The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training held a two-day strategic planning workshop which largely focussed at state organs dealing with education in the country, and how the committee could strengthen its oversight.
This workshop was also occasioned by the recent restructuring of the Department of Education. The department has been divided into Basic Education, and Higher Education and Training.
The committee identified that there is an urgent need to train and skill people who are outside the schooling system for the development of the country. This could also be done through the use of the Sector Education and Training Authorities’ funds. These funds have been lying under spent for years. This will lead to the improvement of training and alleviation of poverty in the country.
Members also saw the need to ensure that there is value for money in the country’s education system, and that quality education is accessible to all people in South Africa.
A matter that came up often was the availability and distribution of bursaries for prospective students and those with the abilities to study further. The committee felt that there was still a lot of unspent money by National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and this needed to be distributed to deserving students, preferably in January before institutions of higher learning reopen. And the committee will play its part in making sure that the money is distributed.
During these two days, members looked at various skills retention mechanisms that will curb the continuation of the exodus of skills from South Africa.
The committee will work with and ask the Executive (government) to speed up policy and other interventions as soon as possible to optimally use its money and to strive for excellence. There is a need to convey the quest of South Africa’s citizens with emphasise on those in rural areas and marginalised groups.
The committee has also noted with concern the violent student protests at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
The Chairperson met with some of the student leaders and although he has listened to their complaints, he however condemned elements of lawlessness in their protests and appealed for calm.
To ensure stability climate for learning at the university, the Chairperson will engage with the university council and student leadership.
For interviews with the Chairperson, contact:
Mava Lukani
Tel: 021 403 8738
Fax: 021 403 3931
Cell: 072 589 9355
Issued by: Parliament of South Africa
7 August 2009
Source: Parliament of South Africa (http://www.parliament.gov.za/)
