VANDERBIJLPARK. – The South Africa Technology Network (SATN), formed three years ago to promote an integrated approach to higher education and co-operation with international institutions.
SATN will hold its third annual “indaba” this year from September 29 to October 1.
The theme this year is ΓÇ£Universities of Technology driving Human Resource Development through PartnershipsΓÇ¥
Human Resource development, innovation, technology and international co-operation will feature prominently in papers to be delivered by international guests, government representatives, academics and experts in innovation and applied technology. The SATN Conference, which encompasses all the higher education institutions in South Africa, will be hosted for the second time at the Vaal University of Technology and will include a state-of-the art exhibition by local commerce and industry and various VUT faculties.
Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande and Director-General Professor Mary Metcalfe will start off conference proceedings by unveiling the South African governmentΓÇÖs strategy.
This is aimed at creating an enabling environment for human resources development in higher education.
Speakers of note include Mr Ahmed Essop, the Chief Executive of the Council on Higher Education, thought leaders of government-support agencies such as Dr Mamphela Ramphele, Dr Joe Phaho from the Technology Innovation Agency, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, president of the National Research Foundation and Dr Phil Mjwara, director-general of the Department of Science and Technology. They will focus on, amongst other things, the application of innovation and technology in the Higher Education sector.
Chairman of the European Network for Universities of Applied Science, Mr Hendrik Wolff, Tamara Wanker from the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences and Prof Xichun Zhang, vice-president of the South China University of Technology will be sharing their expertise on ΓÇ£internationalization in Technology and Applied Sciences.
News source:┬á Mooivaal Media – Vaalweekblad