Education is one of the fundamental factors of development. Human capital development is seen as essential to achieve sustainable economic development but it requires substantial investment. Education improves people’s understanding of themselves and world. It also advances the quality of their lives and can also lead to broad social benefits to individuals and society (Ozturk, 2001). It raises people’s productivity and creativity, and promotes entrepreneurship and technological advances. In this case the percentage of the population with a higher qualification than a matric is represented.
This item reflects the number of the population in 2011 with a qualification higher than matric certificate.
It is clear from comparing the nine cities that areas that perform poorly are still the township- or low income areas within cities and their surrounds. Suburban areas specifically the middle- to higher income areas contains larger numbers of the higher educated population. Areas of suburban growth – especially middle income and higher – also appear to be the higher educated population.
The census indicates the levels of education in a number of classes ranging from those with no education to post-graduate qualifications. For the purpose of this analysis only those qualifications consisting of more than a matric certificate was selected and grouped as ‘post matric’. This is presented as a percentage of the population. The metadata document can be accessed here.
- CSIR BE. 2015. Indicator – Human capital; Level of education 2011. (Prepared in support of SACN – State of the Cities Report 2015).
- Ozturk, I. 2001. The role of education in economic development: a theoretical perspective. MPRA Paper No. 9023.
For more information contact:
Johan Maritz,
jmaritz@csir.co.za