Unisa online - Conduits of transformation

Mr Convy Baloyi with students at Prof Makhanya's recent meeting with students

As a student organisation, the advancement of socioeconomic transformation is a key focus in institutions of higher learning. Engagement and discourse on issues affecting young people and students is integral to achieving this goal. Therefore, relevant speakers on higher education (HE), the economy and society were called on to share their thoughts on transformation.

Addressing “Transformation in HE” was Unisa’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mandla Makhanya, who was excited to be among young leaders. “I don’t think there has ever been a time when HE worldwide has not been in a state of transformation. Quite frankly, if HE were not able to transform, then it would become redundant because, rest assured, our world is in constant change.” Despite an increase in student numbers in higher education, public funding for tertiary education has declined in real terms, especially in low-income African countries. “Clearly in these circumstances, the funding of HE becomes of primary concern and there is already evidence of this in South Africa with approximately 26% of HE institutions’ budgets comprising third-stream income.”

In the absence of the Minister of Economic Development, Mr Ebrahim Patel, Setepane Mohale discussed the “Economic growth path” leading to opportunities of youth participation. Making reference to President Jacob Zuma’s 2011 State of the Nation Address, Mohale drew attention to employment creation. “We are operating in a new global environment that poses certain challenges but also creates opportunities, so we need to make use of this with the launch of the growth path.”

*Written by Kirosha Naicker