Question NW861 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
18 April 2023 - NW861
Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4587 on 3 January 2023, which did not provide a reply to what he intends to do with the cohort of students who would be unable to enrol in tertiary institutions in 2023, he would clarify his intentions in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) noting that he stated in his reply that the question could only be adequately replied to in 2023, what (a) provisions has his department made for the excess number of students who may not be accommodated at the available institutions of higher learning and (b) total number of young persons who applied for entry into institutions of higher learning for 2023 were not absorbed by the relevant institutions?
Reply:
1. I held a press conference on 24 January 2023 with the focus on post school education and training sector state of readiness for academic year 2023. The press conference outlined the career pathing of all learners, including those could not be accommodated in tertiary institutions.
2. (a) The Department continues to encourage prospective students to look beyond universities as the only option to training, particularly when the economic demands align more closely with skills of those located in the TVET sector. The Department is also marketing of STEM related qualifications, where student interest is limited, notwithstanding the spaces that are available.
Students who could not be accommodated in our higher learning institutions (i.e. universities), as shared during the press conference on 24 January 2023 can access other post school opportunities as follows:
- Skills Development Opportunities
For the 2023/24 financial year, the entire SETA system has set itself the following targets, as part of expanding post-school opportunities:
- 110 500 workplace-based learning (WBL) opportunities;
- 149 000 learners registered in skills development programs;
- 23 000 learners entering artisanal programs;
- 21 000 learners passing artisanal trades;
- 32 550 learners completing learnerships; and
- 6 450 learners completing internships.