i propose a more synchronised relationship between the basic education, higher education and labour system. learners must complete grade 12 and when they enter higher education they must knowingly select courses that lead to qualifying for jobs that are in demand. to quote the minister of higher education blade “i love his radio and newspaper interviews” nzimande “we are short of very critical skills that one cannot get at universities… you can only get them at fet colleges. you can’t go to university to be a plumber, electrician, welder or a boiler maker”. this is a revelation considering that learners tend to idealise going to universities and end up staying at home with their degrees or applying for police posts. in 2012/13 the country is spending r207.3 billion on education. i propose a thorough commission of enquiry to find out where this money goes. is the expenditure efficient? why do some schools not have qualified maths or science teachers?