Meeting equity targets: are there enough graduates?

Abstract

For the purpose of reaching equity targets, a number of sectors have expressed concern that the higher education sector may not be offering sufficient supply of black graduates. This brief offers some baseline data to identify the possible pool learners and graduates from previously disadvantaged groups, from which industry might source its future employees. The information is sourced from HEMIS data and does not reflect learners or graduates in private or foreign institutions. We offer a cross-section of information about enrolments and graduates. Although much has been made about the need for commerce graduates from universities, it is well known that many bright young people have difficulty accessing opportunities in education and do not necessarily make strong choices when the opportunity presents itself. The problems are: weak information, poor access to financial resources, and weak math and sciences education in historically disadvantaged, predominantly black schools. The reforms required in the education sector and labour market will take some time to correct; however, there is strong evidence to show that it is possible to rapidly address these problems with bridging courses and internships.