Young researchers at the seminar.
The researchers - Ms Zekhethelo Ndlovu, Mr Sinakhokonke Mpanza, Mr
Sakhile Khumalo, Mr Methembe Mdlalose, Ms Nondumiso Khumalo, Mr Siyanda
Mthuli and Ms Nasiha Soomar - are studying towards a masters degree at
the School under the Regional and Local Economic Development Initiative
(RLEDi) - a partnership between UKZN and the Department of Economic
Development and Tourism (DEDT).
The seminar was attended by a variety of business people from Durban,
lecturers from various higher institutions of learning and managers
from the Department of Education, who listened to speakers - including
Dr Nkosi Sishi, Professor John Volmink, Dr Valerie Hannon and Mr Anthony
Mackay - address the participants.
Sishi and Volmink delivered presentations on education while Hannon
presented on partnerships between KwaZulu-Natal and government. Hard
hitting truths were addressed not only about the province but South
Africa as well.
Local Economic Development Programme Lecturer and Co-coordinator Dr
Jennifer Houghton said the issues of the relationship between radical
innovation in education transformation and the rising unemployment rate
interrogated at the seminar provided vital information for researchers.
Researcher Soomar said: ‘Nelson Mandela’s words “Education is the
most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world” resonated in
me through the entire presentation today. Being a young researcher it
was the first of many I hope that would open my eyes to the windows of
possibility that exist out there.’
Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Policy and Advocacy
Manager, Dr Stan Hardman, said the discussions following the seminar
highlighted the importance of reciprocal learning initiatives between
school and industry.
‘We are convinced that the transition from an education institution
to a business profession is vital for business growth and development.
Learners and educators need constant sensitisation of the important
contribution that self-development, sufficiency and motivations have on a
growing economy. The challenge in Local Economic Development is to
promote growth with development for the purpose of promoting inclusion
and equity,’ said Hardman.