The National Develop Plan 2030, NDP, sets our goals for addressing our country's challenges and articulate the role that higher education has to play in advancing the economy of South Africa. We see that in Chapter 9 of the NDP the position of education, training and innovation as central to the overall NDP goals. These areas contribute to productivity which enhances economy growth. While not a solution to all our problems, we find that education, training and innovation are needed to solve our challenges to develop inclusive economy and to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality. It is a well established fact that higher education is the major driver of knowledge systems that must be linked to our economic development as a country and as a continent.