By Akani Nkuna

Melinda Goosen and Cheryl Kotze have been appointed as managers for the aquatics team ahead of the World University Games in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr region on 16 July to 27 July.

Goosen who heads swimming at Nelson Mandela University is entrusted to guide the diving squad at the games, and despite this being her 5th appearance, she said she relished the opportunity to lead the talented four-member squad.

“I am really excited about the talent among the divers. It is only the second time we have had divers in the squad,” she said.

The diving role marks the new territory for Goosen who has already immersed herself in planning and logistics to guarantee a smooth experience for the team at what she describes as the “premier international event for student-athletes.”

In addition to logistics, her responsibilities range from keeping athletes on track with their training programmes to handling key documents required by the local organising committee.

Meanwhile, Kotze appointed manager of the SA men’s swimming team, is also no stranger to the global stage after her stint managing the University Sports South Africa (USSA) swimming team at the 2023 Games in Chengdu.

The team won 7 of the 20 medals they competed for.

Reminiscent of the atmosphere at the stadium and the patriotic feeling she felt walking behind the South Africa flag during the opening ceremony officiated by the Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kotze recalled the ordeal as “close to the Olympic experience as you could get.”

“We have made monthly presentations to the USSA high-performance committee, followed by one-on-one sessions with head coaches and the swimming committee. Now that the team have been selected, the real work begins,” Kotze added.

Kotze expressed appreciation for the backing from USSA, noting the availability and dedication of its team.

She welcomed the addition of coaches Marco Markgraaff and Keenan Riffel, both of whom were part of the 2023 delegation.

“The three of us know each other well and work seamlessly together. That strong team dynamic makes a huge difference when you are competing on the world stage,” she said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

In a significant diplomatic and educational development, Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with Austria.

It is aimed at aligning South Africa’s vocational training priorities with Austria’s globally respected dual education system.

Nkabane signed the MOU during the State Visit of Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen to South Africa, with the Austrian Foreign Affairs Secretary-General Nikolaus Marschik co-signing at his country’s Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.

“Working with both the Austrian Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, together with the Federal Ministry of Education, we look forward to placing TVET students at the Austrian companies operating in South Africa and vice versa,” the minister said.

The new agreement paves the way for transformative collaboration in skills development and youth employability.

It commits both nations to structured cooperation in work-based learning, institutional partnerships and cross-border student placements.

South African TVET students will have increased access to Austrian businesses operating locally and, in select cases, abroad.

The partnership will also support curriculum design that aligns classroom instruction with practical, on-the-job training.

Key focus areas include the exchange of TVET delegations, collaboration between vocational colleges and training companies, joint development of work-based learning methodologies, and fostering an efficient, practice-oriented dual training system in cooperation with employers.

“This agreement affirms our belief that vocational education must be industry-responsive, practical and internationally benchmarked. It reflects our commitment to addressing youth unemployment by equipping our students with the right skills for the right jobs,” Nkabane said.

During the high-level discussions, Nkabane emphasised the importance of strengthening ties not only in TVET but across the broader higher education and training sector.

She acknowledged and praised the longstanding partnerships between South African and Austrian universities, including the University of the Western Cape’s MoU with Kepler University of Linz, the University of Cape Town’s academic cooperation with Kepler University, and the University of Pretoria’s collaboration with the Vienna University of Economics and Business and the Technical University of Vienna.

Additionally, universities such as Durban University of Technology, Walter Sisulu University and the University of the Free State were commended for their progress in forming international linkages with Austrian institutions.

Nkabane also highlighted a promising initiative underway at North-West University, which was negotiating a MoU with Austria’s Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences. The planned partnership, expected to be signed later in the year, is part of North-West University’s internationalisation strategy and forms the foundation for South Africa’s 10th medical university.

“These institutional collaborations are vital in promoting joint research, curriculum development, academic mobility and joint degrees. They also support our Presidential PhD Programme, which we run in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation,” Nkabane said.

In her official address during the state visit, Nkabane reiterated that South Africa’s TVET colleges were at the core of the national strategy to skill, reskill and upskill youth for both employment and entrepreneurship.

She stressed the importance of focusing on scarce skills that were urgently needed by the South African economy, such as in green technology, mechatronics, engineering and hospitality.

As part of the long-term vision, the minister proposed expanding the cooperation to include Community Education and Training (CET) colleges and South Africa’s network of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

This would broaden the reach of the agreement, offering more inclusive access to skills development opportunities.

“We want to create a dynamic, accessible vocational education system that leaves no community behind. This is how we ensure that skills development supports inclusive economic growth,” Nkabane said.

The Austrian state visit has elevated diplomatic relations between the two countries and reinforced the shared commitment to youth empowerment, workforce readiness and green economic development.

Austria’s dual education model, praised globally for integrating theoretical instruction with real-world training, presents a blueprint for South Africa’s evolving TVET strategy.

President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the agreement as a pillar of the broader cooperation between the two nations, which also spans trade, investment and sustainable development.

Both leaders affirmed their intention to turn agreements into action and deliver tangible benefits to their citizens.

As the world grapples with shifting labour markets, digital disruption, and a rapidly advancing green economy, partnerships like this offer hope for a more prepared, skilled, and competitive youth workforce

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela has reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the small business sector through focused investment in skills development, stressing a crucial link between the government’s intentions and real-world implementation.

Manamela was speaking during post-budget engagements with SMMEs in Cape Town. It was co-hosted by Food and Beverage Sector Education Training Authority (FoodBev SETA), the Insurance SETA (INSETA) and the Safety and Security SETA (SASETA) in partnership with his department.

“We meet here today as policy meets practice, and as budgets meet the ambitions of our entrepreneurs operating at the frontline of economic inclusion in the food, insurance and security sectors,” Manamela told attendees.

The deputy minister outlined how the budget would drive transformation across the higher education and skills ecosystem, particularly in support of micro, small and medium enterprises.

Of the total allocation, R116.4 billion comes from voted funds and R26 billion from the Skills Development Levy.

Key allocations include R14 billion for TVET colleges, rising to R14.7 billion in 2026; R3.1 billion for Community Colleges, increasing to R3.3 billion; R48.7 billion for NSFAS, rising to R53 billion by 2027; R96 billion for universities, despite a R1.4 billion funding gap; and R26 billion for SETAs and the National Skills Fund, growing to R27.8 billion next year.

“These are not abstract numbers, but represent potential, opportunity, and impact. They represent your businesses, your employees, your communities,” Manamela said.

The deputy minister emphasised that SMMEs accounted for over 60% of employment in South Africa and were often the only economic lifeline in township and rural communities.

Manamela referenced the National Skills Development Plan Outcome 6 which prioritised support for entrepreneurship and cooperative development.

The National Skills Fund is expected to spend over R659 million in the current year on SMME support, youth-focused programmes and cooperatives.

In the 2024/25 financial year, the department’s procurement spend directly supported 366 micro and small enterprises, allocating more than R59 million, 36% above target.

For the current year, the department has set a 50% procurement target.

Manamela stressed the importance of market access, compliance support, mentorship, infrastructure and procurement opportunities.

The deputy minister also commended the contributions of the three co-hosting SETAs, highlighting the scale and scope of their SMME-aligned programmes.

INSETA supported over 2500 beneficiaries and invested R40 million in bursaries, learnerships, workplace-integrated learning and skills programmes, with many focused on small insurance enterprises.

SASSETA disbursed more than R100 million across a wide range of interventions, including learnerships, internships, graduate placements and recognition of prior learning, specifically empowering emerging security businesses.

FoodBev SETA invested R106 million in training over 2900 learners in areas ranging from artisan development to TVET and university placements which are key to bolstering South Africa’s food and manufacturing sector.

“These interventions aren’t charity, they are investments in jobs, dignity, and long-term competitiveness,” Manamela said.

As part of the day’s programme, the deputy minister, joined by FoodBev SETA CEO Nokuthula Selamolela, INSETA CEO Gugu Mkhize and SASSETA CEO Thamsanqa Mdontswa and representatives from the Mining Qualifications Authority, embarked on an SMME Immersion Walkabout at Makers Landing, a culinary hub at the V&A Waterfront.

It allowed the delegation to engage directly with food entrepreneurs and small-scale producers working in the precinct’s production-ready kitchens and incubator spaces.

From artisanal beverage creators to dairy and packaged goods entrepreneurs, the walkabout highlighted the tangible outcomes of skills investment and the real-world impact of public-private partnerships.

Makers Landing, a partnership between the V&A Waterfront and the National Treasury’s Jobs Fund, is home to a dynamic food incubation programme and serves as a model for linking training to economic opportunity.

Citing the 2023 Survey of Employers and the Self-Employed, Manamela noted that nearly 1.9 million informal businesses operate in South Africa, over 80% of which were started using personal savings and without formal financing or licensing.

“Yet they persist. Our duty is to ensure they do not walk this road alone. Whether in a spaza shop in Khayelitsha, a catering co-op in Giyani, or a private security start-up in Vosloorus; we must match their determination with institutional support,” he said.

The deputy minister emphasised that the budget must be more than an accounting document, but a mandate for delivery.

“This budget must not sit in a PDF or a parliamentary Hansard, it must live in the businesses you grow, the people you employ, and the communities you sustain. Let this not be our last engagement. Let this be our annual commitment,” he said.

The session marked a milestone in strengthening collaboration between the department, SETAs, and the small business sector, reinforcing government’s recognition of SMMEs as the engine of South Africa’s economic recovery and transformation.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has maintained her vision for transforming the higher education system in an urgent governmental drive to ensure increased assistance to students and securing solutions for the unemployed youth of the country.

Nkabane presented her department’s R142.4 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year to the National Assembly, pledging to build an inclusive, responsive and transformative post-school education and training (PSET) system.

“This is a budget of hope, inclusion and transformation. With the review of and statutory amendments in the PSET, we hope to improve the efficiency and performance of the Post-School Education and Training System,” Nkabane said.

She noted that allocations would rise to R150 billion in 2026/27 and R158 billion by 2027/28, but warned that real-term growth remained insufficient to fully meet growing demand.

Nkabane opened her address with a tribute to individuals who recently died in higher education spaces, including Walter Sisulu University student Sisonke Mbalekwa, who was shot during a protest, and deputy vice-chancellor Sinethemba Mpambane.

The budget includes R96 billion for universities, R14 billion for TVET colleges; R48.7 billion for NSFAS and and R26 billion for SETAs and the National Skills Fund.

Despite this, universities face a R1.4 billion shortfall, which the department is addressing with the National Treasury.

TVET colleges remain central to the department’s strategy, with centres of specialisation expanded from 43 to 53, producing over 5000 artisans with a 97% pass rate.

New specialisations include mining, water utility, music and performing arts, while trade test centres increased to 37, and hairdressing has been added as a funded programme.

In terms of university expansion and infrastructure development, key projects include a new Tshwane University of Technology campus at Giyani (2026 enrolments); Phase One of North-West University’s Mining Campus (completion by 2030); and two new CET colleges in Gauteng and Northern Cape.

NSFAS funding has grown from R21.4 million in 1991 to R54 billion in 2024, with an additional R3 billion over three years via the National Skills Fund, supporting the “missing middle”.

Nkabane reaffirmed the goal of training 30,000 artisans by 2030 and highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.

To streamline student access, the Central Application System Bill has been approved by Cabinet and will soon go before Parliament.

Deputy Minister Mimmy Gondwe described the budget as a “catalyst for empowerment”, stressing its role in breaking intergenerational poverty and youth unemployment.

Gondwe cited the need for efficiency, especially at NSFAS, and referenced oversight visits conducted in all nine provinces.

“The legacy of June 1976 obliges us to ensure that young people today are not left behind. We inherited a sector marked by dysfunction,” she said, noting poor communication and delayed disbursements.

She highlighted partnerships with Microsoft, Takealot, Shoprite and others aimed at bridging education and employment, especially in rural institutions.

Agreements with SETAs are also being finalised to support transitions from learnerships to permanent work.

On student accommodation, Gondwe welcomed the R1.2 billion allocation over two years, and praised innovative efforts such as Harmony Gold’s donation of land and KZN Public Works’ repurposing of buildings.

A student helpdesk launched in August 2024 has processed over 25,000 queries, resolving 89% of them. She also announced the “Safer Campuses, Safer Spaces” campaign to address gender-based violence in learning environments.

Gondwe reaffirmed efforts to shut down bogus colleges, with the department collaborating with the police, Home Affairs and local municipalities.

Deputy Minister Buti Manamela called CET colleges “the soul of inclusive education” and noted a 15% rise in completion rates, with a 10% enrolment increase projected for 2025/26.

Manamela emphasised the deployment of digital platforms and blended learning pilots.

Over 200 disused schools and community buildings will be converted into CET centres.

He outlined training in agro-processing, construction, early childhood development and digital literacy.

The Small Business Development Department will help CET students bring their products to market.

Responding to opposition criticism, Manamela defended NSFAS and the department’s leadership.

“Accusations do not constitute convictions,” he said.

He reported that 820,000 students were currently receiving financial aid and that legal processes were underway regarding problematic payment intermediaries.

The broader system was improving, he said, with university graduation rates up 8% and TVET job placements up 22% through industry partnerships.

According to the ministry, the 2025/26 budget affirmed the department’s mission to close equity gaps, expand access and empower the youth through education, skills and opportunity.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The Afrikaans language was celebrated in vibrant and inspiring fashion as learners from across the country gathered at the first-ever “Nou Praat Jy!” national public speaking competition.

The event themed “Afrikaans: ’n taal van kleure en klank” (Afrikaans: a language of colour and sound), was held at Curro Durbanville High School as part of its broader Kultura Festival. It placed the spotlight on Afrikaans youth voices through a uniquely styled duet-format competition that emphasised dialogue, authenticity and linguistic diversity.

Head of the Afrikaans Department at Curro Durbanville and co-organiser of the event, Joline de Klerk, encouraged learners to engage creatively with the topic, delivering speeches in pairs with a conversational flair and in any Afrikaans dialect of their choice including Kaaps, Overberg and Namakwa varieties.

“We wanted to break away from the traditional rigidity of team public speaking. By pairing learners and encouraging spontaneity, we gave them room to express their personalities while celebrating the richness of Afrikaans in all its forms,” De Klerk said.

The competition attracted participants from a wide range of provinces, with standout performances across both Home Language and First Additional Language categories.

Winners walked away with impressive cash prizes, including R10,000 awarded to the top-performing duos in each category.

Notable winners included Hareem Amir from Curro Century City who won the Best Junior First Additional Language Speaker award, while Ngcali Dantile and Madison-Mae Alexander from Curro Durbanville High picked up the Best Senior First Additional Language Speaker awards.

Risa Burger from Durbanville High and Lara Slabbert from Hoërskool Stellenbosch were awarded Best Junior and Best Senior Language speaker awards respectively.

De Klerk said the idea behind Nou Praat Jy! was inspired by a desire to not only mark the 100-year milestone of Afrikaans, but to ignite passion and pride in the language among the youth.

A highlight of the event was a compelling performance by Parel Vallei High School, in which the team alternated seamlessly between Kaapse Afrikaans and Standard Afrikaans, demonstrating both linguistic dexterity and the cultural richness of the language.

“It was powerful to witness how learners expressed that Afrikaans is not a monolith, but dynamic, evolving and inclusive,” De Klerk said.

The event also proved to be a moment of reflection for many First Additional Language speakers.

“Hearing their views on Afrikaans and how it fits into their lives was one of the most touching and enlightening aspects of the day,” De Klerk noted.

Crucially, the event returned to an in-person stage format after years of digital competitions brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There’s something magical about live delivery, the energy, the interaction, the nerves and applause. It brought a level of authenticity that online platforms can’t replicate,” De Klerk said.

Public speaking, according to the organisers, played a critical role in developing learners’ self-confidence, research capabilities and communication skills.

“It’s about more than just winning; it’s about learning how to express yourself clearly, think critically, and speak with purpose,” she said.

The Nou Praat Jy! contest was one of the central features of the week-long Kultura Festival, which aimed to create a vibrant, inclusive arts and culture platform for the Durbanville community.

The festival showcased a wide variety of talents from live musical performances by high school bands to theatre and comedy acts featuring household names like Sandra Prinsloo, Barry Hilton and Francois van Coke.

A parallel wine festival celebrated the region’s viticulture, bringing together local artists, learners and residents in a unified cultural celebration.

“The spoken word is one of the most powerful tools for self-expression and community building. To see our learners use it to honour Afrikaans and share their stories was truly special,” De Klerk said.

Plans are underway to make Nou Praat Jy! an annual fixture on the school and national public speaking calendar, with the hopes of growing participation and drawing more schools into the fold.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The recent appointment of Yali Joyi as the chief financial officer of the KwaZulu-Natal education department has triggered a political and public outcry.

Major teacher unions and opposition parties are demanding her suspension and a full investigation into her past conduct at the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).

The SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) in KwaZulu-Natal has condemned Joyi’s appointment, calling it “reckless, negligent and potentially catastrophic for a department already plagued by financial instability.”

“It is now public knowledge that Ms Joyi resigned from CoGTA under a cloud of damning allegations, including gross financial mismanagement and embezzlement. We find it deeply concerning that someone with unresolved allegations is appointed to a post with such significant fiscal responsibility,” Sadtu KZN secretary Nomarashiya Caluza said this week.

The union noted that while it respected the legal principle that a person was innocent until proven guilty, Joyi’s resignation before facing a disciplinary hearing raised serious questions.

“She chose to resign rather than clear her name. We are demanding to see the investigation report and expect the Department of Education to confirm that she was not implicated before confirming her appointment,” Caluza said.

Until this happens, Sadtu has rejected the appointment outright and is demanding that Joyi be placed on special leave or suspended.

The union also intends to meet education MEC Sipho Hlomuka and HOD Nkosinathi Ngcobo. It also plans to approach the Public Service Commission and the Public Protector to launch independent investigations into the matter.

Joyi was suspended from CoGTA in September last year, along with two other senior officials, after being implicated in procurement-related corruption that allegedly took place in the lead up to the May 2024 general elections.

She formally resigned in January, citing the emotional and health toll the matter had taken on her and her family.

In her resignation letter, Joyi insisted that her departure was “not an admission of guilt”, but said she was stepping down “out of expediency”.

Her resignation effectively halted the internal disciplinary process, leaving questions about her culpability unanswered.

Despite the questions surrounding her exit, the KZN education department offered her the CFO position in a letter dated 7 May 2025, signed by Hlomuka.

The letter, which has since been leaked to the media, does include a clause stating that the department reserves the right to withdraw the appointment if new information comes to light or if there is a dispute regarding the post.

The education department has yet to publicly justify the appointment, despite escalating scrutiny.

The National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa has also raised objections, with spokesperson Thirona Moodley stating: “This is the largest education department in the country. The integrity of a CFO must be beyond reproach and that is not the case here. The department must explain how it came to this decision.”

The Democratic Alliance has taken a more combative stance.

DA education spokesperson Sakhile Mngadi said the party has given Hlomuka five working days to reverse the appointment or face legal and political consequences.

“Instead of being held to account, Ms Joyi has been rewarded with another top government job in a department that’s already facing serious budgetary constraints and service delivery failures. This is cadre deployment, political shielding, and a betrayal of public trust,” Mngadi said.

The DA confirmed it would lodge formal complaints with the Premier’s Office, the Public Service Commission and the Public Protector, and is exploring legal remedies under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.

Mngadi also pointed to the Public Finance Management Act and Public Service Act, which both emphasise ethical and merit-based appointments and disqualify individuals with unresolved allegations of financial misconduct from senior public roles.

The uproar comes at a time when the department is grappling with deep-rooted governance challenges, including infrastructure backlogs, delays in textbook delivery, unpaid service providers and a litany of qualified audit findings from the Auditor-General.

The department is facing a serious cash flow crisis, and teacher unions have repeatedly warned that failing to restore financial credibility could further destabilise the education system.

Hlomuka dismissed concerns surrounding the appointment of Joyi, insisting that she is suitably qualified and that all due processes were followed.

“The person you are talking about is a person who has performed very well, even in previous institutions. She is one of the best financial managers in the managers,” he said.

Hlomuka said the appointment was endorsed by the provincial cabinet, and that no official report from the CoGTA investigation had been received.

He assured that appropriate action would be taken should Joyi be found guilty of any wrongdoing.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoi

Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has unveiled a series of ambitious investments aimed at building a skilled, empowered generation of South Africans.

Addressing hundreds of beneficiaries, academics, artisans and future researchers in attendance at the National Skills Fund (NSF) Beneficiaries Budget Vote Breakfast at Northlink College’s Protea Campus, Nkabane used the platform to reaffirm the department’s commitment to expanding access to post-school education and tackling the country’s critical and scarce skills shortages.

“Our presence here today is not just symbol; it is a celebration of your resilience and an affirmation of our government’s commitment to education as a vehicle for change. We are here to honour your commitment, and we are positive that out of this, more young people will be motivated to grab the opportunities made available by the government to transform not only their own lives, but their communities and families too,” Nkabane said.

The minister announced that for the 2025 academic year, the National Skills Fund had allocated R3 billion through its Bursaries Directorate to fund students studying qualifications listed as critical or scarce skills at public higher learning institutions.

The funding targets deserving students from quintile one and two schools in disadvantaged communities. It recently expanded to support the “missing middle”, who are students whose household income ranges between R350,000 and R650,000 annually.

“We are actively addressing the funding gap by implementing the Missing Middle Funding Policy approved in 2024,” Nkabane explained.

The minister highlighted the growing international reach of South Africa’s scholarship programmes.

Through collaboration with the Department’s International Scholarships Directorate, over 300 students are now studying abroad in countries including Hungary, Mauritius, Russia, China, Ireland, Serbia and Germany, supported by bilateral agreements.

“These students are studying advanced fields such as nuclear engineering, artificial intelligence, cyber technology, and aeronautical engineering. Through our University Capacity Development Programme, we’re building the next generation of academics — the pipeline for 5000 PhDs a year envisioned by the National Development Plan,” Nkabane said.

She also noted that R254 million had been allocated to support over 1500 postgraduate students (Honours to Post-Doctoral), in partnership with the National Research Foundation to expand South Africa’s research and innovation ecosystem.

In a nod to inclusive growth, the minister revealed that the NSF had allocated R241 million to support 1966 students at South Africa’s 11 agricultural colleges, offering short and full-length training in farming and agri-business skills.

“This initiative boosts food security and economic opportunity in rural areas. It has a multiplier effect of empowering communities and promoting sustainability,” Nkabane said.

Deputy director-general for TVET colleges, Sam Zungu, praised the inspiring testimonies of students in attendance.

“We echo the minister’s sentiments, today reminded us why we must never relent in our commitment to youth development. Listening to students’ stories reminds us how far we’ve come and affirms the critical role they play in shaping our economy. To our young people: stay the course. We are with you,” Zungu said.

He called for more frequent engagements like the breakfast event, noting that these spaces allowed the government to showcase its work and be reminded of the powerful impact young South Africans are making.

Deputy director-general for skills development, Zukile Mvalo, echoed this optimism, calling the NSF “a catalyst for change”.

He stressed the fund’s transformational role in empowering communities, while also cautioning against ongoing social challenges.

“We must also confront issues like gender-based violence on campuses. By listening to students and working together, we can make progress. Every artisan trained and learner funded brings us closer to a stronger, fairer South Africa,” Mvalo said.

Nkabane reaffirmed her department’s mission of investing in young people and opening every door possible for them to actively participate in building the economy.

She urged the beneficiaries to become “ambassadors of change”, educating others about opportunities offered by the state.

“We rely on you to spread the word about what is possible when we work together to unlock potential,” she said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The Higher Education and Training Department has unveiled its 2025/26 budget vote, reaffirming its commitment to building an inclusive, equitable and responsive post-school education and training (PSET) system tailored to the needs of South Africa’s youth and national development.

Minister Nobuhle Nkabane presented the R142.7 billion allocation amid a challenging funding environment, following the abrupt cessation of the United States support to South African universities and researchers, which affected half of the country’s 26 public universities.

The department’s budget has increased by an average of 4.4% annually in nominal terms for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period.

“Our commitment remains steadfast: to build a post-school education and training system that is inclusive, equitable and responsive to the needs of our young people and our nation,” Nkabane said.

The minister highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including the completion of phase one of the University of North-West’s Mining Campus by 2030 and the refurbishment of the former Giyani College of Education into a state-of-the-art Tshwane University of Technology campus, set to welcome its first students in 2026.

She praised the government’s efforts to expand access and modernise facilities, particularly in underserved regions.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges received a boosted budget of R14 billion for 2025/26, up from R13.1 billion the previous year, with projections of R14.7 billion next year.

The government is committed to repositioning TVET as a first-choice pathway, combating long-standing perceptions of vocational training as a “backup plan.”

The National Skills Fund (NSF) and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) have a combined budget of R26 billion this year, rising to R27.8 billion to accelerate artisan development.

The National Apprenticeship and Artisan Development Strategy aims to produce 30,000 qualified artisans annually by 2030, with 20,000 targeted in 2025/26.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) budget increases from R48.7 billion in 2024/25 to R51 billion in 2025/26, further rising to R53.4 billion in 2027.

NSFAS currently supports over 811,000 students, including 580,000 university and 231,000 TVET learners.

Nkabane stressed the appointment of a new NSFAS board led by Karen Stender, emphasising a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and maladministration.

Key reform priorities include organisational redesign, loan management, sustainable funding models, student accommodation policies and digital transformation initiatives to harmonise ICT infrastructure across institutions.

In response to court rulings requiring termination of contracts with fintech intermediaries and costly lease agreements, NSFAS is decentralising operations to improve accessibility and financial efficiency. The department is also investigating student accommodation intermediaries charging excessive fees.

Recognising high youth unemployment, the department has set ambitious targets for workplace-based learning – 90,000 opportunities for 2025/26, and 500,000 over the medium term.

These include learnerships, internships and work-integrated learning.

The National Skills Fund will also fund 1000 beneficiaries under Just Energy Transition skills programmes, covering a broad range of occupations to support South Africa’s transition to a greener economy.

South Africa’s assumption of the 2025 G20 Presidency places the department at the forefront of international education collaboration.

It is leading the G20 Education Working Group alongside Basic Education, hosting key meetings in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces.

Priority areas include foundational learning, mutual recognition of qualifications and professional development for changing global contexts.

To adapt to evolving higher education challenges, the department is reviewing and amending key statutes including the Higher Education and Training Act, Continuing Education and Training Act, NSFAS Act, and Skills Development Act.

These reforms aim to improve system efficiency, coordination and responsiveness to 21st-century demands.

Mpumalanga education MEC Cathy Dlamini endorsed the budget, calling it “progressive” and essential for expanding vocational training and higher education access in her province.

She linked the budget to the Youth Month theme, emphasising skills development for meaningful economic participation and applauded the province’s efforts to boost technical schools and improve matric results.

ANC Limpopo MP Malesela Mokwele described the R142.7 billion allocation as a “moral imperative,” focusing on skills development, job creation and transformation of rural and historically disadvantaged institutions.

He highlighted efforts to increase university lecturers with doctoral degrees and boost research capacity.

In a robust response to opposition criticism, Nkabane asserted that rejecting the budget was tantamount to opposing transformation in the PSET sector.

She emphasised the department’s commitment to rooting out corruption and maladministration, clarifying financial management details and NSFAS reforms.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Levy Masiteng

The Gauteng department of education (GDE) has urged the national Basic Education Department to fast track its verification process of education and general assistants to ensure that they are paid without further delay.

“The DBE acknowledged that their new centralised payment system introduced for Phase V is experiencing challenges such as verifying candidate ID numbers against the Department of Home Affairs database, matching those ID numbers and names to the correct bank account details and resolving discrepancies where candidate data does not align with application data on the SAYouth platform,” GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said on Tuesday.

He said that while the DBE had indicated that these processes were intended to strengthen accountability and reduce the risk of fraud, they have caused widespread delay in releasing payments to some candidates, including in Gauteng.

This follows the GDE warning that about 8000 assistants in Gauteng were facing potential delays in their first payment cycle. 

“We remain hopeful that the DBE will fast-track and conclude their verification processes to ensure that all youth employed at our schools are paid without any further delay,” Mabona said in a statement.

He said Gauteng’s data verification was largely completed and validated at school and district level, however, some assistants “remain affected by this delay due to the DBE national centralisation of the payment process”.

The assistants were placed at schools from 1 June as part of the Basic Education Employment Initiative, which is aimed at supporting teaching and learning at schools.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The Democratic Alliance has laid criminal charges against Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, accusing her of lying to Parliament and facilitating African National Congress cadre deployment in key public institutions.

DA MP and national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau, who submitted the charges, accused Nkabane of misleading Parliament about the appointment process for board chairpersons of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

“This is not a case of poor judgment, it is a flagrant and deliberate attempt to deceive Parliament and the South African people. Minister Nkabane has broken the law, violated her oath of office and enabled the continued abuse of public resources to benefit ANC loyalists,” Khakhau said on Tuesday.

The charges, filed at the Cape Town Central Police Station, mark an escalation in the DA’s campaign against what it calls “systemic corruption” under the ANC-led Government of National Unity (GNU).

According to Khakhau, the minister falsely claimed that the appointments were made by an “independent evaluation panel”.

In reality, the panel included her own staff members and political allies, including her chief of staff and a leader of the ANC Youth League.

The most damning evidence cited by the DA is Nkabane’s earlier claim that renowned senior counsel Terry Motau chaired the panel.

Motau has since submitted a formal written denial, stating he neither led nor participated in the process.

In line with the criminal complaint, the DA announced that it would vote against the Higher Education and Training Department’s budget, arguing that it could not in good conscience endorse R19 billion in expenditure under the leadership of a minister who is “under criminal investigation”.

The party also indicated it would oppose other department budgets led by ANC ministers it viewed as complicit in corruption, including those of Thembi Simelane, David Mahlobo and Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

DA federal chairperson Helen Zille joined Khakhau at the police station where she criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for failing to act against Nkabane.

“This is a blatant double standard, Minister Nkabane misled Parliament which is a criminal offence. Yet she remains in Cabinet, while DA Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield was dismissed for a procedural travel matter. Ramaphosa punishes loyalty, but protects criminality,” Zille said.

Khakhau previously held that the party had already lodged complaints with Parliament’s Ethics Committee and the Public Protector, calling the criminal case “step three” of a coordinated plan that began in May.

“We’ve exhausted internal mechanisms, the president has made his priorities clear and the ANC has given marching orders to shield their own. If Parliament won’t act, the DA will,” she said.

The controversy over the SETA appointments comes as Nkabane faces growing pressure from civil society, particularly student organisations.

The South African Students Congress (Sasco) has accused the minister of appointing an “illegally constituted” NSFAS board earlier this year and failing to comply with basic governance provisions in the NSFAS Act.

According to Sasco, the board lacks required representatives from student bodies and the National Treasury, which raises concerns over financial oversight and democratic participation.

“Her attempt to co-opt students after the fact is not only illegal, but also an insult to participatory governance,” Sasco president Alungile Kamtshe said on Sunday.

Sasco has issued a deadline for Nkabane to reconstitute the board by Friday or face legal action and national student protests beginning 1 August.

The student organisation has also decried chronic delays in NSFAS allowances and the student housing crisis, blaming the minister for “structural violence against the working class”.

Experts say the criminal charges could have serious legal consequences if prosecuted.

Under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, knowingly misleading Parliament can amount to fraud with precedent in the case of former ANC MP Tony Yengeni, who was convicted in 2003.

The DA has framed its actions not as GNU sabotage, but as a necessary stand against corruption.

“We joined the GNU to fight corruption, not to enable it,” Khakhau said.

Nkabane’s office declined to comment, citing ongoing legal processes.

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