Pretoria: The Department of Higher Education and Training is preparing to establish a War Room for the 2026 academic year to enhance stability and responsiveness throughout the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system.
According to South African Government News Agency, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela announced that the War Room will include the department's leadership, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, student formations, and quality councils. This forum will convene weekly to tackle challenges as they emerge.
Manamela emphasized that the initiative is intended for swift decision-making, problem-solving, and clear communication with stakeholders. The War Room will address various issues directly, such as the timely payment of NSFAS allowances, accreditation of student accommodation, finalization of examination certificates, and resolving disputes that could disrupt teaching and learning. It will also function as an early-warning system to identify and address potential triggers of protest or disruption before they escalate.
The Minister described the War Room as a representation of a new approach to governance that is agile, collaborative, and transparent. He stated that it ensures no student, parent, or institution is left without answers when problems arise, and it demonstrates a continuous commitment to keeping the doors of learning and culture open.
Manamela acknowledged the significant challenge, noting the close ties between the state of post-school education and training (PSET) and the country's economy, health, democracy, and overall national development. He stressed that delivering on this dream requires collaboration between the government and the people, as demanded by democracy.
In addition, the Minister announced reforms within the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), which serve as a crucial link between education and the labor market. He revealed that all SETAs will have fully constituted Accounting Authorities by the end of the week, with the appointment of chairpersons nearing finalization. This is part of a broader effort to stabilize governance and ensure SETAs can fulfill their mandate effectively.
The Minister is scheduled to brief Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Higher Education later this week to discuss changes in SETAs and present a comprehensive reform plan for a more efficient, transparent, and impactful system. Manamela highlighted that SETAs play a vital role in creating opportunities for matriculants, unemployed youth, and workers seeking to reskill or upskill through learnerships, apprenticeships, bursaries, and workplace training programs.
He encouraged young people to register on SETA databases, approach accredited training providers, or apply for learnerships and bursaries, emphasizing that these opportunities complement NSFAS and institutional funding to ensure no one is left without a chance to learn, skill, and work.