18 October 2002
The Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
The Deputy Chairperson of the University of Zululand Council,
Vice-Rectors and other representatives of the University of Zululand;
Members of the business community,
Representatives of Local Government;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am once again delighted to be back in this region, to discuss how we, business and government, can work together for the common good of our country.
What makes our country so special is that the challenge and responsibility for growth, development and ensuring the improvement in the quality of life is a shared responsibility in which all sectors play a role.
It is against that background that I join you here today, for us to share ideas on how we can contribute to the development and strengthening of the University of Zululand, an institution that should be able to play a key role in the alleviation of poverty for future generations.
I am here because I have faith in this institution, and I believe that it should be given all the support it can get, to enable it to fulfill its historical role in this region.
The University of Zululand, like many other institutions throughout the country has had to undergo some structural changes in terms of the programs offered at the university.
One of the key recommendations made by the National Working Group on Higher Education established by Prof Asmal, the Minister of Education, the University of Zululand "should refocus its mission and become a comprehensive institution offering technikon-type programs, as well as a limited number of university-type programs, with its future growth linked to the Richards Bay region."
The University of Zululand is situated in a part of this province that is characterized by sharp contradictions. There are parts that are extremely rural and underdeveloped, and then there is the industrial area whose prospects for further development are very encouraging.
In this regard, the University is better placed to provide and offer quality programmes and skills that will assist in the development of the Richards Bay economy. It also needs to ensure that the programs offered are of a high quality and that they are indeed relevant to the needs and requirements of the local economy.
Therefore, an interaction between business and the University on a more regular basis would make it possible for the University to develop programmes that address the specific needs of the economy. The business community here should be able to advise the university on the kinds of skills that are required not only in this region, but the province and country as a whole. That would greatly assist our broader human resource development strategy as a country.
As government we are already thinking along these lines. As part of refocusing, the national plan on higher education has placed upon the university a challenge of ensuring that it streamlines its programmes such that the needs of the agricultural and industrial communities that surround us are addressed.
The institution has also been tasked to ensure that within the next five years, 70% of graduates leave the institution ready for the industry in the various fields of engineering, and not only with academic qualifications.
We also need to bear in mind that this institution is in an advantaged position because of its geographical location. This makes it possible for it to expand its influence and support base to sister countries such as Mozambique and Swaziland, and others.
As you know, the African continent has entered a new phase, where its leaders have committed themselves to regenerating continent, to make it able to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. As a country we are actively involved in this renewal process, a mission which is one of the key driving forces of the African Union which South Africa is chairing.
Part of this regeneration includes reviving and strengthening African education and skills development initiatives and institutions, as outlined in the framework document of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
through NEPAD, we are calling for the strengthening of the university system across Africa, and for the creation of the necessary political economic and social conditions that would serve as incentives to curb the brain drain and attract much needed investment. It is our view that the outreach by the University of Zululand will greatly enhance our efforts as a country, in ensuring that our institutions play a role in the rebuilding of the continent through education.
This therefore, should indicate to our business partners that the challenges we face go beyond the borders of our country, and so do the opportunities.
Let me therefore make an appeal to the business community in this region to provide support to this institution as continues on its new journey of preparing to meet the demands of this century.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the business sector for the support already provided. The fact that you are all present here today indicates the level of interest and willingness to contribute.
We urge for the deepening of these relations, for the good of this community and country as a whole.
I thank you.