The Skills Planning and Research Department provides evidence-based insights and strategic intelligence to guide skills development within South Africa’s public service sector. Made up of two organisational business units: Skills Planning and Research (SPR), the primary objective of the department is to ensure that workforce planning, capacity building, and training interventions are aligned with national priorities, sectoral needs, and the evolving demands of a modern, responsive public administration. Through rigorous research and stakeholder engagement, the department analyses labour market trends, identifies critical and scarce skills, and assesses the impact of training programmes across all levels of government. It produces sector skills plans, policy briefs, and knowledge products that inform decision-making by government departments, training institutions, and social partners.

Key areas of focus include:

• • Labour Market Analysis: Tracking employment patterns, occupational trends, and emerging skill gaps in the public service.
  • Sector Skills Planning: Developing and maintaining the Public Service Sector Skills Plan (SSP) to align learning programmes with sector priorities and the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP).
  • Research and Innovation: Commissioning and conducting studies on workforce development, public sector reforms, and future skills requirements.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness and impact of skills interventions to improve quality and relevance.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Providing platforms for dialogue and collaboration between government, training providers, organised labour, and other stakeholders.
    
    

By driving strategic research and forward-looking planning, Skills Planning and Research Department plays a critical role in building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. It ensures that public service employees are equipped with the competencies required to deliver efficient and responsive services to all South Africans.