PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The success of the first 57 Bitou Municipality staff members and councillors who graduated from the University of the Western Cape in various diploma and certificate courses on Thursday 17 April, has opened new opportunities for others.
Following the graduation ceremony, Bitou announced in a statement that it is sending 45 employees to pursue an advanced diploma in public administration and an additional 10 employees to enrol for a higher certificate in economic development at the UWC.
The municipality said it was taking this proactive step in response to unemployment, particularly among the youth, and inade-quate skill levels among young entrants to the workforce.
This follows the Bitou council's approval of the municipality's Education, Training, and Development Policy agreement on 30 June 2022.
The policy aligns with key South African legislation and frameworks, including the South African Qualifications Authority (Saqa), the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), and the National Skills Development Strategy 3.
The partnership between UWC and the municipality began in January 2024 and has yielded "exceptional results, largely due to the commitment from everyone involved," said municipal manager Mbulelo Memani.
Memani told staff that organisations that that neglect skills development initiatives risk facing consequences such as low staff morale, unsafe work environments, and diminished productivity.
"In contrast, Bitou Municipality prioritises learning and development as integral components of its organisational culture. As part of its commitment to capacity building and succession planning.
"You must serve as ambassadors of Bitou Municipality at UWC, representing the organisation with professionalism and integrity."
Memani said Bitou remains committed to investing in its employees and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. By equipping its workforce with the necessary skills and qualifications, Bitou Municipality aims to drive sustainable growth, innovation, and prosperity for the benefit of its community and stakeholders.
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