President Jacob Zuma says failure to empower the population through education will result in dependence on grants. He was speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Services Sector Education and Training Authority in Durban.

Zuma has called on South Africans to use their access to quality education to contribute to the country's development. He says the government's decision to prioritise education and skills development indicates its commitment to the acceleration of socio-economic development in the country.

Zuma said: “When we say education is priority number one, we're saying all South Africans should grow wings and be proud of themselves and do the best for their country. I am therefore very proud that the learnership system is succeeding to take forward our struggle for education that so many students are graduating.”

Yesterday, Zuma said the provision of water and sanitation in rural communities has to be prioritised to help restore their human dignity. He was speaking at the launch of a water treatment plant in Richards Bay in northern KwaZulu-Natal. 

Zuma said Government needs to start providing public flushing toilets with showers in rural villages. He said the initiative will also help in dealing with health issues such as cholera outbreaks.