The minister said the pay structure of teachers must be revised to attract competent educators, while the appointment of principals should be changed and minimum qualifications introduced.

“Appoint only qualified people and reduce political and union interference in appointments.”

South Africa should also recruit Maths, Science and Technology teachers from other English-speaking countries.

The minister further set a target to ensure that all children have two years of pre-school education, increase learner retention rates to 90 percent, the establishment of a national skills system and the expansion of Further Training Colleges to produce 30 000 artisans a year. The country should increase Higher Education participation rate from 17 to 30 percent.

Manuel said that in future, all foreigners who graduated from registered South African colleges should be granted work permits.

The committee welcomed the presentation, which they said could change South Africa for the better.