Question NW3466 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
27 October 2022 - NW3466
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether his department has inclusive programmes for subjects such as those in the liberal arts area which fall outside the scope of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in order to ensure a much more diverse appreciation for the subjects in the university space and labour market; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Universities in South Africa have a wide range of liberal arts in their Programme and Qualification Mixes. These are academic fields in history, literature, philosophy, sociology, drama and visual arts, to name but a few.
Traditional and comprehensive universities offer a range of classic and world-renowned liberal arts, with various schools within faculties dedicated to such studies, e.g. the University of Johannesburg has the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture that offers qualifications in creative, hospitality and the visual arts; the University of South Africa, Stellenbosch University, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria, University of Fort Hare and University of Zululand have a long history in the offering of liberal arts.
Universities of Technology also have a long history in the liberal arts, e.g. the Tshwane University of Technology has a campus dedicated to the liberal arts and the Durban University of Technology boasts of a well-known Faculty of Art and Design.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation established the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) through the publication of Government Notice No. 37118 on 5 December 2013. The role of the NIHSS is broadly to enhance and support the Human and Social Sciences (HSS) in South Africa and beyond, and to advise government and civil society on HSS related matters. It does so through its various programmes, including the Doctoral school scholarships, catalytic projects and African Pathways Programme. The NIHSS works with universities, think tanks and research bodies to convene and coordinate PhD-level academic programmes, catalytic research and international research collaboration. The Doctoral scholarships programme is the Institute’s largest programme and works in collaboration with the South African Humanities Deans’ Association and Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges such as the College of Cape Town and Tshwane North TVET College offer qualifications in art and design.