipal Manager and Director: Corporate Services, Bevan Ellman, emphasised the importance of responsible accountability in the workplace, particularly in relation to organised labour. He commended the constructive engagement between unions and management, noting that the strong collaborative relationship within the Municipality continues to support good governance and effective service delivery.
Acting Training Manager, Mpumi Jende extended her sincere appreciation to all stakeholders, organised labour representatives, management, and the entire team for their invaluable contributions, commitment, and hard work throughout the Workplace Skills Plan process. “Your collaboration, dedication, and shared vision have been instrumental in achieving the successful signing and endorsement of the WSP. Together, we continue to invest in our employees’ growth and development, ensuring that learning opportunities are accessible to all and that no one is left behind as we build a skilled, capable, and empowered workforce”, she said,
“IMATU George expresses its sincere appreciation to the HR officials in the Training Section for their dedication and collaborative approach in ensuring the successful completion and submission of the WSP,” said Gerty Potts, Chairperson of IMATU George, who also extended special appreciation to officials Mpumi Jende, Juaneé November, and Nondumiso Mbi.