The Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation will revitalise and expand the Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct project as a pilot to explore and test an alternative modality of education delivery, based on closer multi-educational institutional cooperation, with science and innovation linkages.

Minister Blade Nzimande this week said the intention was to integrate universities, technical and vocational education and training colleges, sector education and training authorities and the National System of Innovation (NSI) to produce well-rounded students who are ready to take up their positions within the economy and society.

The Minister made the announcement during the virtual National Council of Provinces Budget Vote address.

The project comprises an interconnected set of institutions, which are able to collaborate and support each other in the delivery of their individual mandates, including through establishing strong relationships with the communities in which they are located, and with industry and civil society organisations in their locality.

Nzimande said the project was intended to be the first of three such precincts to be established as part of the new National Plan for Post-School Education and Training.

“The next one will be in Giyani, in Limpopo, where we will be setting up a university campus as well," he noted.

He said government was conducting a feasibility study of the project.