Deputy Speaker, skills development has been identified as a significant factor in reducing poverty and accelerating long-term economic growth. It is critical for government to effectively address the issues which have plagued this sector.
A single post-school education and training system promises an integrated, efficient system that will benefit learners. The incorporation of skills development into education is an important step and welcomed by the ACDP. Clearly, this new Department of Higher Education and Training will need to extend agreements as a temporary and transitional arrangement to ensure maximum momentum as concerns about Setas will necessitate intensive assessment. The ACDP is cautiously optimistic that the commitment of the Minister of Higher Education and Training and the new department to skills development is a serious one and that it will, in fact, deliver results. Thank you.