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Green Paper

DHET launches Green Paper

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:50

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) launched a public consultation process on the alignment of the post-school education and training landscape with the national development agenda.

The aligned vision which is in the process of being developed by the DHET has been published as the Green Paper for Post-School Education and Training.

During a media briefing at parliament the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande explained the purpose of the document:

“This Green Paper aims to align the post-school education and training system with South Africa’s overall development agenda, with links to various development strategies such as the New Growth Path, the Industrial Policy Action Plan 2, the Human Resource Development Strategy for South Africa 2010-2030, and South Africa’s Ten-Year Innovation Plan.”

According to the first draft of the Green Paper the purpose of the new system is to ‘expand post-school provision, improve access to education and training opportunities, strengthen the institutions to improve education quality, and build a post-school education and training system that is equitable, accessible and affordable to all sections of the population, including free education and training for the poor’.

“This will allow us to contribute more effectively to the goal of an inclusive economic growth and development and to contribute to fundamentally reducing unemployment and poverty.” asserted Nzimande during his address.

“It aims to set an agenda for combating discrimination and providing equal opportunities for education and training for all, irrespective of socio-economic status, race, gender, and disability or HIV/AIDS status. Its particular focus is the youth who are currently the main victims of unemployment, and who are at a point in their lives where education and training opportunities can make a difference between a life of fulfilment and success and one of misery and frustration....” says Dr Nzimande.

The DHET has invited members of the public to contribute to the process during its consultation period between January and the end of April 2012, during which time it will be engaging with all stakeholders.

Visit the Skills Universe to view discussion on the launch of the Green Paper and to access a copy. Copies are also available at the Department of Higher Education and Training