The Institute has also sought to point out that not all is doom and gloom on the race relations front. Rather in many cases the opposite is true. Tertiary education is itself a good example.

The South Africa Survey published by the Institute records that over the last 15 years the racial makeup of students attending universities and universities of technology has changed dramatically. In the early 1990s approximately 60% of students enrolled at tertiary education institutions were black (African, coloured, and Indian). A decade later that proportion had increased to over 75%. The number of enrolled African students almost doubled in the decade after 1994.  

The output of the tertiary education sector shows equally impressive figures. The number of tertiary graduates increased by 300% among Africans over the past 15 years. Large increases are also visible for Indian and coloured students. Today approximately 70% of degrees, diploma’s, and certificates are awarded to black students - an increase from 35% 15 years ago.

These figures show that access to education for black students has increased substantially. This is a very positive achievement considering the racist history from which South Africa is emerging. Doubtless a lot more needs to be done particularly in the area of education quality. The hard data, however, suggests that certain latent racial tensions and largely isolated incidents of racial violence should not be allowed to detract from the progress already made.

Frans Cronje –Deputy CEO

Forthcoming events

On 13 March the Institute will host Gillian Godsell and Anthea Cereseto to speak on excellence in the public education sector. Click here for details.

On 31 March in Cape Town and 3 April in Johannesburg the Institute will present its annual South Africa Mirror briefing. Events following the December 2007 ANC conference in Polokwane have dramatically altered South Africa’s political environment. John Kane-Berman will make a hard hitting and critical appraisal of the direction South Africa is moving in based on current indicators. Education, employment, health, security, demographics, living conditions, and social welfare will all be covered in detail. Special attention will be devoted to an economic and political scenario for a future of South Africa. The Institute’s mirror briefings have become an annual institution that attract a large number of guests. You are therefore advised to book early in order to reserve a seat. Click here for details.

In May the Institute will host a panel of top economists to speak on the subject, “Why not 8%”. Recent growth forecasts have been revised downwards following the nationwide electricity crisis. The briefing should shed light on the growth prospects of the South African economy and what should be done to raise levels of growth. Details will follow.

Forthcoming publications

The forthcoming Fast Facts takes a close look at Trevor Manual’s recent budget. It will also contain a write up of Andrew Kenny’s recent briefing to Institute members on the current electricity crisis.