Higher education not meeting demand
2012-06-05 20:39
Johannesburg - Higher education systems in Southern Africa are not growing to meet the demands of the burgeoning youth population, deputy higher education minister Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize said on Tuesday.
"We do not have enough institutions of higher education and training, despite the new public and private institutions which have been built in various countries in the region over the last two decades."
She was speaking at the extra-ordinary SADC meeting of higher education ministers, aimed at reviving higher education and training in the region.
She said the region did not have adequate numbers of well-qualified academic personnel.
"In South Africa only 33% of our academics have Phd qualifications, " she said.
She said the country depended on these academics alone to produce research output, and to supervise masters and doctoral students.
Higher education ministers discussed how to develop a joint plan for the region at the meeting in Johannesburg.
"The ultimate objective is to develop a higher education and training plan for the region through discussions on the status and challenges of the sector...," said Education Minister Blade Nzimande's spokesperson, Vuyelwa Qinga.
At the meeting, the Southern African Regional University Association (Sarua) submitted a presentation on access and participation rates, including the role of private institutions.
"Out of these discussions, the policy vision for the region will be translated into a regional strategic framework... which will outline key priorities for both the short and long terms," Qinga said.
The implementation of these decisions would be undertaken by the technical committee on higher education, training, research and development, she said.
- SAPA
