Pretoria - Police Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu says equity in education must be improved so that more young people are able to access education.
The Deputy Minister on Wednesday attended the Western Cape Youth Summit which is looking at how youth can partner with the South African Police Service.
Deputy Minister Sotyu said the more young people are able to access quality education, the more the scare skills gap will be reduced in the country.
“We must all help develop this desire for accessible education in our young people because after all, education continues to be an important factor that will improve the standards of living for every young person,” she said.
She called on all stakeholders to partner with government to make education more accessible.
The Deputy Minister’s call comes after students from different universities protested against tuition fee increases for the 2016 academic year.
Last Friday, President Jacob Zuma announced that there will be no fee increases for 2016. He met with vice-chancellors, chairpersons of university councils, presidents of student representative councils and representatives of student organisations.
Deputy Minister Sotyu said government is in support of peaceful and orderly student protests that demand equal access to education for all.
“The better educated the young person is, the more likely they are to participate more fully to move South Africa forward,” she said. - SAnews.gov.za
