South Africa has to increase the number of graduates in engineering and sciences as it rolls its R300 billion infrastructure programme over the next seven years, President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday.
"Honourable Minister [of Economic Development Ebrahim] Patel pointed out the scarce skills which could impact on the infrastructure programme, such as engineering, project management, financing, procurement and technical skills such as artisans, technologists and technicians," Zuma said.
"In particular, we need to increase the number of graduates in engineering and the sciences."
It was for this reason that the government had programmes such as the Youth into Science Strategy to encourage pupils to pursue science, engineering, technology and mathematics studies at tertiary level.
The department of higher education was working with the deans at tertiary institutions to determine short to medium term strategies to achieve the 2014 graduate output targets for scarce skills, Zuma said.
"I will meet with the principals of Further Education and Training Colleges in April to discuss their role in producing the skills that will make our economy grow faster and be sustainable."
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 