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The DA is deeply concerned about the future of mechatronics students across state colleges in the country. We have written to the Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, to demand that his Department prioritizes curriculum reform for completion within the first quarter of this academic year.

At an oversight visit of the Portfolio committee on Higher Education to the Capricorn TVET College, Polokwane Campus, on 31 January this year, it was revealed that the current prescribed curriculum for mechatronics students is outdated and does not meet the current market output requirements, therefore, rendering students who complete their studies in mechatronics unfit for market recruitment within their industry of operation.

This is extremely alarming considering that 7 out of 10 young South Africans are unemployed.

The Department of Higher Education’s inability to offer curriculum that is relevant and in line with market requirements adds to the already existing issues of unemployment. Moreover, no student, company and or the state should be expected to pay tuition on knowledge that is expired and not useful for any employer.

The DA remains committed to ensuring that there is #NoStudentLeftBehind.

Issued by Karabo Khakhau MP - DA Member of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Innovation