Hon Chair, in today's Die Burger, Prof Mouton of the African Doctoral Association decries Africa and Southern Africa's poor record in terms of the production of academically qualified research- capable human capital. The situation in this regard, according to Prof Mouton, is fast deteriorating, with skills flight, a lack of investment in such human capital, and no commitment by governments to change this reality for the better. The strategy of the current government seems to be to leave this challenge to attend to itself. This impacts negatively on economic growth, on development, on innovation, and on the values and ethical conduct of members of our society. It spells disaster for the future.
Human capital is our most valuable resource. Let us invest in it as a matter of urgency and not pay lip service to this important priority.