In 2016 government provided R12,4 billion in loans and bursaries to about 450 000 students. So, R30,8 billion is a huge investment in providing university and college education. Yes, indeed there are gaps and challenges which must be addressed. We need more university and college places. We need partnerships from the private sector. We need more young people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and we need more postgraduate students and far greater numbers of engineers. But we are making advances and it is only doomsayers and empty vessels that will not recognise the advances that are being made.