By Levy Masiteng
South Africa and Mozambique have signed an Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education and Training, establishing a formal framework for deepened cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement was signed during the 4th South Africa Mozambique Binational Commission (BNC) meeting, held in Maputo.
The Department of Higher Education and Training ( DHET) said the agreement aims to strengthen institutions and support a knowledge-driven economy, ultimately improving the socio-economic wellbeing of citizens in both countries.
“Central to the cooperation is a shared focus on strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET),” it said.
“Facilitation of the exchange of policy documents, curricula, and partnership models in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector, particularly for colleges, students, and lecturers,” would be key areas of cooperation, the department said
DHET minister Buti Manamela said: “TVET colleges are critical for equipping youth with practical skills, necessary for economic growth and development.”
“South Africa and Mozambique continue to engage through the Southern African Development Community Protocol on Education and Training which provides a framework for regional cooperation in addressing regional needs with respect to education and training,” he said.
The agreement will focus on supporting the objectives of South Africa’s National Development Plan.
Manamela said that twinning institutions of higher education is vital for fostering academic collaboration.
“This agreement marks a substantial step forward in solidifying an educational partnership that promises to yield lasting benefits for skills development of citizens of both countries.”
In October, the DHET signed an agreement with Ireland to strengthen cooperation in education and innovation.
That agreement focused on STEM teaching and research, lecturer development and exchange programmes, and a joint academic initiative “on Ireland’s role during the anti-apartheid movement”.
“This partnership goes beyond symbolism. It embodies the spirit of solidarity that Ireland extended during the anti-apartheid struggle, now renewed through shared investment in science, technology, and education,” said Manamela at the time.
The agreement with Mozambique is set to be implemented through a concrete action plan, with progress to be reported at the next BNC meeting.
INSIDE EDUCATION
