South Africa is gearing up to address critical skill shortages with the development of two brand new universities, each focusing on high-demand fields. Announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2020, these institutions are rapidly progressing through the planning stages.
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.
Hammanskraal University
This university will tackle the national crime challenge by specializing in Police and Crime Detection. The DHET is currently evaluating expertise within the existing police academy at Hammanskraal to identify any gaps that need to be filled with new faculty.
They are also exploring partnerships with established universities offering advanced degrees in these fields.
Ekurhuleni University of Science and Innovation
As the only major city in South Africa without a university, Ekurhuleni will be home to a new institution dedicated to fostering Science and Innovation. This aligns with the country's need for a skilled workforce in these vital sectors.
The Department is currently in the second phase of in-depth planning, focusing on crucial aspects like infrastructure, staffing, and academic programmes. This includes:
- Building a Modern Campus: A detailed assessment of campus needs is underway, encompassing everything from classrooms and cutting-edge technology to student facilities and equipment.
- Faculty Development: The department is evaluating existing expertise and identifying areas where additional faculty will be needed, ensuring the universities have a strong pool of qualified instructors.
- Student Support: Plans are being formulated for comprehensive student support services to ensure student success.
Government recognizes the importance of collaboration in building strong universities. Here's how they plan to achieve this:
- Partnerships with Established Institutions: Collaboration with universities already offering advanced degrees in fields like crime and policing will be crucial for establishing a strong academic foundation.
- Bridging the Gap: The department is exploring ways to create smoother transitions for students from vocational training colleges (TVET colleges) to the new universities.
- Postgraduate Opportunities: The DHET is also looking at creating articulation pathways for postgraduate studies, potentially opening doors for specialized master's degrees and PhD programmes.
Exploring the development of articulation pathways at the postgraduate level between the new higher education institutions and partner universities.
This comprehensive planning phase is crucial for securing funding and ensuring a smooth implementation process. The Department's commitment to building these universities reflects South Africa's focus on addressing skill shortages and fostering innovation for a brighter future.
