Talent management is a big issue for organizations around the world--especially when it comes to the project management profession. While companies in some parts of the world are dealing with budget cuts that lead to people cuts, others are dealing with a shortage of the right people.
South Africa is one country experiencing major problems from the latter. An article on AllAfrica.com declares:
"Project Management is now regarded as the fastest-growing form of management worldwide, with its multidisciplinary skills in particular demand in [South Africa], which is in the throes of the biggest infrastructure development programme in its history. ...
In the current South African climate, critical skills shortages are being experienced both in the public and private sectors. A recent study showed that the crisis is compromising competitiveness and spurring poorer service, inhibiting [South Africa] from responding positively to changing market conditions both locally and abroad."
Many of the infrastructure developments are a direct result of the country being named as host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Earlier last week, the South African government allotted another $140 billion for the event preparations--pushing the budget even further past original estimates made in 2004.
But with skilled project managers being lured to other locales with the promise of better pay, are there any positive signs for project management in the country? According to that AllAfrica.com article, colleges are seeing an upswing in the number of students going through the project management program.
South Africa is one country experiencing major problems from the latter. An article on AllAfrica.com declares:
"Project Management is now regarded as the fastest-growing form of management worldwide, with its multidisciplinary skills in particular demand in [South Africa], which is in the throes of the biggest infrastructure development programme in its history. ...
In the current South African climate, critical skills shortages are being experienced both in the public and private sectors. A recent study showed that the crisis is compromising competitiveness and spurring poorer service, inhibiting [South Africa] from responding positively to changing market conditions both locally and abroad."
Many of the infrastructure developments are a direct result of the country being named as host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Earlier last week, the South African government allotted another $140 billion for the event preparations--pushing the budget even further past original estimates made in 2004.
But with skilled project managers being lured to other locales with the promise of better pay, are there any positive signs for project management in the country? According to that AllAfrica.com article, colleges are seeing an upswing in the number of students going through the project management program.
is it possible to be a project manager without first being a qualified engineer. all the sa advert for project management that i've seen need an engineer qualification to be appointed as a project manager even for abroad adverts. I am a confident project manager even a work study offier. i've studied project management and have experience in managing and implementing projects. i don't see any bright future without an engineering background. and i don't understand why should it be a requierement.
It is a pity that SA is experiencing the shortages of Project Managers. I have been working for the National Department of Public Works is South Africa for the past three years, the salary was awful to say the least. How can you have a Specialist Professional earning less than R 300K P/A if you really want them to perform? The truth is, South Africa, like any other African State is not immune to what is happening in the whole region where politicians keep on keeping on fattening their pockets and negleting delivery. So long as the appointment of heads of parastatals is political, nothing will ever move positively. People like me will continue leaving the country in masses simply because we are not paid well while performimg giant tasks and the politicians are putting all the money in their own pockets.