LETTER: SA’s real stumbling block
The absence of a mentality to drive and thrive under adversity is more significant than a lack of funding
Regrettably, I must counter every point made by Rabelani Dagada in his column (The way to improve SA throughput and quality, January 16), save one. The real stumbling block is not a lack of funding at all but the absence of a mentality to drive and thrive under adversity. “Necessity is the mother of invention”, as we know, yet student leaders demand “free” tertiary education, while ministers tell the youth that a rate of 30%-correct is passable when performing your job. Easy money leads to complacency and then laziness, as does easy passing. And why should municipalities spend their rates and service income on funding universities when a much more rewarding contribution on their part would be to allow the huge information stockpiles they sit on, to be critically analysed without fear or favour? That academics remain able bodied much longer (into their 70s) than physical labourers is not disputed. However, it has been amply demonstrated that true originality and innovation comes in y...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.