HIGHER Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela met Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza on Friday, 6 March.
They met in Tshwane to talk about the progress of the planned University of Ekurhuleni.
The meeting looked at promises made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 2020 State of the Nation Address. The government announced plans to open new universities in places that need them, such as the Ekurhuleni Metro. These promises were backed up by budget announcements, showing the government wants to bring education closer to the people.
During the talks, Xhakaza asked to bring the Ekurhuleni university project back to life. He said it should focus on science, new ideas and skills development. The mayor said Ekurhuleni is a big business and factory hub. This makes it the perfect place for a university that teaches the skills needed for the city's economy.
Minister Manamela was happy with the mayor's request and said the department is serious about speeding up the project. He said a steering committee, led by a top manager, will be chosen to guide the next steps and make sure everything is done right.
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"The first two phases of the project have already been done," said minister Manamela.
"The newly constituted steering committee will review progress to date and resume work, including options for infrastructure, the use of existing facilities, and the development of a multi-purpose campus serving different parts of the Metro."
The minister said that building the university would be a big step in giving more people a chance to study. It will give young people the knowledge and skills they need to play a real part in the economy.
Mayor Xhakaza was happy about the outcome of the meeting. "This meeting marks an important milestone in our journey and reflects the strides we have made toward establishing a University of Ekurhuleni that will serve our people and shape the future of our city."
Manamela thanked the mayor for taking the lead. He noted that it fits with the national goals set by the president.
"Together with the finance minister, we must build more universities and TVET colleges, focusing on the skills required to drive economic growth," added Manamela.
