Public universities carry cost of broken funding system, says NWU professor
This is according to Prof Linda du Plessis, senior deputy vice-chancellor: teaching and learning at North West University (NWU), who warns that the strain placed on universities by NSFAS and various sector education and training authorities (Setas) is threatening their ability to function, deliver quality education and contribute to national development.
'The dysfunction at the heart of NSFAS and various Setas has been the topic of many recent media articles,' she said.
'This focus is needed as it directly affects the academic journey and future of South Africa's most vulnerable students. However, what continues to receive little or no acknowledgment is the burden these failures place on the very institutions tasked with delivering quality higher education: the public universities,' said Du Plessis.
According to Du Plessis, universities have for years had to absorb the impact of NSFAS mismanagement, often without being consulted or supported.
'While minister [Nobuhle] Nkabane and her department continue to promise reforms, universities remain on the receiving end of a crumbling system that is fast becoming unsustainable — not just for students, but for the institutions themselves.'
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Daily Maverick
a day ago
- Daily Maverick
Broken promises — how SA's Seta system leaves young job seekers behind
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However, as Daily Maverick has reported, the nation's 21 Setas have been crippled by corruption, governance issues and substantial institutional challenges that have hindered them from fully realising their mandate – and the biggest losers of this failure are the young people the Setas are meant to empower. 'I trained as a stenographer for four months, then they sent me to train as a clerk of the court for another three months. I worked hard to learn everything I could because the learnership was all I needed to complete my diploma in public management,' Ongeziwe Nota told Daily Maverick. The now 28-year-old went through the Seta-funded training in 2020, but five years later she says she has not been able to secure a job despite the workplace learning opportunity. 'I have not had a job since 2020. Every time I apply they tell me that I don't have the right skills and that I don't have experience. It's hard for me to understand because I thought that having done the programme at the Department of Justice, at least that would mean something on my CV,' she said. Asked whether she thought the learnership was enough to prepare her for entering the working world, Nota said: 'My training was not enough. I expected to be trained in different roles in the court, but they only took me to two places. I left without knowing anything about DV, maintenance or financial systems. But even the training I did get was not enough because no one wants to hire me.' System out of step with change Speaking to Daily Maverick, Ravi Naidoo, CEO of the Youth Employment Service (YES), offered insight into why the Setas have been ineffective in fulfilling their mandate, and a sobering assessment of the Seta landscape. At the heart of Naidoo's critique is a mismatch between what Setas deliver and what the labour market demands. 'Let's say there's artificial intelligence happening, people need to learn about new technologies. It'll take us four years to put in place a new curriculum. That's too slow. By the time it's out the sector has already moved on. The Seta system needs to be reformed. Right now it is very complex, bureaucratic and not properly aligned to the demand side of the economy,' he explained. In a fast-changing world, the Setas function like 'a supertanker when we need a smaller, faster boat', Naidoo said, drawing attention to how institutional inertia is stifling innovation. 'The Seta model is really an old, big industry, big labour, industrial model. It made sense in the 1960s, but it doesn't work now.' The problem was not simply poor execution, it was structural. Even with improved efficiency, Naidoo argues that the current vehicle is essentially 'the wrong vehicle'. Failure to pay stipends Students have also endured hardships due to the lack of transparency and funding by the Setas, which have various functions designed to upskill, develop and fund students in the post-school education sector. Daily Maverick spoke to a student from rural Ebuhleni village in Mpumalanga, who wished to remain anonymous. He was studying finance at Ehlanzeni TVET College and was scheduled to complete his training at Joy Home-Based Care in Barberton, Mbombela. However, he was unable to complete this in-training service because his stipend ended. Confused about whether it was his workplace or the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority that had delayed the funds, he dropped out with only three months left. 'I was affected because I came very far. I was never able to complete the training; I owed my landlord three months' rent, the food was almost finished, and transportation was another problem. I left my furniture there in Barberton,' the student said. This had affected his passion for school: 'It feels like I have never done anything because I never got to the finishing line. I wanted a diploma, but I don't have it because I don't have a completion letter [from the workplace].' The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority is responsible for education, training and skills development in the health, social development and veterinary sectors. Critical role of NGOs in strengthening Seta mandates Mandiphiwe Levani, the lead on emerging opportunities at the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, stresses that NGOs play an indispensable role in complementing the efforts of Setas to improve employment outcomes. Unlike rigid bureaucracies, NGOs often operate with greater flexibility and employer connectivity, helping bridge gaps between formal training and practical work readiness. Key contributions NGOs can make include: Enhanced data and outcome tracking: Harambee's SA Youth Platform, with millions of registered young job seekers, provides a transparent, digital repository to track learner progress from training to employment. This capability enables SetaAs to access accurate, real-time data to evaluate and refine their programmes. Employer linkage and work experience facilitation: NGOs facilitate critical connections between learners, educational institutions and employers, easing the challenge of securing workplace-based learning and internships – essential for skills application and job readiness. Finishing schools for work readiness: NGOs provide post-training practical skills, soft skills development and job readiness interventions. These 'finishing school' functions are crucial in preparing young people for permanent employment, especially where Seta or TVET programmes fall short. Innovation pilots and programmatic agility: Agile NGO models can test innovative approaches to skills delivery and employment support that, once proven, Setas could adopt or scale. This partnership facilitates dynamic responses to changing industry needs. By embracing collaborative frameworks, Setas can harness NGO expertise and networks to overcome current systemic shortcomings. Institutional challenges and the path forward Both Levani and Naidoo agree that reinforcing Setas to fulfil their mandate in today's challenging economic environment requires: Market-driven reform: Setas must improve their responsiveness to labour market demands through continuous engagement with diverse employers, including informal sector actors; Reduced bureaucratic burden: Streamlining administrative processes to allow for more agile decision-making and programme adaptation; Data-driven governance: Investing in robust data systems to track learner outcomes and inform evidence-based policy and operational decisions; Strengthened multi-stakeholder collaboration: Deepening partnerships with NGOs, private sector organisations, TVET colleges and youth themselves to foster holistic skills development and employment pathways; and Focused investment in high-demand sectors: Aligning funding and training curriculums with emerging growth industries that promise sustainable youth employment opportunities. For Setas to fulfil their mandate, Naidoo argues, they must shift from being enrolment-driven to outcome-driven. They must measure completion, work readiness and employment outcomes. But more than that, they need to work with agile partners like YES. 'You don't want to take away something that's working and replace it with something worse,' he cautioned. 'But you have to ask: If you were to change the Setas, what would you replace the change part with?' DM
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Nsfas backs new Higher Education leadership, reaffirms support
Nsfas reiterated its central role in the national project to transform higher education through inclusive policy and funding reform. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) has pledged its full support for newly appointed Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela, and Deputy Minister Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube. Nsfas reaffirmed its commitment to transforming South Africa's higher education sector. The Nsfas board congratulated both leaders following their appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week, describing the move as an opportunity to drive innovation and improve access to quality education for students across the country. 'The board is confident that Minister Manamela's leadership will inspire ongoing progress and innovation within the sector, thereby promoting greater access and success for South Africa's students,' Nsfas said in a statement. Confidence in new leadership Manamela, who previously served as deputy minister in the same department during the sixth administration, replaces Dr Nobuhle Nkabane. Dube-Ncube, a seasoned public servant and former KwaZulu-Natal premier, was appointed in terms of section 93(b) of the constitution. Nsfas lauded the experience both bring to the ministry, particularly Dube-Ncube's track record in governance. 'Her unwavering dedication will undoubtedly enhance the ministry's efforts to support learners and institutions nationwide,' the board stated. The swearing-in ceremony for the two leaders took place at Tuynhuys in Cape Town, officiated by President Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile. ALSO READ: Five things you need to know about the new higher education minister Buti Manamela Pushing forward with innovation and inclusion Nsfas reiterated its central role in the national project to transform higher education through inclusive policy and funding reform. 'Nsfas remains dedicated to supporting the ministry's vision and government's vision of transforming higher education through innovative funding solutions and inclusive policies,' it said. The scheme said it looks forward to working closely with both Manamela and Dube-Ncube. 'We look forward to collaborating with the minister to advance accessible, high-quality higher education for all South Africans.' The board's remarks come at a time when the funding model and operations of Nsfas are under scrutiny, making its alignment with the new leadership critical for rebuilding trust and improving delivery. NOW READ: Ramaphosa fires Nobuhle Nkabane, appoints new higher education minister
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
NSFAS board expresses confidence in new higher education leadership
Western Cape High Court Judge President Nolwazi Penelope Mabindla-Boqwana conducts the swearing-in of newly-appointed Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela. Image: Kopano Tlape / GCIS The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board says Higher Education and Training Minister Bhuti Manamela's leadership and Deputy Minister Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube's experience will contribute to the betterment of the sector. The board made the statements when congratulating Manamela and Dube-Ncube on their appointments. 'The board is confident that Minister Manamela's leadership will inspire ongoing progress and innovation within the sector, thereby promoting greater access and success for South Africa's students. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Minister to advance accessible, high-quality higher education for all South Africans,' NSFAS said in a statement. 'The board also congratulates Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube on her appointment as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication will undoubtedly enhance the ministry's efforts to support learners and institutions nationwide.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Western Cape High Court Judge President Nolwazi Penelope Mabindla-Boqwana conducts the swearing-in of newly-appointed Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube. Image: Kopano Tlape / GCIS NSFAS said it is committed to supporting the ministry's and government's vision for higher education transformation. This is achieved by providing innovative funding solutions and inclusive policies, thereby improving access and quality in the sector as a key national partner. It said the board looks forward to collaborating with Minister Manamela and Deputy Minister Dube-Ncube to further these important goals. Manamela and Dube-Ncube's appointment comes after the sacking of former Higher Education and Training minister Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane. On Monday, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said President Cyril Ramaphosa removed Nkabane from the role of Minister of Higher Education and Training and has, in terms of Section 91(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, appointed Manamela as Minister of Higher Education and Training. Additionally, Ramaphosa, in accordance with Section 93(b) of the Constitution, appointed Dube-Ncube as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Nkabane has been criticised for her decision-making and higher education policies. Speaking to eNCA earlier this week, Nkabane said Ramaphosa called her on Monday and told her about his decision. 'All signs were there…that there are some forces on the ground that want me out of the system,' she said. 'To be honest, I am not even shocked, and I have just accepted the dismissal because the president, in terms of the Constitutional prerogative, has powers and functions. According to Section 91(2), he has the right to appoint and dismiss the deputy president, ministers, and deputy ministers..' 'So, I accept the dismissal by the president and I take it positively, and I feel I have been honoured to have been entrusted with such a huge responsibility to lead the Department of Higher Education and Training, and post-school education and the training system entirely.'
