Edwin Naidu
Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, the new Minister of Higher Education in the Government of National Unity, is not under any illusion of the enormous task facing her.
“My vision for the higher education and training sector empowers graduates to contribute to the body of knowledge, enabling the government to make informed decisions to tackle our country’s socioeconomic challenges,” she told Inside Education.
Nkabane takes over from Dr Blade Nzimande, who was appointed Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, with a list of priorities to fix the funding problem and tackle gender inequality, among other issues.
The lifelong learner from Mfundweni Village, a small rural town in Umzimkhulu in the Harry Gwala Region of KwaZulu-Natal, said she wants to see more women with PhDs and with extensive experience in the sector challenge the heavily male-dominated status quo by becoming vice-chancellors at institutions of higher learning.
Nkabane brings to her role a wealth of academic qualifications from various institutions of higher learning, including a PhD in Administration from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Her vision for the higher education sector is one of inclusivity.
She aims to make it accessible to all qualifying students, produce quality education, and effectively manage student funding and disbursements through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
As we embark on the 7th Administration, Nkabane’s immediate priorities for the Ministry of Higher Education are clear. They will be guided by ANC Manifesto priority 4, “improving education and skills”, and the Constitution’s affirmation that “Everyone has the right to further education”.
Elaborating, she added that the state, through reasonable measures, must make education “progressively available and accessible” through:
- Remodelling student funding and the management of disbursement of funds (NSFAS);
- Infrastructure development;
- Ensuring quality education;
- Transformation of the sector;
- Positioning Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as the centre for technical skills acquisition; and
- Ensuring that SETAs are practical and efficient.
“As the government, we are noting a mismatch between skills and labour market demands in the country, which requires an aggressive approach for urgent and strategic action. With effective and efficient TVET Colleges and CET Colleges that respond to the country’s skills needs and high levels of unemployment, I see the sector reshaping shortly to ensure alignment between curricula and industry needs.
“The current curriculum limits graduates’ employability and entrepreneurial potential, which then translates to a high unemployment rate and hinders the sector’s contribution to economic development in South Africa.
“Upskilling and reskilling should be another area of focus through SETA’s,” the Minister said.
Nkabane firmly believes that the tertiary sector has the research capacity to address the current challenges. She is committed to supporting and enhancing this capacity, instilling a sense of confidence and security.
The Minister said that the sector is in the first phase of implementing a comprehensive student funding model to address some of the challenges in the current funding system and that this will help reshape South Africa regarding skills output and job creation.
If all systems were adequate and efficient in the higher education and training sector, government investment in education could increase productivity and creativity and stimulate entrepreneurship.
She believes this would address the country’s triple challenges of inequality, poverty, and unemployment, resulting in economic growth and development.
“We reaffirm our commitment to access to quality education as per the Freedom Charter, which states that ‘the doors of learning and culture shall be open to all.’ We are saying the doors of learning are indeed open,” she added.
Nkabane’s commitment to learning is an inspiration.
“I attended Ibisi Primary School in a small village in Umzimkhulu; attended Ibisi High but completed in Task Force High School. My post-matric qualifications were at different institutions: Durban University of Technology, UNISA, University of Kwazulu Natal, University of Stellenbosch, and short programmes at the University of Cape Town and the University of Western Cape. I am studying towards an MSc and Masters with SOAS University of London and Wits Business School.”
The Minister cut her political teeth at a young age by joining the ANC and serving in various leadership positions within the organisation and leagues at branch, regional, and provincial levels.
Nkabane was among the leaders of the ANCYL in the then Sisonke Region, which motivated the renaming of Sisonke District Municipality to Harry Gwala District Municipality in honour of struggle stalwart Harry Gwala.
She served on the Provincial Executive Committee of the ANC, ANCWL, and ANCYL in Kwa Zulu-Natal. She also served as a Shop Steward of the South African Municipal Workers Union and was elected to the National Executive Committee at its 55th National Conference.
Asked what went through her mind when the president called to inform her about her appointment, Nkabane said: “To be honest … I had mixed feelings: both excitement and anxiety due to the magnitude of the responsibility that I have been entrusted with to execute ‘improving education and skills’.”
She says the inspirational words of President Nelson Mandela, who said, “Education is the only weapon we can use to change the world”, along with her positive thinking attitude, helped her.
“My realistic optimism helped me think and feel differently …I believe I am equal to the task.
The movement has sharpened my skills and competencies to execute the responsibility with distinction.
Obviously, by working together with both internal and external stakeholders, I believe I will lead this country to a brighter future,” she said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
