The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is currently in the planning phase of establishing two brand-new universities, each with a focus on critical growth areas for South Africa.
During his 2020 State Of The Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that the country will establish two new universities. The first located in Hammanskraal, will specialise in Police and Crime Detection, while the other, situated in Ekurhuleni, will address the growing demand for Science and Innovation.
We have decided to establish a new University of Science and Innovation in Ekurhuleni. Ekurhuleni is the only metro in our country that does not have a university.
It's been more than four years since the president announced that these universities will be established. Members of parliament recently quizzed Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande for updates on the progress of the projects.
Nzimande revealed that both universities are currently undergoing the second phase of in-depth planning. This technical phase delves into crucial aspects like infrastructure, staffing, education pathways and postgraduate partnerships.
Planning around infrastructure includes conducting a detailed assessment of campus needs, from buildings and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) to equipment and facilities.
The minister said experts are evaluating the existing expertise at the Hammanskraal police academy to identify any skill gaps that need to be filled for the new university. Additionally, plans for student support services are being formulated.
The government is exploring partnerships with universities that already offer advanced degrees in crime and policing studies. This collaborative approach will ensure a strong academic foundation.
To stay at the forefront, the planning team is also examining how cutting-edge technologies can enhance education and training within the new universities.
Expanding education pathways is also on the agenda. The DHET wants to build bridges between the existing vocational training sector (TVET colleges) and the new universities.
They believe this will allow for smoother transitions for students seeking higher education opportunities.
They are also looking at possibilities of creating articulation pathways at the postgraduate level between the new universities and established institutions is also being explored. This could open doors for specialised master's degrees and PhD programs.
Exploring the development of articulation pathways at the postgraduate level between the new higher education institutions and partner universities.
Nzimande said the results of this comprehensive planning phase will be crucial for the DHET as it will guide the alignment of implementation and funding plans with the national budgeting process.
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.
