Twelve new colleges to be built: Zuma

"Student enrolments at universities have increased by 12 percent, while further education and training [FET] college enrolments have increased by 90 percent," he said at the launch of a scholarship fund in Sandton.

 

"The National Development Plan envisages an increase in higher education enrolments from 17 percent in 2012 to 25 percent by 2030."

 

The NDP is an economic policy framework aimed at eliminating poverty and inequality by 2030.

 

Zuma said the 12 new campuses would mostly be in rural areas, and another two FET colleges would be refurbished.

 

"Indeed, our young people are hungry for education," he said.

 

"This confirms that we are united in recognising education as an apex priority for our country."

 

Zuma said the establishment of the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund, in which R20 million had already been invested, was in line with the country's priorities.

 

"This is a good sign. It means this fund is likely to grow even further, providing much-needed support to the youth," said Zuma.

 

The scholarship augments interventions such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

 

"The youth is our future. We will continue to invest in our country's future through investing in education and training," said Zuma.

 

"We are investing in skills development so that we can produce the skills necessary to grow the country's economy and create jobs."

 

- Sapa