Cape town: Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela announced a series of strategic initiatives aimed at stabilizing governance, repositioning technical colleges, and accelerating digital transformation since his appointment.
According to South African Government News Agency, during his Budget Vote 17 address in Parliament, Manamela emphasized identifying systemic bottlenecks and addressing longstanding weaknesses within the post-school education and training sector. He underscored the need for decisive action to restore public trust and improve the functionality of institutions under his department's purview.
The Minister detailed four primary areas of focus since assuming office. The first initiative involves stabilizing governance across institutions, notably addressing operational concerns at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and implementing measures to enhance accountability within Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
The second focus is on repositioning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to drive occupational and technical skills development. Manamela announced the introduction of 24 new occupational qualifications at TVET colleges by January 2026, aiming for 30% enrollment in these programs. Additionally, initiatives are in place to upskill TVET lecturers and council members.
The third initiative targets building digital and future-skills capacity across the post-school system. Plans include conducting a feasibility study for online public TVET, launching new programs on the National Open Learning System, and integrating career services to expand user reach.
The fourth intervention addresses reshaping the post-school education and training system's size and structure. A comprehensive university enrolment plan for 2025 to 2030 is in development, alongside a five-year strategy for TVET enrollment. The reforms aim to strengthen the correlation between education, employability, and economic growth, promoting economic inclusion and opportunity for young South Africans.