Hon Chairperson, the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training undertook an oversight visit to the University of Stellenbosch, and the strategic focus really related to issues of admission, language policy, the transformation plan and the challenges for students.
This happened on 13 October, and the committee was able to meet the management, under the leadership of the rector, as well as the students themselves. Some of the issues reflected were the following: Firstly, it's very clear that there is very good work taking place at the institution; secondly, there is the launch of a satellite into space with the Department of Science and Technology and lastly, there is the hosting of many research fund centres of excellence, Stellenbosch University being one of the top academic and research institutions in the country.
However, some of the concerns the committee identified are that after 15 years of our democracy, only approximately 4% of the academic staff are black, 76% of undergraduates are white, and there is a low through-put rate of students, as well as a very small percentage in infrastructure to accommodate challenged students.
What the committee then agreed on - in terms of its findings - was that the vision of 2015, as defined by the management of the institution, should be urgently reviewed in the context of the transformation agenda, and that an inclusive human resource development strategy is required to attract more black academic staff.
Special emphasis should be placed on undergraduate students and there should be a focus on research but not an overemphasis on research. And, equally so, special emphasis should be placed on the issue of teacher development at that particular institution. The committee is tabling this report in order for the House to agree to it. Thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
I move:
That the Reports be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report on Oversight Visit to Giyani, Limpopo, accordingly adopted.
Report on Oversight Visit to University of Stellenbosch accordingly adopted.