This article is based on the study that sought to determine the relevance of the skills planning processes and procedures at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), an institution located in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, and registered in terms of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act 101 of 1997, as amended). The study investigates the Human Resource competencies required and assesses the applicability of a skills development planning model for the NMMU within the South African legislative context and skills planning approaches. The study was motivated by an interest in the skills development planning process in relation to the needs of the institution. Specifically, it explores the skills planning processes in the higher education sector in South Africa and, in particular, the skills development of Human Resources Managers at the NMMU. The higher education was chosen as it has a critical role to play in advancing skills