Institutional capacity is determined by the physical space – lecture rooms, accommodation, laboratory facilities etc, and the academic staff available to actually teach. These considerations do have an impact on both access and success. Overcrowding of our teaching and learning as well as our living environments will not contribute to quality learning and will impact negatively on success.

A quick survey reveals that 21 of our universities received 528 652 applications (many would have applied to more than 1 institution, reducing the actual headcount applications) and UNISA received 90 435 for the 2011 first time entry intake (HESA, 25 January 2011). Optimising capacity tells us that we have places for approximately 169 000 first time entrants. Given this demand, it is imperative that we look at efficiencies in the post-school system as a whole. The reconfigured higher education and training landscape does provide us with alternatives. The DG has written to all institutions requesting information on current enrolments as well as whether in their (universities) assessment, spaces would be available. Indications are that the response will not signal a significant deviation from the expected enrolment.

Integration of universities, FET Colleges and SETA’s is taking shape. Government has prioritised the development of mid-level as well as high level skills. Inasmuch as the country needs engineers, it needs artisans. Electricians, plumbers, boilermakers, welders and mechanics are critical to the socio-economic development of our nation. Optimising the opportunities presented by the post-school system, must be pursued! There are a multitude of post-school options that are available to our students. For further information on these options, learners can contact the call centre on 0800 872 222 or review the options on the Career Advice website at www.careerhelp.org.za <http://www.careerhelp.org.za> .

I therefore call on the leaders of SASCO, and in the spirit of this very constructive partnership between the department and SASCO, to put our heads together as we build our economy through the appropriate skilling of all of our people. The post-school system is there to serve this nation!

I thank you.