Johannesburg, 13 Mar 2006
The Department of Science and Technology has allocated R1.9 billion to train more people in science related courses and to increase the number of black scientists and engineers in the country.
Deputy minister of education Enver Surty told the black science, technology and engineering professionals` organisation last week that the money would be distributed to all 50 further education and training colleges in the country. Surty said his department was committed to ensuring learning institutions had the capacity to deliver quality education.
"Our young generation must also be encouraged to follow science-related fields. The country needs more scientists and engineers," he said.
The deputy minister emphasised the need for collaboration between government and the private sector in uplifting black professionals.
Surty said the department would not hesitate to recruit more qualified educators to improve the quality of science-related tertiary education.
The department also plans to spend a total of R4 billion on incentives for educators and to retain scarce skills. However, this budget has yet to be approved, he said.
Science and technology minister Mosibudi Mangena said his department is working with the education department in "developing black scientists".
"The role of science, engineering and technology in facilitating SA`s achievement is indisputable," he said. There is a need to harness capacity and potential if the country wants to make meaningful and sustainable strides towards the realisation of national goals and priorities, Mangena concluded.
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