Issued by: SA Communication Service
I had a very successful meeting with the leadership of the higher education sector, namely the executive committees of the Committee of Technikon Principals (CTP), and the Committee of University Principals (CUP), ably led by Professors Lenyai and Ndebele, respectively. Whilst appreciating the commendable efforts of the education ministry, the delegation expressed their serious concern about the possible lowering of both the A-value, which is used to subsidise institutions of higher education, and the government's commitment to student financial aid. The Higher education management made a very strong case for the retention of last year's funding levels for both the A-value and student financial aid. They eloquently outlined the detrimental effect and consequential decline that any significant lowering of these funding levels will have on the higher education sector.
I assured the higher education leadership of my unwavering commitment to secure appropriate funding levels for higher education, within the serious budgetary constraints facing government in general. I further informed the delegation of the vigorous, yet responsible efforts of my ministry to secure additional resources, based on an appreciation and recognition of competing social needs; the urgency to reprioritise within the education system; the need to improve efficiency and effectiveness; and the imperative to reduce the government's budget deficit.
I fully briefed the delegation of the Task Team set up between the Education and Finance Ministry which is charged with the onerous responsibility of trying to secure adequate funding within the present budgetary limitations. The Higher education assured me of their continuous support and of their commitment to embark on efforts that will strengthen my hand as I navigate through these difficult waters.
The meeting agreed that there is a lot of scope for co-operation and mutual assistance in a joint endeavour to responsibly secure a fair, equitable, responsible and sustainable funding level for higher education institutions. It was further agreed that both sides will support the current delicate discussions between education and finance in order to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution.
I am encouraged by the prudent and responsible manner in which the higher education leadership has approached this sensitive matter.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL MR LINCOLN MALI AT (012) 326 0126 or 083 251 4044
28 January 1997