Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDSA)

Managing Institute:
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), RSA

Contractor:
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF)

Project Code: 059-508-033	Start Date: 01/02/1998	End Date: 31/01/2001
Commitment: £250,000	Status: Current	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
Since July 1994, DWAF has increased in size from less than 7,000 civil sevants to almost 33,000 today, as a result of being required to absorb staff from the former "homelands". As a recognition of the importance of the role of human resources development in this enormous organisational change process, DWAF has decided to create a new senior management post of HRD Director. The post is seen as a critical element of the vision to achieve a people-centred culture of participation and consultation, excellence, cost effective performance and accountability.

DWAF has requested access to UK comparative experience, a dedicated international resource to develop a good quality and cost effective HRD service and assistance to research, specify, monitor and evaluate HRD capability in South Africa. This request is considered to be a key component in the successful transformation of DWAF. It will provide a mechanism to raise the profile and empower the new HRD Director to establish a service which is now in demand by the organisation.

The project is consistent with DFID's good government aims to assist in the achievement of efficient and effective public services in South Africa, responsive and accountable to local communities particularly in the disadvantaged ex-homelands and pursuing policies aligned with Government priorities. The delivery of high quality, cost effective HRD service which also draws on the experience of the private sector in South Africa and works in partnership with other water and forestry sector organisations will greatly benefit DWAF. Project components will be targetted at changing priority needs and will be designed to link into the Government's emerging system of National Qualifications Standards as appropriate. The project will be based in DWAF's head office in Pretoria with regular contact with the main second the third tier beneficiaries.

Project Objectives:
DWAF to function efficiently and effectively with the support of a new Human Resources Development (HRD) service.

An effective HRD service is developed in DWAF.

Intended Outputs:
Refocussing the existing DWAF HRD activities to establish a more responsive and cost effective service.

Improved DWAF HRD policy, strategy and programme standard setting (design, delivery monitoring and evaluation).

Improved HRD methods.

Establish HRD management information systems.

Create system of career development opportunities for individuals working in DWAF.