Higher Edu Minister vows to be transparent in the latest SETA board nominations
It's the first time he's addressed the media since taking over from Nobuhle Nkabane, who was fired over controversial appointments.
Manamela said the post-school sector is fragmented, underperforming and out of step with the economy's needs, while the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and SETAs remain under pressure.
Briefing members of the media in the City of Tshwane metro on Tuesday, Manamela outlined six priorities, including securing long-term funding from the National Treasury, aligning courses with jobs, tightening governance and creating a unified system.
ALSO READ: Political parties not in agreement on whether Nkabane should still account for SETA board scandal
When asked about the controversial issue of SETA board appointments, Manamela was quick to dismiss suggestions of irregularity, promising transparency.
He said the morale in the department is low, and NSFAS is struggling to get funds to students, and senior vacancies need to be filled at several SETAs.
"From those who have been nominated, we will then apply our minds in terms of who fits the positions required. We are going to make sure that people have the skills and capacity to preside as chairpersons of SETA Boards."
Over the next year, he wants to pilot autonomous colleges, reform community colleges, introduce new TVET curricula and create a national database for the sector.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
eNCA
a day ago
- eNCA
Education Minister plans to reform tertiary education anf training
JOHANNESBURG - The Minister of Higher Education and Training has unveiled a bold plan to reform the post-school education and training system. At the heart of the plan is a promise to stabilise NSFAS, introduce a new funding model, and drive transparency and accountability. Minister Buti Manamela admits that post-school education and training system remains fragmented and uneven. According to the Minister too many young people are locked out of opportunity, too many skills taught are not the skills the economy needs and too many institutions are under performing. Additionally he says the funding models remain unstable with data being incomplete and the system is not coherent enough to guarantee the return on investment that South Africans expect. says the goal is to have a unified, high-performing system that expands access and delivers real opportunities for all - especially the youth.
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Manamela promises to overhaul NSFAS funding model
Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has announced an urgent overhaul of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding model. The Minister outlined the department's vision during a media briefing in Pretoria for the post-school education sector and emphasised that stabilising NSFAS is a top priority in the government's education reform plan. The new model is expected to be developed within the next three months. South Africa is experiencing a surge in demand for built student accommodation, with a significant shortfall of over 500 000 beds needing to be addressed in the sector. Image: Paballo Thekiso The decision to implement these changes comes after widespread concerns about governance, delivery failures, and funding gaps at NSFAS. Manamela acknowledged that "there's been fundamental challenges at NSFAS" but also highlighted that 800 000 students have currently received their allowances. To address the pressing issues, several actions are being taken. The Minister has instructed the CEO and Chairperson of NSFAS to convene an urgent briefing to inform the nation, especially students, on the current state of NSFAS and the challenges it faces. Engagements with Treasury have already begun to fill existing gaps in student funding. A Post-School Education and Training task team will be established to lead the broader overhaul of the post-school education system. "In the next three months, we will stabilise the National Student Financial Aid scheme and set in motion a sustainable student funding model," Manamela said. Additionally, an extensive briefing detailing these plans will be held in early September. Last week, reports emerged that NSFAS' student accommodation management processes and the involvement of third-party partners were under a comprehensive legal review. The student financier said it is currently awaiting the outcome of this review and will implement the recommendations to enhance transparency, integrity, and efficiency in its payment processes. Cape Times
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Eyewitness News
Higher Edu Minister vows to be transparent in the latest SETA board nominations
JOHANNESBURG - Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has promised more transparency in the latest round of Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board nominations. It's the first time he's addressed the media since taking over from Nobuhle Nkabane, who was fired over controversial appointments. Manamela said the post-school sector is fragmented, underperforming and out of step with the economy's needs, while the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and SETAs remain under pressure. Briefing members of the media in the City of Tshwane metro on Tuesday, Manamela outlined six priorities, including securing long-term funding from the National Treasury, aligning courses with jobs, tightening governance and creating a unified system. ALSO READ: Political parties not in agreement on whether Nkabane should still account for SETA board scandal When asked about the controversial issue of SETA board appointments, Manamela was quick to dismiss suggestions of irregularity, promising transparency. He said the morale in the department is low, and NSFAS is struggling to get funds to students, and senior vacancies need to be filled at several SETAs. "From those who have been nominated, we will then apply our minds in terms of who fits the positions required. We are going to make sure that people have the skills and capacity to preside as chairpersons of SETA Boards." Over the next year, he wants to pilot autonomous colleges, reform community colleges, introduce new TVET curricula and create a national database for the sector.
