South Africa
Initiative for Responsible Economy South Africa
BODY Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
PARTNER IOPSA, RMI, MBSA, SEIFSA, ECA
TIMEFRAME since 2019
„We are committed to creating a better future for South Africa by building a strong and thriving private sector in skilled crafts.“
IRESA is the next evolutional stage of the successful ISESA network, which has been created by KH and professional business organisations in South Africa. After the official end of the initiative, its spirit has been integrated into KH’s BBP partnership in South Africa under the updated name of IRESA. Motheo TVET College represents the piloting regional vocational education provider while the long-term aim is to work together nationwide with TVET colleges at regional level.
The Initiative for Responsible Economy in South Africa is aimed at promoting responsible economic practices in South Africa and is open to business and trade associations with national and regional representations, the private sector as well as vocational education providers such as TVET colleges.
The initiative pools the interests the of private sector and vocational education providers which will synergistically benefit both partners. Students at TVET colleges will be enabled to acquire the skills and knowledge required by the market while a pipeline of skilled workers is provided for the industry. IRESA further provides a representational body and supports shaping public policies and legislation in the interests of its members. This enhances industry visibility, reinforces the links to politics and thus increases member engagement. A more favourable business environment as well as improved member success and a growth of the industry due to the more favourable business environment will be the result.
Together with its partners, KH has already initiated a number of activities in their first year of BBP cooperation, such as think-tank and network meetings or joint press conferences. MoUs (Memorandums of Understanding) with two large business associations in automotive and plumbing (RMI & IOPSA) have already been signed, and more are already in the pipeline. Round-table events and so called “African Hut Discussions” have been held to bring the mutual understanding up to a higher level.
A big highlight was the delegation visit by members of the private sector, the South African Department of Higher Education and Learning (DHET), Motheo TVET College and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). These co-organised events generally foster the mutual understanding for each other’s needs and concerns, and they help to get everyone on the same page to be able to speak with a common voice.
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