Pretoria: Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, has outlined her vision for a more effective higher education system in South Africa, focusing on employability and entrepreneurship as key outcomes of education. Speaking to SAnews, Gondwe emphasized the importance of aligning education with the demands of the economy to ensure that graduates are not only skilled but also employable, whether through traditional employment or self-employment.
According to South African Government News Agency, Gondwe, who assumed her role as Deputy Minister on June 30, 2024, is passionate about creating collaborations with the private sector to produce skills that are urgently needed. She stressed the need for a demand-led approach to skills development, ensuring that students are prepared not only for current job markets but also for future opportunities. Her efforts are aimed at integrating enterprise development within the curriculum so that students can consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path.
Gondwe has prioritized partnerships with the private sector, the Matric Support Programme, and addressing infrastructural issues such as water and sanitation at educational institutions since taking office. She has already signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with major companies like Old Mutual, Microsoft, and Takealot. These agreements focus on expanding youth skills development and bridging gaps between education and employment, with particular emphasis on digital skills and artificial intelligence through the partnership with Microsoft.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the Taking Higher Education to the People programme, which informs rural communities about higher education opportunities. Additionally, she addressed the NEET (Neither in Employment, Education, or Training) cohort by partnering with local municipalities to present educational and employment opportunities beyond traditional institutions.
In collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation, Gondwe is tackling water provision issues at educational institutions. Efforts have already led to the installation of water tanks at a college while longer-term solutions are being sought.
Gondwe acknowledged the challenges posed by youth unemployment and expressed optimism that the recent partnerships would soon yield tangible results. She also discussed the dual role of artificial intelligence in education, recognizing both its potential to replace certain jobs and its ability to create new opportunities for students to develop competitive skills.
Addressing concerns over student protests, Gondwe affirmed the ministry's commitment to ensuring safe and conducive learning environments. She mentioned that a "war room" has been established to tackle these issues, with ongoing engagement with university leaders to prepare for the 2026 academic year.
Looking ahead, Gondwe is focused on creating clear pathways for employment and career development for young people, driven by her personal experiences and commitment to reducing youth unemployment. Her leadership approach is marked by an openness to listening and ensuring that students' educational journeys lead to meaningful opportunities.