SIZWE NXASANA: In 10 years left before 2030, the state cannot achieve objectives of the NDP alone
Growing SA’s skills base and supporting students from poor and middle-income families is critical to the growth and development of SA’s economy
According to a report released by the department of higher education and training, only 1,901 people (out of every 100,000) attend tertiary education institutions, the lowest of the five Brics countries. The report also highlights the fact that the growth rate in university enrolment in 2016 was 1.6% and that, at this rate, we would fall short of reaching our target of 1.6-million enrolments as set out in the National Development Plan 2030. One reason stated for this is the lack of access to these institutions by students from lower-middle income households, otherwise known as ‘the missing middle’. When the department of higher education’s report was compared to similar statistics compiled by Unesco on the various Brics countries, SA was found to be lacking: Brazil had 4,023 enrolments per 100,000 citizens, Russia had 4,582, India had 2,453 and China was on 3,104. Relations among the Brics countries are based on noninterference, equality and mutual benefit, but when faced with these...
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