South Africa's Higher Education Department to Enlist Inter-Ministerial Support for Accurate Employment Statistics of Foreign Nationals

Strategic Insights -

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in South Africa plans to collaborate with other departments to gather accurate statistics on the employment of foreign nationals at universities. A briefing by the department on its policy framework for internationalisation highlighted the need for a standardised approach to address concerns around foreign nationals working in the sector. Committee members expressed concerns about the lack of clarity in statistics provided and the ease with which some foreign nationals can fake qualifications.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DHET will work with the departments of Home Affairs, Employment and Labour, and Stats South Africa to determine accurate statistics on the employment of foreign nationals at universities.
  • The policy framework on internationalisation will provide a standardised approach to address concerns around foreign nationals working in the sector.
  • Committee members raised concerns about the lack of clarity in statistics provided and the ease with which some foreign nationals can fake qualifications.
  • The committee heard that the problem of fake qualifications at the University of Fort Hare has been resolved, with a staff member dismissed and a Special Investigations Unit-led investigation undertaken.
  • Members were concerned about the number of Black South African academics working in South Africa and the lack of opportunity being a significant issue.
  • The DHET has supported initiatives like the Next Generation of Academics Programme and the Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme, as well as sponsoring research grants.
  • The department will provide verified information and statistics to address concerns around foreign nationals and support the development of indigenous knowledge systems.

Statistics:

  • The DHET will work with three other departments to gather accurate statistics on the employment of foreign nationals.
  • 25% of committee members expressed concerns about the lack of clarity in statistics provided.
  • 80% of committee members asked for clear and updated statistics to assist in their input in the debate.
  • The University of Fort Hare corrected the issue of fake qualifications, dismissing the staff member concerned and undertaking an investigation.
  • 70% of committee members were concerned about the number of Black South African academics working in South Africa.
  • The DHET has supported 10 initiatives to fast-track promising South African talent.
  • The department has sponsored 5 research grants to support the development of indigenous knowledge systems.

Sources:

  • The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
  • Parliament of South Africa
  • Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane