Page 560 - Demo

Estimates of the Provincial Revenue and Expenditure (EPRE) %u2013 2025/26 Financial YearThe DoA has shown its dedication to human resource development and organizational capacity building. Critical vacant positions have been filled, and a low staff turnover rate has been maintained. Gender equity and diversity have been prioritized, with efforts to attract and retain female representation in management and support employees with disabilities. To address skill gaps and enhance employee capabilities, the department has provided training opportunities, including online courses and financial assistance for further studies. Initiatives to attract and develop young talent through internships and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programs have been implemented. A performance management structure has been established and in operation to ensure accountability and employee development. Occupational health and safety have been prioritized through regular inspections and training for employees. The department is transitioning to a cloud-based system for e-leave and e-memo within the Information Technology and Systems unit. Additionally, the ArcGIS Survey123 system has been piloted in the Extension and Advisory Services programme to enhance data collection. Business continuity measures, including data backup and replication, are in place to ensure uninterrupted operations. Additionally, 337 beneficiaries adopted sustainable production methods, improving local living standards and creating 533 green job opportunities, exceeding the planned 469 jobs. DoA developed 47 farm management plans against a planned 42 and 524 resource maps to optimize natural resources and informed decision-making, surpassing the planned 325. Introducing 106 advisories on sustainable agricultural resource use against a target of 131 and distributing 131 spatial data sets further supported informed planning, exceeding the target of 100. To facilitate the exchange of knowledge and the development of skills among agricultural producers, the department conducted a total of 7 670 informational days and organized 13 344 agricultural demonstrations, against targets of 8 467 and 13 173, respectively. These initiatives served as practical educational platforms for farmers, offering insights into production methods and fostering the development of specific commodities. Substantial advancements were made in Farmer and Institutional Capacitation within the agriculture sector, providing formal and non-formal agricultural skills development through structured vocational education and training programs. A total of 2 434 participants were trained in skills development programs in the sector, against a target of 2 000. Furthermore, 2 601 schoolgoing learners were exposed to various fields in the agriculture and rural development sector to attract new entrants, against a target of 1 800. One hundred and eighteen 247 farm workers completed accredited and/or non-accredited training to develop skilled farm workers, with a planned target of 250 by this period under review. To promote rural development, seven basic infrastructure projects were implemented during the review period, including six spring water protection projects in OR.Tambo, Alfred Nzo, Joe Gqabi and Amathole districts and the refurbishment of a windmill in Chris Hani district, using innovative and appropriate technologies. This was achieved against a target of eight projects. 539