Critic of Affirmative Action Speaks Out in South Africa
Once again a prominent academic has stated that the application of affirmative action is exacerbating the skill shortage crises: "Job equity damaging, says Ramphele"
Former University of Cape Town vice-chancellor Mamphela Rampele said that "Sector Education and Training (Setas) had failed in skills development". These statements expressed by a black academic of Ramphele's qualification are crucial in context of the current skills shortage crises debate.
Considering the enormous challenges the shortage of skills presents to construction companies engaged in the building of the stadiums and infrastructure ahead of 2010, it is hardly surprising that the debate has attracted attention. The more pertinent question though is to what extent the policy of affirmative action has influenced the current crisis. COUNCILLOR COLIN GAILLARD in The Mercury