Felicity Coughlan

Is there anything that has not yet been said or contested about skills shortages? Most literate South Africans are aware of the shortage of teachers, engineers, ICT professionals and artisans. Almost as many have some insight into strategies like Jipsa (through Asgisa), and the recapitalisation of the further education and training colleges.

People’s assumptions about post-school studies may lead to recommendations that are not necessarily in a school-leaver’s best interests. For too long, a matric exemption has been hailed as the be-all and end-all, giving rise to expectations that, while well-intended, could end up pushing people into university who should never be there. Matric is a milestone, but any milestone is only one point on a journey.