The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande will give a keynote address at the launch of the South African Further Education and Training Student Association (SAFETSA). The idea of establishing a national association for public FET college students emanated from a successful consultative council in FET olleges held by the Department of Higher Education and Training in conjunction with the Education, Training, and development practices sector early this year for the advancement of students’ interests.
The association is formed on the principles of an urgent need for a coherent, informed, and well organised student voice within the South African Education and Training System that reflects and engages on the enhancement of the lives of students and communities in which they live. It is aimed at playing a fundamental function in enhancing effective management and governance of student organisations. It will work within institutional governance framework and also engage on an on-going basis with councils and management.
The purpose of the launch is to contribute in the capacity building of student representative councils in FET colleges to abide by the institutional arrangements in place to resolve matters. It is envisaged that this will limit student protests in the sector as the association will provide a platform for students to engage on issues in more civil scenery.
The launch signals a process of renewal and repositioning the status of students in the FET sector and mainstream colleges.
The department is committed to meeting all South Africa’s educational and skills needs and also to embrace the value of a responsible and accountable leadership. The three day event will amongst other things respond to pertinent issues of liberation and transformation in the country. The launch will be graced by former student leader , Buti Manamela, Minister of National Planning, Mr Trevor Manuel, Mister of Economic Development, Mr Ebrahim Patel and Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mr Mduduzi Manana.
Details of the event are as follows:
Date: 11-13 October 2013
Venue: Garden Court Holliday Inn Marine Parade, Durban
Members of the media are invited to attend.
Media enquiries:
Ms. Nomonde Mbadi
Head of Communications: Ministry
Cell: 083 383 2123
E-mail: mbadi.n@dhet.gov.za
