EMPOWERING PUBLIC SERVICE - Through open distance eLearning

The need for continuous professional development is more important than ever. With the increasing demand for flexible, cost-effective, and scalable learning opportunities, Open Distance eLearning (ODeL) has emerged as a transformative solution. One institution leading the charge in this space is The National School of Government (NSG), which offers a suite of 20 ODeL courses. These courses are carefully curated to address the evolving learning and development needs of public service employees and are expanded annually.

A Flexible, Cost-Effective, and Scalable Solution

ODeL is a flexible delivery model that ensures learning can be accessed by individuals regardless of location or time constraints. This flexibility is particularly beneficial to public sector employees who often manage busy schedules and numerous responsibilities. Through ODeL, they can engage with course materials at their own pace, on their own terms, without the need for travel or time away from their duties.

Moreover, the scalability of the ODeL model is a significant advantage. By offering online courses, the NSG can reach a large audience, expanding its reach to public officials across various levels of government.

In addition to its flexibility and scalability, ODeL is a cost-effective learning model. Traditional in-person training programs can be expensive, not only in terms of course fees but also when accounting for travel, accommodation, and other associated costs. By offering most of the ODeL courses for free, the NSG is making a significant contribution to the development of public sector employees, ensuring that cost does not become a barrier to learning. This commitment to providing free courses aligns with the School’s mission to promote a capable and professional public service.

Supporting National Goals and Professionalisation

The NSG’s ODeL initiative plays a role in the implementation of the National Framework for the Professionalisation of the Public Sector, which is a key aspect of South Africa’s strategy for enhancing the quality and effectiveness of its public service. The framework is structured around several pillars.

Pillar 2 focuses on, among others, reorienting the public service to meet the demands of citizens and government. An online Reorientation Course reminds public servants of their obligations and equips them with the tools to navigate everyday challenges.

Pillar 4 is dedicated to ensuring continuous professional development for public sector employees. ODeL is an effective vehicle for achieving this goal. By offering a broad range of courses that focus on critical knowledge, skills, and values, the NSG is facilitating ongoing learning and development for public servants.

Our free courses are designed to improve performance in the workplace. The courses include an introduction to core management competencies such as strategic planning, leading change, project management, financial management, and human resource management. Additional courses focus on promoting ethical behaviour and fostering anti-discrimination awareness. The Know and Live Our Constitution course addresses constitutional obligations, providing a foundation for other courses that focus on the responsible and accountable use of government resources. ODeL also supports performance improvement by offering courses that develop practical skills, such as professional writing.

A Catalyst for online Learning and Development

The COVID-19 pandemic, though a challenge for many industries, proved to be a catalyst for the uptake of ODeL. As in-person learning became impractical due to health restrictions, institutions and organisations turned to online learning as a viable alternative. Public servants embraced the flexibility and accessibility offered by ODeL platforms, allowing them to continue their professional development during a time of uncertainty.

Since the onset of the pandemic, more than 250,000 ODeL opportunities have been created for public officials. These opportunities span all spheres of government and across all provinces in the country. This wide-reaching impact highlights the strong demand for accessible learning and development programs, and the success of ODeL in meeting this need. The high levels of participation and completion are strong indicators that ODeL is addressing genuine learning needs.

Easy Access

The process for enrolling in these courses is straightforward. Public servants can easily access the NSG’s website, where they can browse the available courses, register, and begin their learning journey. The platform is designed to be userfriendly, providing officials with just-intime learning opportunities.

Looking Ahead

As the world of public service continues to evolve, the role of ODeL in supporting professional growth and development is becoming increasingly important. The future of learning and development is undoubtedly shifting towards online platforms, and initiatives like ODeL offer new opportunities for growth and learning. Public servants across the country now have great-er access to flexible and relevant learning opportunities, helping to enhance their skills and contribute to a more effective public service.

Key NSG ODeL Courses at a Glance

Public servants can access a wide range of courses through the National School of Government’s (NSG) Open Distance eLearning (ODeL) platform. Here are some of the key courses currently offered:

• Know and Live Our Constitution: A guide to ethical, accountable governance.

• Core Management Skills: Covers strategic planning, leadership, finance, and HR.

• Reorientation for Public Servants: Tools to meet citizens' needs effectively.

• Ethics & Anti-Discrimination: Promotes inclusivity and ethical conduct.

• Professional Writing Skills: Practical communication for improved performance.

With these free courses, the NSG is actively supporting the professionalisation of the public service, ensuring that learning is accessible, relevant, and impactful.

Contact Centre: Tel: 086 100 8326

Written Correspondence: Fax: 012 441 6054

To book a course: contactcentre@thensg.gov.za Website: www.thensg.gov.org

Address: ZK Matthews Building, 70 Meintje Street, Trevenna, SunnySide, 0002

P.O. Box: Private Bag x759 Pretoria, 0001, South Africa