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The increasing focus on higher education and training, government expenditure on the sector and prioritised fields of study discussed in this blog edition. 

Higher Education and Training has been a priority sector for the South African government for many years. This is in line with any developing country that seeks to be responsive to its needs, exploit its potential and remain abreast with developing sectors and industries.

This blog edition discusses the Priority Occupations as per The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), highlights the state of education in South Africa and what is forecast nationally in the Higher Education and Training sector in the coming years.

Budget allocation increases and targets:
The Department of Higher Education and Training White Paper for Post School Education and Training, aims at enrolling 2,5 million students by the year 2030. Of the 2,5 million students forecasted, 1,6 million will be university students. This objective will be achieved through the DHET progressively introducing free education for the poor in South African universities as the resources become available. There has been an annual increase in the amount allocated to the DHET from the national fiscus, highlighting it as a priority sector for the economy and its growth. The provision of Education and training is to be better co-ordinated with the needs of society and the economy.

Results of these budget increases can be seen already with enrolments at institutions of higher learning having increased year-on-year for full-time, part-time, contact and distance learning students. The total number of university graduates produced per annum is also increasing at a rate that has exceeded targets. Higher education is increasing its outputs too, as the increase in graduates is greater than the increase in enrolments.

Prioritised faculties and fields of study:
The DHET has also prioritised increasing research and innovation which will improve the quality of research produced by institutions of higher learning. Results of this have also been seen through the number of Research Masters and Doctoral (PhD) graduates increasing at a higher rate than the overall number of graduates at other levels of study. To absorb this increase and sustain the interest, policy will be developed focussing on the need to recruit and retain academics to ensure that academic careers are attractive and assisting academics improve their qualifications. It is envisaged that a National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences will be established to stimulate research and postgraduate studies in these vital disciplines. The DHET will also provide support for the study and development of the African languages in South African universities.

Other focus areas that have been identified are scarce skills areas including Engineering, Natural and Physical Sciences, Teachers, Animals and Human Health Studies

National List of Occupations in High Demand:
In the Government Gazette of 22 June 2018 a National List of Occupations in High Demand was identified and published. The primary purpose of the Gazetted List is to improve responsiveness of Post-School Education and Training System (PSET) to the needs of the economy and broader development needs of the country. This list refers to occupations that have shown relatively strong employment growth, are experiencing shortages in the labour market or are expected to be in demand in future. The next list will be released in 2020 and will be reviewed every two years. As a result of technological innovation, technological advancements, development of industries or implementation of government strategic priorities new occupations are expected to emerge in the near future which will be added accordingly to the list in future.

Three levels of demand were identified based on a point scoring system; occupations were distinguished between Highest Demand, Higher Demand, and High Demand.

Access, read or download the list of identified occupations on GreenGazette, or by clicking on the link https://www.greengazette.co.za/notices/skills-development-act-97-1998-national-list-of-occupations-in-high-demand-2018_20180622-GGN-41728-00637