The departments of Science and Innovation (DSI) and Higher Education and Training (DHET), are working together to establish a National Open Learning System that will provide online learning opportunities in the post school education and training system.
The departments are also considering the findings of, firstly, the Ministerial Task Team report on the sectoral implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and secondly, of the Presidential Commission on 4IR.
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande made the announcement during his budget vote address on May 14.
"As part of ensuring that no student is left behind, I am glad to announce that we have completed 97% zero-rating of our departmental and public institutions’ education sites for universities [and] colleges. This will enable free electronic access to lectures, resources and other educational content," he said.
He stated that the DHET was resolute in the expansion of the public university system, supported by a careful and systematic enrolment planning process that was in line with available resources, capacity and funding.
“This process will ensure equitable participation supported by increased numbers of quality staff, affordable fees, inclusive and sustainable financial aid and improved infrastructure.”
The Minister added that the implementation of the University Capacity Development Programme would be intensified to improve student success, as well as the quality of teaching, learning and research and to support curriculum renewal in universities.
Further, he noted that the DHET had started with a feasibility study into the building of two more universities.
“The[se are a] university of science and innovation that will be located in the Ekurhuleni Metro and the crime detection university in Hammanskraal. We have established steering committees for these projects under the leadership of one of my special advisers, Professor Derrick Swartz,” he said.