THE BRAINY BOSS

HAVING been appointed as the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) CEO in June 2016, Dr Raphael Dingalo feels his organisation is perfectly placed to lead Botswana’s economy away from resource-based to the promised land of knowledge-based.

Speaking to Voice Money’s KABELO ADAMSON, Dr Dingalo, an academic of note, outlines exactly what needs to be done to achieve this transformation.

What exactly does your role entail?

As the CEO, I lead the development and monitoring of the implementation of HRDC’S strategic and operational plans and report periodically on progress and performance to the Board. I also ensure that there are appropriate processes, systems, controls and operating mechanisms in place to promote effective and efficient delivery of internal and external services. I also ensure close and smooth inter-department collaboration and teamwork.

Kindly share HRDC’S mandate with us.

HRDC plays a critical role in championing His Excellency the President’s transformation agenda which entails moving the country from mid to highincome status as anchored on the transformation from a resource to a knowledge-based economy. Specifically, we are driven by the following objectives that make up the mandate of HRDC: We provide for policy advice on all matters of National Human Resource Development (NHRD); we co-ordinate and promote the implementation of the National Human Resource Development Strategy (NHRDS); we formulate human resource development plans for key sectors of the economy through linkages with employers, including as well formulating the National Human Resource Development Council. Lastly, we plan and advise on Tertiary Education Financing and Work – Place Learning.

When you were appointed HRDC CEO, what were your priority areas?

My first priority was to enthuse staff to play a significant role in ensuring HRDC delivers on its mandate. On every occasion I have to address staff members, I make it known that I, as the CEO, do not lay claim to a monopoly of intellect and for this reason I am open to intellectually stimulating debate on how we can make HRDC a leading organisation, and an organisation worth identifying with. I have opened my doors to all staff members to engage with myself and my team on whatever issue they believe can move our organisation forward.

I have also prioritised the use of ICT for improved service delivery. In pursuit of utilising ICT for improved service delivery, I have developed the ICT