Minister Buti Manamela Addresses the Media on State of Post-School Education and Training Sector
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Buti Manamela, recently addressed the media on the current state of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector in South Africa. The press conference, held at the Department of Higher Education and Training headquarters in Pretoria, was a platform for the Minister to provide an update on the progress made in the sector and to outline the plans for the future.
In his address, Minister Manamela highlighted the importance of the PSET sector in the country’s development and the government’s commitment to ensuring its success. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the sector, such as high dropout rates and the mismatch between the skills acquired by graduates and the needs of the job market. However, he also emphasized the significant strides made in recent years to address these issues and improve the overall quality of education and training.
One of the key achievements highlighted by the Minister was the increase in the number of students enrolled in PSET institutions. According to the latest statistics, there has been a steady increase in enrollment numbers, with over 1.2 million students currently enrolled in universities and 700,000 in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. This is a significant increase from previous years and shows the government’s commitment to providing access to education for all.
Minister Manamela also spoke about the efforts being made to improve the quality of education and training in the sector. He mentioned the implementation of the new Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF), which aims to standardize qualifications and ensure that they are aligned with the needs of the job market. This will not only improve the quality of education but also increase the employability of graduates.
The Minister also addressed the issue of funding for students, which has been a major concern in recent years. He announced that the government has allocated over R100 billion towards student financial aid for the 2020 academic year. This will go a long way in easing the financial burden on students and ensuring that no deserving student is denied access to education due to financial constraints.
In addition to these achievements, Minister Manamela also outlined the plans for the future of the PSET sector. He emphasized the need for collaboration between the government, institutions, and the private sector to address the skills gap and ensure that graduates are equipped with the necessary skills to contribute to the country’s economy. He also mentioned the government’s commitment to increasing the number of TVET colleges and improving their infrastructure to provide quality education and training.
The Minister’s address was met with positive reactions from the media and stakeholders in the education sector. Many praised the government’s efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the PSET sector and its commitment to providing quality education for all. The media also commended the Minister for his transparency and willingness to engage with the public on the state of the sector.
In conclusion, Minister Buti Manamela’s address on the state of the PSET sector was a clear indication of the government’s commitment to providing quality education and training for all South Africans. The achievements highlighted and plans for the future show that the government is taking concrete steps towards addressing the challenges faced by the sector. With continued collaboration and dedication, the PSET sector in South Africa is set to reach new heights and contribute significantly to the country’s development.
