BUDGET 2005/06
R1bn for training colleges
Zibonele Ntuli
25 February 2005
The government will invest R1-billion over the next three years in improved facilities, equipment and support for further education and training (FET) colleges in the country.
Delivering his Budget speech in Cape Town on Wednesday, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel said the FET colleges should be at the forefront of industrial progress and technological change in SA.
The minister said ties between the colleges and SA's skills development programme and sector education and training authorities (Setas) would be strengthened.
In addition to supplementary resources of R776-million over the next three years for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme - which assisted about 100 000 students in 2004 - the Department of Education will also receive funding for an education management information system to integrate the flow of information from schools and colleges.
The Deparment of Labour will receive additional allocations for an integrated
call centre and improved inspectorate services for its oversight of the national skills development strategy.
Manuel said the flow of funds to the Setas and the National Skills Fund would amount to R5-billion in 2005/06, rising to R6-billion by 2007/08.
Other allocations over the next three years include R6.9-billion to improve salaries for teachers and social workers, and R7.4-billion to step up education and health spending in the provinces.
Manuel also announced further allocations for to the Department of Arts and Culture for the management of Robben Island Museum as a World Heritage Site and for hosting the 29th session of the World Heritage Committee this year.
Source: BuaNews
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