LIMPOPO – Premier Phophi Ramathuba has called for urgent investment in higher education and skills development in the province, warning that thousands of learners are being left without opportunities despite strong academic performance.

Ramathuba was speaking at Giyani Stadium on Saturday during the launch of the ANC councillor election process ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

Province relies on only two universities

Addressing party members and residents, she said the province’s growing number of matriculants was not matched by available higher education infrastructure.

“In January, when we were awarding our matriculants, it became clear that Limpopo has more learners writing matric than other provinces in the country,” she explained. “It must be noted that Limpopo ranked fifth in terms of population, having overtaken the Western Cape,” she said.

“However, when it comes to Gr 12 learners, Limpopo has more than 100 000 learners who write exams every year, while the Western Cape has about 65 000 learners,” she said, highlighting the need for more universities in the province.

She noted that while Limpopo produces more than 100 000 Gr 12 learners annually, the Western Cape has significantly fewer, yet enjoys a greater number of higher learning institutions.

The premier pointed out that the province currently relies mainly on the University of Limpopo and the University of Venda, which are unable to accommodate the growing demand for tertiary education.

“When you look at the number of bachelor passes we produce as a province, you begin to wonder where these learners are supposed to go,” she said.

Land for new university was given but unused

Ramathuba criticised the failure of the government to use the land provided by local leadership to build another institution of higher education.

She revealed that land had already been made available for a new university, but no progress had been made.

“The deputy chair, in his capacity as executive mayor, gave you land to build a university, but you have not acted,” she said.

Questions on national planning decisions

She further questioned national planning decisions, asking why universities were being built in areas with lower demand for higher education, while Limpopo, known for producing a high number of learners, remains underserved.

She emphasised the province’s contribution to the country’s human capital, noting that many professionals, including those in key national institutions, were educated in Limpopo.

“Why are you denying our children the opportunity to learn?” she asked.

Ramathuba concluded by urging the national government to prioritise Limpopo’s education needs, stressing that expanding access to universities and technical colleges would be key to unlocking economic growth and creating jobs in the province.