Cape Town University of Technology (CPUT), as part of its transformation agenda, should develop stronger ties with Further Education and Training (FET) colleges in the region. That’s what members of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training suggested to CPUT management this week, as a way of enhancing the role of both the university and the FET colleges.
The Portfolio Committee visited CPUT for a briefing on student enrolment, admission policy and accommodation challenges and among other things.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mr Marius Fransman, told CPUT’s Vice-Chancellor Ms Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga that more than 250 Further Education and Training college graduates, all from the Western Cape, could not enrol at CPUT in 2010 because they did not meet entry requirements.
“A poor relationship between the CPUT and FET Colleges in the region results in a lack of communication between them, which does not assist in raising the skills base of the country,” Mr Fransman said. A big challenge confronting South Africa’s municipalities was their shortage of technical skills and cooperation between CPUT and FET colleges could help solve this.
Ms Mazwi-Tanga told committee members that the admission policy of the university was flexible, but certain faculties did maintain a strict admission policy to ensure that they delivered quality graduates. “As a University of Technology, we accept applicants with just a National Senior Certificate.”
Ms Mazwi-Tanga said employers were attracted to the institution’s graduates and some were recruited while still studying. The committee also learnt that the Cape Town campus of the University of Technology was building a student residence that would accommodate at least 520 students.
Issued by: Parliament of South Africa
5 March 2010
Source: Parliament of South Africa (http://www.parliament.gov.za/)
