By Johnathan Paoli
The country’s education system must urgently be reshaped to better equip young people for the challenges of the modern economy, according to Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Buti Manamela.
“The measure of our collective success is preparing young people to participate meaningfully in society,” he told an Inside Education and Sibanye Stillwater skills development dialogue on Thursday.
The event held under the theme “Reimagining Education for a Better Future” was held at the University of Johannesburg. It brought together prominent figures and stakeholders from the education sector.
Manamela underscored the integral role of education and vocational training in the National Development Plan (NDP), stating that quality education was the cornerstone of economic inclusion and employment opportunities.
Highlighting the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges, Manamela expressed his personal commitment to these institutions, which he believed could play a pivotal role in addressing the skills gap in the labour market.
“By 2030, we aim for 2.6 million students to benefit from TVET Colleges, engaging in skills training that aligns with the demands of the economy,” he said.
The deputy minister discussed ongoing initiatives, including the rollout of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Centres of Excellence across 16 TVET Colleges, aimed at providing students with advanced skills relevant to a rapidly evolving job market.
“These centres will serve as crucial platforms for collaboration among various stakeholders, including Sector Education and Training Authorities and TVET institutions,” he told the gathering.
As part of the discussion on embedding skills-based education from the foundational phase, Manamela reflected on the recent basic education lekgotla, where strategies were shared on equipping learners with essential skills for the future.
He acknowledged the need for early exposure to career options.
“Career guidance should begin as early as primary school, fostering awareness of vocational pathways among young learners,” he said.
In recognising the challenges faced by youth who were not in employment, education or training, Manamela urged communities to rally together to reintegrate them into educational and training frameworks.
He emphasised the importance of community-driven initiatives, such as the recently observed Community Education and Training month, which aimed to reconnect young people with educational opportunities.
The dialogue also celebrated the Decade of the Artisan, marking 10 years of collaboration between the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Basic Education Department.
This initiative has expanded access to skills-based training and awareness of artisan careers for young people.
Manamela reiterated the NDP’s vision for improved educational and economic opportunities for youth, saying: “In the 21st Century, young people deserve a chance to thrive amidst both unprecedented opportunities and risks.”
The event served as a call to action for all stakeholders in the education sector to work together towards a future where quality education was accessible to all, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive and productive society.
INSIDE EDUCATION
