UNIVERSITIES, EMPLOYMENT AND TRANSFORMATION: ARE UNIVERSITIES GROWING BLACK TALENT IN SOUTH AFRICA?

HEIDI KORNMULLERCORONATION FUND MANAGERS

Are Universities Growing Black Talent in South Africa?

The number of black graduates has tripled from 200 000 in 1995 to 600 000 in 2011. (Centre for Development and Enterprise)

8,514 black Africans - excluding coloureds and Indians - were awarded degrees in 1991. In 2008 that figure had rocketed to 36,970, representing an increase of 334%. (SAIRR's latest South African Survey )

The answer: YES, but…..

Figure 2: Broad Unemployment Rates for Black and White Graduates

• Source: Servaas van der Berg and Hendrik van Broekhuizen

Why the Gap?

• Irrespective of a qualification, the better a person’s education, the more likely they’re to be employed

(Ann Bernstein, Executive Director of CDE)

• Focus on increasing the number of ‘good’ black graduates• ‘Good’ black graduates hired over good ‘white’ grads

Why the Gap?

• Quality of the degree/results different for black and white• Black students less prepared for university• White students more likely to have access to better

resources• Lower ranked universities are more accessible to black

students – P-T, cheaper, lower admission requirements• Black students higher failure or downgrade rate• Employers still want to hire the best, especially in tough

times

Challenges for Black Students

• First in their family to study – pressure, lack of role models, no network support

• More likely to be away from home • Financial pressures• Lack of peer support • Inferior schooling• Non-existent or inferior career guidance• Family pressure for status degrees

Keep the Standards High

• Entrance requirements are important• Ensure admissions and processes are not open to

corruption• Universities’ reputations are critical• Practical degrees and subjects more in demand• There is no quick fix or way to cut corners• Challenge of academic support that doesn’t devalue the

degree

Improve Academic and Emotional Support

• Support the transition academically and emotionally• Don’t just ‘delay the hit’• Students are more emotionally unstable than the general

population• Students are twice as likely to be depressed (Wayne A. Dixon

and Jon K. Reid in 2000)• Focus on empowering students• Encourage further peer support• Offer psychological learning and support

The Importance of EQ

‘Self-awareness, self-management, motivation, empathy, social skills’“Unmet emotional needs cause the majority of problems at work.”

– EQI.org

The Importance of EQ cont

• Generation Y influence that needs to be managed• More life skills or self-development courses• More preparation for the transition to the working world

Conclusion

• Universities are only 1 part of a complicated system• SA Schools are in crisis • Extraordinary stories of success against all odds• Bigger focus on EQ and life skills required• Continuous innovation required in bridging the gaps• Hopefully we are 1 or 2 generations away from not having

to assess this question

THANK YOU