Hon Chairperson, hon Minister, hon Deputy Minister, Members of Parliament, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, this debate happen on this day that marks the 30th anniversary of the passing of our student leaders, Comrade Colin Williams and Robbie Waterwitch. Indeed we stand on the shoulders of giants.
To the FFP ...
Afrikaans:
Die blaam van die verlede sal nooit uitgewis kan word nie. Jong mense het in die strate van Suid-Afrika doodgegaan vir die vryheid, spesifiek vir vryheid tot die reg tot dieselfde opvoeding. Ons het nooit gedroom dat ons eendag in Suid-Afrika dieselfde opvoeding sal kry nie.
English:
In the state of the nation address earlier this year, the President set out the government's intentions in relation to the higher education and training sector. Critical to our understanding of the commitment made is the link between education and the economy and the need to invest in education as part of the drive for inclusive growth.
Our point of departure is that the Vote is an investment in the future of our country. This means ensuring that we spent money in such a way that it will result in improved economic performance, which in turn will lead to increased tax revenue, which in turn will lead us to being able to make further investments in education.
Whilst historically, we have agreed that Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, college and Medium-Term Expenditure
Framework, MTEF, enrolment targets to be capped in at a figure of 710 535. We urge this to be reconsidered going forward given the pressure we have in respect of skills development.
In the medium-term, there must be at least as many young people attending the colleges as there are in universities.
The DA through member Christians, paints such a negative picture of higher education and National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NSFAS, in this country. My question to the DA is as follows: Why is it that only in the Western Cape young people are deprived of taking part in the opportunity to go and study overseas, specifically, medical students in Cuba? [Applause.]
Is this your part of your good plan for South Africa? Our vision remains one of TVET being a central area of expansion, both in terms of numbers, quality and the currency to TVET programmes in the economy.
In higher education, the challenge is not solely to increase funding to enable education, but to free for those that are the poorest in our communities.
It is important to expand access in this way, but at the same time measures must be taken to expand the availability of affordable accommodation, provide meals, safe and affordable transport and to expose poorest students to the networks and other advantages of those coming from more affluent households.
Throughout, the pass rates must improve and there are many factors that have an impact on these. I hope my learned friend of the EFF went through the budget. If not, let me refresh your mind. The higher education budget makes an important start in addressing these important areas of student support.