By Johnathan Paoli
This week, Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to enhancing educational support and quality within the sector.
In an update during a social cluster question and answer session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Nkabane outlined the government’s progress on various initiatives aimed at improving access to higher education and addressing key challenges in the sector.
She confirmed that the government had begun implementing recommendations from recent reviews, including the introduction of the income contingent loan system and full funding for TVET students.
This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure that students from low-income backgrounds can access higher education without financial barriers.
Addressing concerns about rising tuition fees, Nkabane noted that the Higher Education Act of 1999 did not grant the department the authority to regulate these fees directly.
However, she announced that workshops and consultations were underway to reach a consensus on the appropriate tuition fee increases for the 2025 academic year.
“Our goal is to keep university tuition affordable while ensuring that quality education is not compromised,” she said.
The minister highlighted plans to focus on upskilling and reskilling educators within higher learning institutions, which aimed to enhance the quality of education and better prepare graduates for the evolving job market.
On the assessment front, Nkabane reported significant progress in the National Examinations and Assessment system for TVET colleges.
She emphasised that the Chief Directorate has made strides to eliminate any backlog in certificate issuance, thus further supporting students in their educational and career pathways.
In alignment with the National Development Plan, the department has established the Centre of Specialisation Programme to enhance vocational education and training.
Nkabane revealed that several skills development centres have been built across various provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, with additional centres planned.
On the topic of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Nkabane provided an update on measures taken to stabilise the entity.
She emphasised the need to fix the NSFAS, which has been under scrutiny in recent years due to funding challenges and administrative issues.
“Our goal is to ensure that every deserving student has access to financial aid to pursue their educational aspirations. We are working diligently to rectify the systemic issues within NSFAS to provide reliable and efficient support,” she stated.
She mentioned the establishment of regular meetings with NSFAS administrator Freeman Nomvalo and relevant stakeholders, as well as efforts to appoint a new board.
“We are committed to ensuring that we enhance governance and accountability within NSFAS,” she said.
In response to concerns raised about governance issues at the University of Fort Hare, the minister confirmed that the institution was actively addressing the challenges highlighted by the former higher education minister Blade Nzimande in 2023.
The university council is reportedly working on comprehensive plans to improve its governance structure and restore its reputation.
Nkabane said by implementing financial aid reforms, addressing tuition fees and focusing on quality education, the government aimed to ensure that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, had the opportunity to succeed in higher education.
As initiatives roll out, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the impact on students and institutions alike.
INSIDE EDUCATION
