Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship (Aug 2002)

Onderwys-/opleidingsvoorsiening en ekonomiese aanvraag

  • J.C. Erasmus,
  • C.C. Wolhunter,
  • S.C. Steyn,
  • P.J. Mentz,
  • J.L. van der Walt

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4102/koers.v67i3.376
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 67, no. 3

Abstract

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Education/training and economic demand Education systems and their output appear to be out of step with the demands of the economy in many countries, including South Africa. Massive education investment and expansion seem to have resulted, especially in developing countries, in schooled unemployment rather than economic development, modernisation and full employment. A historicalcomparative overview reveals how economically successful countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Germany, and (until recently) the new economic giants of South-East Asia and the Far East, succeeded in aligning education and training with the economy. In conclusion the implications of their strategies for South Africa are explored. A combination of the British and Singaporean models is recommended for South Africa. A warning is, however, sounded throughout that economic systems that do not adhere to the principles of human stewardship and responsible management should not be supported by education and training in their present forms. Those involved in education and training should rather call for reform of the systems that they are expected to support.

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