EKURHULENI does not need a university but rather more technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges.
This is according to the DA’s Clr Haseena Ismail, shadow MMC for economic development, and Clr Heather Hart, shadow MMC for city planning.
“While government grapples with the call for free education and students again igniting the #Feesmustfall campaign, Mayor Mzwandile Masina has promised a university for the residents of Ekurhuleni. The question remains, is this a viable option or just an empty promise from a mayor paying lip service to his voters with very little thought or forward planning going into such a promise?” they said.
“Ekurhuleni may be the only metro without a university but our metro services a different sector of business. As a once thriving industrial hub, Ekurhuleni requires a different skill set from learners. Artisans and technicians form part of the critical skills list in Ekurhuleni.
“Therefore the municipality must promote more TVET colleges. This tertiary education option has been underrated by the country as a whole and particularly in Ekurhuleni where industrialisation is the core industry,” they believe.
“At the recent Manufacturing Indaba, businesses highlighted their plight for qualified engineers and welders but it would appear that by promising to build a university for the metro and not promoting TVET colleges, the mayor is showing his ignorance to the needs of business and scholars in the metro he leads.
“A comprehensive university can come later, whereas the aim should be shifted now to the basics and prioritising sustainable, cost effective study options which will develop a scarce skills list in Ekurhuleni and ensure we streamline the development towards educating and empowering students for a brighter future.”
