The government will provide financial assistance to at least 100 000 mathematics and science students this year in a bid to grow the ICT industry skill pool.
This is according to education minister Naledi Pandor, who was speaking at a GCIS Parliamentary Briefing ahead of a three-day education summit in Durban this week.
Pandor said 100 000 of the most needy students at public higher education institutions would be given financial assistance from the National Student Financial Assistance Scheme (NSFAS).
A Department of Education spokesman says the NSFAS awards range from as little as R2 000 to as much as R30 000 per student, depending on needs, which are determined through a national means test.
The spokesman says the fund has been running for several years, and some past beneficiaries have now graduated and contributed funds to help other students in turn.
Pandor also announced that a new trust fund is to be established in the name of Oliver Tambo, to offer further assistance to maths and science students.
"With mathematics and science being vital subjects that graduates need to acquire for the ICT industry, a trust fund will be established in honour of one of the country`s leading mathematics and science teachers, Mr OR Tambo," said Pandor.
"This trust fund will be set up and supported by interested partners and friends of education in honour of Mr Tambo. It will initially be used to fund, resource and equip institutions that produce graduates in mathematics and science under difficult circumstances."
Pandor added that centres of excellence for technology in education are also being developed to improve the use of ICT in all aspects of education.
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