The students felt that broadening their horizons by working overseas gives them a better chance of success in their careers.“ I am exposing myself to work that I can do, not just in South Africa. I am trying not to limit myself so that – should anything happen here in South Africa – I can still be an asset elsewhere,” said one student during a focus-group session. The 30 % who indicated they want to stay behind said they want to assist in growing the economy as they believe the country requires critical skills.
Like many aspects of our lives, COVID-19 has changed learning. The impact was moderate, with 41 % feeling that they battled with no contact during the hard lockdown, 30 % felt more anxious, while 34 % found the shift to e-learning challenging.
“ Generally, the transition to e-learning was a challenge for many students, especially those from historically challenged backgrounds. While 26 % of the students said mobile data was expensive, things are improving, and 48 % say they prefer a hybrid learning approach,” Nomvethe explains. Cognisant of these challenges, the PPS Foundation provided several higher learning institutions with funds to buy digital devices and internet data for students during the crossover to e-learning.
“ For employers, the survey implies that human resources policies must be adjusted to allow for globally mobile and entrepreneurial graduates. Also, future job seekers will be better prepared for the hybrid world of work where some work online and others physically in the office,” concludes Nomvethe.
Motshabi Nomvethe, PPS Head of Technical Marketing
15