ANOTHER TAX TO FUND NEW SKILLS NOT THE WAY TO GO

READERS’ FORUM

MEYER Benjamin proposes a form of national conscription to solve our lackof-skills problem. And he suggests that a wealth tax be introduced to finance this project (The Star, August 7). Anne Oberholzer (The Star, August 8) uncovers for readers the struggles being had with adult education and training (AET). She tells us that funds earmarked for AET have been reduced by the National Treasury. Isn’t it sad that the boffins of education 20 years ago decided to change its South African heart and soul. Technical Colleges had to merge with universities. Training boards gave way to Sector Education Training Authorities (Setas). Students became learners. The international maligned outcomes-based learning concept was imposed on citizens. Skills Development Levies became a tax. Apprenticeships of the German type were watered down to learnerships. Pass marks were reduced. With two sad results. Skills have not been developed: nowhere does one read of successes. (Can we blame the press for this?) And large amounts of money have been wasted on Seta directors’ fees and salaries. In one industry I can talk for, the drive to spend money on training has more to do with gaining BEE points than uplifting the skills of employees. No, Mr Benjamin, another tax, of any kind is not the best way to tackle the problem. There is lots of “education” money being thrown down the drain. We need the guts to change the system, yes, but not by taxing the rich. And what defines “rich” anyway?

CHRIS RICHARDS