Latest news with #Manamela
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- 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
- Business
- 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.'
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Midfield maestro hopes to ply trade in big European league
Total Football Excellence (TFE) midfielder maestro Reatlegile Manamela said he looks forward to playing in the Safa Hollywoodbets Regional League. Nicknamed 'Maestro', the versatile midfielder who can play as a central defensive midfielder (CDM) or central attacking midfielder (CAM) was inspired by talented Spanish anchor Sergio Busquets. Read more: Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools excited to announce its Midrand branch development From Noordwyk, Manamela (18) said he plays more like Vítor Machado Ferreira, popularly known as Vitinha. 'I play CDM and CAM… I joined TFE through the Engen Knockout Challenge last year, in June,' said Manamela. He added his dream is to play in one of the big leagues overseas. Manamela is a Grade 11 learner at the Crowthorne-based Midland International School, formerly Midland Primary and High School. He said now that they will be playing in the Safa Hollywood Regional League, he would love for his team to finish in the top 3. 'Locally, my favourite player is Relebogile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates because he plays the game with passion and his proof that hard work pays off. And internationally, I would say Vitinha. I just love the way he controls the game.'. Manamela said his nickname came from his friends while they were playing street football and thought he was just too good. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
New minister Bhuti Manamela brings nothing new
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 NEWLY-APPOINTED Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela's track record contradicts his party, the ANC's claim that his leadership will advance access, equity, and quality in the higher education sector. He has been the higher education and training deputy minister for almost 10 years and it's safe to say that he watched the collapse of entities such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). He was at the helm when poor students were forced to sleep rough on the floor of administration buildings because NSFAS failed to pay for their accommodation. He watched students being attacked by police with stun grenades and tear gas when they demanded to be registered. Manamela had the power to distance himself from his boss, the outgoing Nobuhle Nkabane when she misled Parliament on the controversial appointments of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) board members, which included Buyelembo Mantashe, the son of Nkabane's former boss and Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe. We can go on and on about instances where Manamela chose to take the backseat while Rome was burning, literally. To expect South Africans to believe that he is the right person to turn that ministry's fortunes around is wishful thinking at best or insulting people's intelligence at worst. 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. 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. Advertisement 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. 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 ✕ How do we expect a person who was part of the problem to be responsible for solutions? What his appointment signals is an attempt by the ANC to appease the SACP, Manamela's political home, which intends contesting next year's local government election in protest of the ANC governing with the DA in the so-called Government of National Unity. It's also to stabilise the fractured relations between the ANC and the DA coalition. If not, then why has Ramaphosa not fired other ministers implicated in serious corruption allegations? Nkabane's departure was long overdue. Her arrogance was the true reflection of what the ANC has become. No wonder voters continue rejecting it at the polls. The party's continued lip service to ethical leadership that is grounded in truly addressing the pressing needs of the majority of people of this country will see it lose the little power it still has on some of the key metros in the 2026 local government elections. Last year's national elections were just the beginning of an end. CAPE TIMES
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Outa concerned about new higher education minister
Outa keeps an eye on the department, having completed a report on corruption at NSFAS, and is now calling for action at Setas. Civil action organisation Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) is urging the new Minister of Higher Education Buti Manamela to take urgent action on corruption in the Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas). Wayne Duvenage, CEO of Outa, said the new minister has a huge task ahead, as the Setas are mired in dysfunction, but Outa is concerned that he is too strongly linked to the old guard and the dysfunction and corruption in the department and its entities. 'While minister Manamela brings years of experience to the role, having served as a deputy minister in various portfolios since 2014, his long-standing presence within the higher education department raises serious concerns about continuity rather than change. 'Given his proximity to the dysfunction and corruption that plagued the department of higher education and its entities – particularly the Setas – for more than a decade, his appointment is not a welcome development for those demanding real reform and accountability.' ALSO READ: 'Emails' reveal Nkabane misled Parliament over Seta scandal – but insisted it wasn't intentional Outa on second deputy minister On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa also appointed Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube as deputy minister of higher education and training. Duvenage said Outa did not expect the president to appoint a second deputy minister, as Mimmy Gondwe is already in place as the deputy. 'Over several years, Outa, exposed deep-rooted maladministration, governance failures and corruption at multiple Setas and at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). While there have been some positive developments, such as the appointments of Dr Karen Stander as NSFAS chair and Waseem Carrim as CEO, the Setas remain mired in dysfunction, with little sign of meaningful intervention.' He pointed out that despite repeated adverse findings and qualified audits from the auditor-general, the leadership at entities like the Insurance Seta, Construction Education and Training Authority, Services Seta, Education, Training and Development Practices Seta and Media, Information and Communication Technologies Seta remained intact. 'Executives implicated in mismanagement continue to draw large salaries and bonuses, while the essential mission of developing skills and improving employability is undermined. The Setas cost business taxpayers R21 billion a year, but do not deliver value for money. 'Outa urges minister Manamela to demonstrate a break from the past by acting swiftly and decisively to restore integrity and oversight across the Seta environment. This must begin with the urgent appointment of new Seta board chairs who are ethical, independent and free from political interference to ensure that executive management is properly held to account.' He said Outa will write to Manamela to request an urgent meeting to share the substantial evidence and insights Outa gathered over the years on systemic corruption within the Setas. ALSO READ: Nzimande pulls knives out as Outa stands by report claims Outa wins against former NSFAS chair Meanwhile the high court found last week that Outa did not have to give the former National Student Financial Aid Scheme chair a right of reply to the organisation's report on corruption at the entity. The Johannesburg High Court backed Outa over publication of its NSFAS report, ruling that former NSFAS chair Ernest Khosa did not have a right to pre-publication comment before Outa published a report implicating him in corruption. 'A person implicated in acts of corruption in a report published by a private actor does not have the right to a hearing prior to publication,' the court said. The dispute revolved around a report and statement Outa published about NSFAS and Khosa in early 2024, implicating him in corruption with NSFAS suppliers. Khosa resigned a few months later. Advocate Stefanie Fick, executive director at Outa's accountability division, said Khosa wanted the court to order Outa to remove the report from its website and order that he be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations, that the report only be republished once this was completed to his satisfaction and that the republished report contain an accurate record of his responses to each allegation. However, Outa refused to remove the report, but offered to hear Khosa's version and update the report accordingly, but Khosa declined. Khosa argued that he had a right to respond to the allegations before Outa released the report but the court found that no such legal obligation exists, especially for private actors acting in the public interest. ALSO READ: Higher education minister Nkabane announces new NSFAS board to drive reform Judgment means organisations like Outa can expose wrongdoing without right of reply Fick said the legal significance of this judgment lies in its clarification of the rights and obligations of private actors, such as Outa, when publishing reports implicating individuals in alleged wrongdoing. 'This judgment reaffirms our constitutional right to expose maladministration and corruption without facing undue procedural barriers. Khosa's attempt to silence public interest reporting under the guise of procedural fairness was rightly dismissed by the court.' Acting Judge GA Fourie found: Khosa had no right to a pre-publication notice because there is no requirement in law for Outa to notify individuals before publishing allegations in a public interest report; Outa, as a private entity, does not exercise public powers or perform public functions. Its investigations and publications are not binding and do not carry statutory authority. This distinction is critical in determining the scope of procedural obligations owed by private entities; The right to dignity and reputation does not override the constitutional protection of free speech, especially when allegations serve the public good; The appropriate legal avenue for challenging potentially defamatory content is through defamation proceedings, not through pre-publication interdicts; and Constitutional rights do not extend horizontally to impose obligations on private entities like Outa in the way Khosa claimed. ALSO READ: Don't let Andile Nongogo near public money – Outa Judgment protects civil society organisations to expose corruption Fick said this judgment reinforces the principle that private actors are not bound by the same procedural obligations as public entities. 'It also protects the ability of civil society organisations to expose corruption without undue interference, while preserving the common-law remedies available to individuals who feel aggrieved by such publications. 'Khosa did not complain that the Outa report was defamatory or deal with the veracity of the allegations against him. He did not even include the report in his founding papers. This gives rise to concerns that the intention was to prevent or delay publication of the report, or distort it, which should be avoided. 'The judge said 'the impact on the ability of whistle-blowers and other private actors to expose corruption would be significant'. The court dismissed the application with costs, noting that although the matter raised novel legal questions, there was no basis for granting the relief Khosa sought.'
