What challenges remain in the South African education and skills development system?
NP: Undoubtedly, more should be done to improve the quality of outcomes. Important achievements have been made in increasing access to primary education but now more should be done to improve the quality of institutions and teachers. In addition, in higher education, more students should be trained in science, math, and technology. South Africa has a critical shortage of engineers. This profession is crucial for infrastructure projects, particularly given the important investment that South Africa is making in preparation for the 2010 World Cup. LW: What would you say to African and OECD countries to encourage them to make concrete and sustainable progress in developing skills on the continent? NP: Universal primary education entails the need for coherent and diversified pathways to further education and to develop skills for employment. Africa needs a holistic, integrated inter-sectoral approach to education, including technical and vocational skills development. To allow for a divers
