Question NW527 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
28 March 2024 - NW527
Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What is the current status of the plan to establish the (a) University of Policing and Crime Detection in Hammanskraal and (b) University of Science and Innovation in the City of Ekurhuleni?
Reply:
For both universities, the process is currently at the second phase of technical planning studies focusing on detailed technical, geospatial, campus infrastructure, ICT, equipment, staffing and student support services costs. The scope further extends to the following tasks:
- Conducting a detailed audit of the qualifications, expertise, and capacity of existing staff at Hammanskraal police academy to determine skills gaps and requirements for the new higher education institutions and developing a talent acquisition model;
- Exploring mechanisms for securing collaborative partnerships and/or a consortium with universities already offering postgraduate qualifications with various specialisations in crime and policing studies;
- Conducting international benchmarking to assess the enhancement of education and training through next generation technologies;
- Investigating the various modalities of articulation pathways between the TVET (technical, vocational, educational, and training) sector and the new higher education institutions; and
Exploring the development of articulation pathways at the postgraduate level between the new higher education institutions and partnering universities.
The results of Phase Two technical modelling will enable the Department of Higher Education and Training to align implementation and funding plans with the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework planning process.