Bonile Khanyi
Newly appointed Minister of higher education and training Naledi Pandor posted a Twitter poll on Wednesday, asking South Africans which areas within the department they would like to see more changes.
Before the rubber hits the road, I would like to know from you:
Which areas @HigherEduGovZA do you wish to see more changes in?
— Naledi Pandor (@NalediPandor) February 28, 2018
At 1pm on Thursday, with just two hours left before the poll closed, 3046 people had participated. Most people wanted to see changes in skills development with 49% of the participants voting for changes in that area.Â
The second-most voted for area for change, was the university sector with 23%. People who wanted to see changes in colleges made up 15% of those who took the poll while community education stood at 13%.Â
Some people replied to the Minister’s poll and said they wanted to see changes in all the categories listed, while others reminded her not to forget about TVET colleges.
Higher education should not focus on varsity only. Other technical institutions must receive equal focus. I dare say the technical institutions produce better technical ready people.
— ((( Dakalo))) (@dax_touronegro) March 1, 2018
Infrastructure Upgrading of disadvantaged TVET Colleges
— Modise (@ModiseWaTshwane) March 1, 2018
TVETs. Lovedale in EC’S King Williams Town is the worst. No qualified teachers, students not getting their certificates. Future in jeopardy
— Pumelele Godongwana (@Godzz1) March 1, 2018
Some suggested the minister work together with the Department of Basic Education to ensure a high quality of education at primary level so learners could cope at tertiary level.
Start at primary school level. Its the foundation for later schooling years. Too many drop out by grade 9/10. so focussing on tertiary doesnt fix the problem
— Ross Potgieter (@Rossdog91) February 28, 2018
Work with Basic Education to ensure high quality of the 3 R’s so that students can cope at tertiary level.
— Louise Fenner (@Jambotrose) February 28, 2018
I fully agree. From the bottom up and not top down is the solution!
— Lore (@lorelei2701) February 28, 2018
Meanwhile, some Twitter users commended her on her efforts to engage the public on a social media platform.
It’s really great to see leaders engaging with the people so that they can address relevant issues for them. @NalediPandor We are blessed to have a minister like you
— Joseph Mashele (@Mashele333) February 28, 2018
I like your execution style already.
— Thendo (@dc79dc132bf648c) February 28, 2018
Pandor was appointed to the role of Higher Education and Training Minister on Monday after serving four years as the South African Minister of Science and Technology.
She was officially sworn in on Tuesday, replacing Hlengiwe Mkhize who was appointed to the position by former President Jacob Zuma on 17 October 2017.
