A reconsidered ecosystem in education, incorporating essential professional skills, is necessary for South Africa’s future growth and prosperity, writes Nathan Oliphant.
The past few weeks of protest amongst the student body collective with its #feesmustfall campaign has not only highlighted the need for government to reconsider the current status in higher education but, all things considered, one of the underlying issue that has emerged is the critical importance of the re-laying of a solid foundation in education to ensure that our economic future is secured. There is a well-established notion of the strong relationship between GDP (Gross domestic product) growth and tertiary education; this relationship is even stronger when taking a view of emerging economies where a small increase in GDP can contribute to a solid increase in higher education enrolment rates and subsequent future dividends. The catalytic impact of education on the economy cannot and should not be underestimated.
The Freedom Charter recognises, and states as a fundamental principle, the importance of education as a driver of socio economic development and as an essential service from Government. It is for this reason that the Charter call for universal free and compulsory education; the recent protests echoing our responsibility toward one another as a nation and mindfulness of Generation Next. Just under half of South Africa’s population fall within the youth bracket and, looking ahead at a twenty year horizon, the critical mass required to reshape our thinking on higher education has arrived.
Since 1994 the South African Government has begun a process of reengineering our education system, from the full non-racial integration of schools to the introduction of FET Colleges, the repurposing of Technikons and ongoing encouragement to pursue higher education. While the process has not been without teething problems, we have already seen the positive economic impact of a new generation of young South Africans, particularly black citizens, who now enjoy opportunity as a consequence of skills acquired. While Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment has certainly played a pivotal role in creating opportunity, the true foundation of empowerment lies in the fact that today South Africa possesses more skills and more qualified individuals from all racial groups than ever before. Education has a direct impact on the success of individuals and a direct influence on the growth of the country.
The argument for free tertiary education has its pros and cons. On the positive side, also mirrored by countless studies and reflected in our own socio-economic construct at this time. Tertiary education allows countries to be more competitive globally and individuals to compete on a level playing field. In fact, according to a UNESCO study innovation and economic growth is wholly dependent on tertiary education. A lack of suitably qualified human capital undermines the foundation of sustainable development. Nations that ignore this fact, particularly in a Knowledge Economy, will not maintain growth and end up being left behind. We do not want this for South Africa.
On the flipside, naysayers may retort that affordability is the key. Also, socially how does anyone attach value to something offered gratis? In addition, do we have enough tertiary institutions to accommodate an influx of students and how do we maintain standards? These questions are easily answered through sound policy making, the effective implementation thereof and public private partnerships wherever possible. Investment into the future of South Africa is not a responsibility that rests solely with Government. It is an ideal that every citizen should pursue. We are not facing a higher education crisis but, in my mind, we are facing a challenge to accommodate and make affordable a basic right as outlined in the Freedom Charter.
We, as a country, have a responsibility to our youth, to satisfy their thirst for knowledge. A lack of funds should not disqualify any intellectually gifted South African from an opportunity to excel and change their circumstance. This can only be achieved through education. But higher education does not necessitate a university degree at all costs. The higher education system in South Africa has been set up to support essential professional practices such as plumbing, electrical engineering, fitting and turning, tourism, hospitality and many other skill sets critical to a growing domestic, regional and continental economy. We need to encourage and inform our youth, make available the necessary tools to ensure that the full spectrum of higher education and individual outcomes are highlighted appropriately. Public Private partnerships could be as simple as allowing greater numbers of internships, post-graduate mentoring or in other cases, funding.
Furthermore, policy implementation should occur within a greater framework. Consultation prior to the promulgation of any act or law has been a cornerstone of the Government for two decades. Yet, at times, public participation is lacking. Active citizenships is required to impact policy, effect change and create a positive outcome for all. The student protests remind us of the nobility of the aspirations of the Freedom Charter and our responsibility toward one another as encapsulated in our Constitution. Government’s willingness to engage in dialogue with students is testament to the commitment to accelerating change.
Provinces such as Gauteng, where the majority of economic activity takes place, through to areas like the North West which in itself is a developing local economy. They are highly dependent on the outcomes of higher education. Whether it is a leather tannery, or a community bakery that requires acquired entrepreneurial skills, or actuaries required by a large corporate keen on growth or investing in our country. The student protests of the past fortnight serve to highlight the importance of this, and serves the nation to remind us of all that I have mentioned briefly. It is nothing new, but, perhaps we should be more aware of gearing up for our future as a regional leader, maintaining and growing our economic strength and making way for job creation and entrepreneurship through actively pursuing the promise of the Freedom Charter.
* Oliphant is the Acting chief of staff in the Ministry of economic development and entrepreneurship in the North West government.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
Saturday Star