ANCYL calls for education abroad

Johannesburg - The South African education system was not adequate to serve the country's skills development needs, the ANC Youth League said on Thursday.

In an end of the year statement in which the ANCYL wishes South Africans a joyful, peaceful and productive new year, spokesperson Floyd Shivambu said President Zuma should every year send at least 10 000 students to universities outside the country.

"Our considered view is that every year, President Zuma should send not less than 10 000 students to the best universities across the world to get the best education and skills on important areas such as medicine, engineering, accounting, technology and science," he said.

"We believe that such a model would greatly contribute to the production of skills in South Africa because the reality is that our education system cannot produce as many graduates as possible."

The ANCYL said it would vigorously campaign for the government and Presidency to introduce a new scholarship to fund students studying outside the country.

The scholarship would take care of all the students' needs, including transport, accommodation, tuition fees, food and a monthly stipend.

"The scholarship we are proposing is not in opposition and not a contradiction to the National Students' Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and will not reduce the amount of money and resources allocated to the NSFAS," said Shivambu.

He said the ANCYL would continue with campaigns for the transformation of Higher Education in South Africa and for increased funding particularly for disadvantaged students.

- Sapa