Create own jobs to succeed

Durban - South African higher education institutions must shift their mindset to instil in students the concepts of innovation and entrepreneurship in light of the disconnect between industry and the government.

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) pro-vice chancellor innovation, commercialisation and entrepreneurship, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, made the comments at the African Renaissance 2016 conference in Durban this week.

More than 600 000 graduates are unemployed and 73% of the country’s unemployed population are younger than 35.

Ramjugernath said South African universities had to become entrepreneurial institutions, essentially teaching people to create businesses rather than demanding employment.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship is the key to addressing the socio-economic challenge facing South Africa.

"Higher education institutions must evolve to drive entrepreneurship and innovation, while working with the various stakeholders to ensure the best outcome for the country’s economic future,” he said.

He highlighted science, technology and innovation, coupled with entrepreneurship, as the key to unlocking potential, leading the country into prosperity.

While acknowledging South African universities were “undoubtedly good” at research, the majority of that research was not applicable to impacting on the country’s socio-economic problems.

“Consequently, universities must now listen to what industry and government are saying in terms of what South Africa requires. Academia has a significant role to play in growing and developing the country’s economy,” he said.

There was also no disgrace in failure. Learning from that failure ensured long-term success, he said.

UKZN has proposed initiatives including student economic empowerment and co-operatives.

The first encourages students to establish their own businesses while still studying and the second to participate in activities like vegetable gardening.