The document discusses the competencies required of HR professionals in the 21st century. It uses Rand Water, a South African water utility, as a case study. Rand Water transformed its HR function to focus on strategic priorities like managing change, culture, performance and diversity. It implemented participative structures and a performance management system. This helped Rand Water achieve labour peace and social transformation while expanding services. However, the HR function must now focus more on measurements and separating strategic and administrative roles to address new challenges in areas like talent management and customer focus.