Future of Education Summit: How can South Africa improve its education outcomes?

South Africa's investment in education is substantial, consuming a significant portion of the national budget. Despite numerous policy revisions over the past 25 years, the desired educational outcomes have not been fully realized. Professor Narend Baijnath, the CEO of the Council on Higher Education, believes that while progress has been made, there are still considerable obstacles to overcome. Baijnath attributes the limitations in achieving desired outcomes to factors such as insufficient resourcing, the need for prolonged efforts in the schooling system, disruptions in the education sector, and the pervasive issues of poverty and inequality in society. These challenges have impeded the development of students' capabilities, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, hindering their access to quality higher education and diminishing their chances of success. Baijnath emphasizes the urgency of addressing these challenges, making it a top priority for the education system in South Africa. Contrary to claims of policy uncertainty hindering progress, Professor Baijnath asserts that South Africa's education policies have been well-structured and clear for the past two decades. He highlights the sophistication of higher education policies established in 1997 and post-school education and training policies introduced in 2013. The ongoing development of the post-school education and training plan aims to consolidate these policies, outlining strategies to address developmental, capacity, and structural challenges in the education sector. Baijnath underscores the importance of implementing these policies effectively over a span of ten years, focusing on short, medium, and long-term objectives. One of the key recommendations from the post-school education and training plan is to prioritize improving teaching and learning in the short term. Baijnath emphasizes the crucial role of quality education in producing successful students and advocates for increased access to higher education, particularly for marginalized groups. He emphasizes the transformative power of higher education in unlocking individuals' full potential and their contributions to societal development beyond the workplace. By fostering quality programs, regulating the sector, and ensuring quality assurance, South Africa aims to enhance the value and impact of higher education on its society. In conclusion, Professor Baijnath commends the efforts made at the Future of Education Summit, where leaders and experts in the education sector gathered to deliberate on the critical challenges facing South Africa's educational landscape. Despite economic constraints and societal expectations for rapid service delivery, Baijnath expresses confidence in the alignment of higher education and training initiatives with the nation's developmental objectives. By leveraging available resources effectively and focusing on impactful strategies, South Africa aims to achieve meaningful outcomes in its education sector and contribute to the overall advancement of society.