Minister Trevor Manuel acknowledges the Community Law Centre

“It is not a secret that much of our Bill of Rights was drafted at the Community Law Centre,” this were the words by Minister Trevor Manuel, Minister in the Presidency-National Planning Commission, when delivering his speech at the University of the Western Cape Yesterday afternoon.

His presentation titled “An Overview of the National Development Plan in South Africa: Implications for Higher Education” was delivered at a lecture organised by the Rector and Vice Chancellor, Professor Brian O’Connell and the Staff Development Committee of the University of the Western Cape and it was attended by a large contingent of UWC staff members. He gave an overview on the section on education. This was the first presentation focusing on the National Development Plan. The university intends on hosting a series of presentations on the National Development Plan.

In response to this the director of the Community Law centre, Professor Jaap de Visser says “this statement, coming from someone who has served as a Minister for the past 18 year and who played such a pivotal role in the negotiations to end apartheid, makes us truly proud of the role our institution played in shaping a democratic South Africa. We are yet again strengthened in our commitment to continue to live up to the high expectations that come with this accolade.

The National Planning Commission is a new initiative of government. Chaired by the Minister in The Presidency for National Planning, the NPC is responsible for developing a long term vision and strategic plan for South Africa. The Commission will also advise on cross-cutting issues that impact on South Africa’s long term development. It aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. South Africa can realise these goals by drawing on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capacity of the state, and promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society.

In His presentation he mentioned that higher education institutions should be focused on the developments in the basic education sector in South Africa because their products ultimately end up in higher education institutions. He also talked about the need for the universities to produce highly qualified graduates to drive South Africa's economic development as has been done in the BRICS countries like China, which intends to produce 200 million graduates by 2030.