She briefly mentioned that the institution is currently offering Honours programmes in Data Science, Sociology and Teacher Education, amongst others. Lucas boasts the institution’s pass rate stands at 83% with many students completing their studies in record time, comparing the statistics to larger more established institutions of higher learning. 

The Northern Cape Premier complained that some people from the Northern Cape choose to attend institutions like the University of the Free State (UFS) and North West University (NWU) when there is a university in their own province. She concluded her part of the address about the Kimberley-based university by urging locals to support the institution. 

Regarding funding for further education and training Lucas is of the view that government bursaries should be centralised, going through the Premier’s office to ensure there aren’t any issues or discrepancies. She joked “centralise the system not the funds” to some laughs from those present.

The Premier did not address the lack of available accommodation for students, something which is a problem across all institutions in the country. OFM News, spoke to Tsamaya Simons before the address and he raised concerns about the lack of safe accommodation for tertiary students.

High youth unemployment remains concerning in the Northern Cape. As a result Lucas says the provincial government is focusing on skills development and capacity building specifically for young people that are unemployed and not able to enrol at institutions of higher learning. Lucas says as a result they have created 973 artisan programmes, 870 internships and 960 learnerships. She laments that job placement for recent graduates remains a problem urging the private sector to assist with job placement for recent graduates.

OFM News