By Oscar Mosiane and Precious Miyambu
A partnership between the Barolong Boo Ratlou Ba Ga Seitshiro tribe and the North-West University (NWU) is taking shape.
On 11 February the NWU’s Global Innovative Forefront Talent (GIFT) research niche area hosted a delegation led by His Majesty Chief Charles Moshoette of the Barolong Boo Ratlou Ba Ga Seitshiro tribe at the Mahikeng Campus.
The meeting focused on evaluating ongoing collaborations and assessing the community's needs, with a strong emphasis on talent management and skills and people development as key drivers for sustainable growth. This follows the memorandum of understanding established between the NWU and the tribe.
During the meeting, GIFT emphasised the importance of talent management and skills development by highlighting initiatives that will empower community members through targeted training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and industry partnerships to ensure sustainable economic growth and long-term self-sufficiency.
Building on GIFT’s four strategic pillars: Global and Strategic Talent Management, Innovative e-Talent Management, Forefront Talent Risk Management and Assessment, and Talent Value Proposition and Branding, the aim of the meeting was to not only assess ongoing collaborative projects, but also to shape future initiatives.
Chief Moshoette expressed concerns about youth unemployment, food security, access to education and challenges related to infrastructure. He emphasised the importance of mentorship programmes and skills training initiatives that would prepare young people for employment and entrepreneurship.
He added that there are child-headed families, and with unemployment at its highest, this situation is unacceptable, especially when there are minerals in Khunwana village that can benefit the community.
Prof Anna-Marie Pelser, director of GIFT, reiterated the university’s commitment to a dual approach that bridges community development with cutting-edge research in talent management.
“Our efforts go well beyond traditional community support. By integrating tools for talent risk assessment and developing strong talent value propositions, we are laying the groundwork for a global talent mind-set that nurtures both individual and collective growth,” she explained.
One of the key discussions on how GIFT can assist centred on agricultural development to enhance food security, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth within the Barolong Boo Ratlou Ba Ga Seitshiro community. In this regard, it is the intention to connect the tribe with the Department of Agriculture to explore funding opportunities and training programmes that will empower community members with skills in sustainable farming and agribusiness.
Furthermore, GIFT offered to extend entrepreneurship training programmes to the community to support individuals in developing viable business ventures, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership through continuous engagement and the implementation of collaborative projects that address the pressing challenges faced by the community.
As the next step, GIFT will engage with the Council of the Barolong Boo Ratlou Ba Ga Seitshiro tribe to determine a concrete action plan for the near future. This meeting will focus on outlining key priorities, setting clear timeframes, and ensuring that the proposed initiatives align with the community's long-term development goals.
From left are Prof Martin Chanza, Dr Alexander Samuels, Prof Gisele Mah, Prof Anna-Marie Pelser, Chief Charles Moshoette, Tumelo Nthutang, Felicity May, Chipo Mavetera, and Prof Molefakgotla Molefi.
