Overview of DHET Oversight Activities at Nelson Mandela University

In late February 2026, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) conducted a series of high-profile oversight visits to Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. These visits, led by key figures including Deputy Minister Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Acting Director-General Ms Thembisa Futshane, aimed to evaluate the institution's readiness for the 2026 academic year. Amid ongoing student protests over funding and housing, the inspections highlighted several compliance challenges in student welfare, infrastructure, and administrative practices. NMU, South Africa's largest university in the Eastern and Southern Cape with approximately 27,000 to 30,000 students, serves a diverse student body, many reliant on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

The oversight came on the heels of a Portfolio Committee on Higher Education visit on February 4, 2026, which flagged urgent issues in residence maintenance and accommodation policies. These events underscore broader pressures in South African higher education, where institutions grapple with fiscal constraints, enrollment surges, and demands for equitable support.

Timeline of Key Oversight Engagements

The sequence of events began with the Portfolio Committee's assessment on February 4 at NMU's Ocean Sciences Campus in Summerstrand. Focus areas included academic planning, student support systems, infrastructure, accommodation, funding via NSFAS, and campus safety. This was followed by Acting DG Futshane's inspection of the North Campus, including the Claude Qavane male residence, emphasizing infrastructure and efficiency grants.

On February 27, Deputy Minister Dube-Ncube visited the North Campus and nearby Gqeberha Community Education and Training (CET) College as part of an Eastern Cape tour. These unannounced checks ensured compliance with national standards for post-school education and training (PSET) institutions. Earlier protests from February 12-14, involving road blockades and clashes with security, had disrupted operations, prompting NMU to secure an interdict against further unrest.

• February 4: Portfolio Committee oversight for 2026 readiness.
• Mid-February: Student protests over NSFAS delays and housing shortages.
• Late February: DHET leadership visits inspecting residences and support systems.

Residence Maintenance: A Critical Compliance Gap

Site inspections revealed maintenance shortfalls in NMU's on-campus residences, where some facilities fell short of standards for safe, clean, and dignified living. Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mr Tebogo Letsie, stressed that subpar accommodations undermine academic success. Common issues included deteriorating infrastructure despite DHET's Infrastructure and Efficiency Grant allocations.

NMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa acknowledged the need for swift upgrades, committing to prioritized repairs. This aligns with national calls for PSET institutions to maintain environments conducive to learning, especially for NSFAS-funded students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Cashless Meals System Under Scrutiny

A contentious element was NMU's cashless meals management system, mandatory for NSFAS-residents. Students load funds via cards or apps for campus outlets, but SRC President Ms Somila Komani reported insufficient allocations, leading to hunger and reduced academic performance. Many students divert allowances to family support or essentials, exacerbating the issue.

The committee advocated flexibility and consultation, warning against rigid enforcement that ignores socio-economic realities. Misuse concerns, like online betting, were noted, but the focus remained on balancing oversight with empathy. Comparable systems at other South African universities face similar critiques, highlighting a need for nationwide guidelines.

Accommodation Practices and NSFAS Challenges

Private NSFAS-accredited housing drew sharp criticism for exploitative practices. Students alleged landlords demand illegal top-up fees and rig inspections for accreditation. The committee recommended lifestyle audits for NSFAS accreditors and joint inspections involving universities, NSFAS, and stakeholders.

February 2026 protests amplified these woes: delays in NSFAS approvals left unfunded students homeless, sparking violent clashes. By February 16, NMU reported 20,350 NSFAS students registered, but temporary housing was offered amid ongoing talks. Nationally, NSFAS funding delays affect thousands, with R47 billion allocated for 2026, yet administrative bottlenecks persist.

For more on navigating financial aid in South African higher education, check higher ed career advice.

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Foreign Nationals Employment: Navigating Compliance

Labour unions, represented by Mr Jason Barnes, raised alarms over foreign staff hiring without clear policies. NMU clarified no active recruitment where qualified South Africans exist, but parliament flagged national non-compliance rates, with some reports citing 77% issues in processes. DHET Director-General Dr Nkosinathi Sishi pledged support for frameworks aligning with the Critical Skills List and immigration laws.

This reflects a sector-wide challenge, where foreign expertise fills gaps but must prioritize locals per labour equity goals. Penalties for non-compliance include fines or imprisonment, urging proactive audits.

Student Protests: Symptoms of Systemic Strain

NMU's February protests blocked roads and led to rubber bullet injuries, rooted in NSFAS rejections, registration blocks, and accommodation shortages. Unfunded first-years, many from rural areas, faced exclusion despite meeting criteria. NMU's response included Google Forms for affected students and temporary solutions, restoring calm by mid-February.

These events mirror nationwide unrest, with DHET attributing disruptions to funding mismatches rather than indiscipline. Postgraduate applications surged 47.8% for 2026, intensifying pressure.

Stakeholder Perspectives and NMU's Position

SRC leaders decried hunger from meal shortfalls and exploitation in private digs. Unions pushed labour protections, while NMU highlighted women in leadership and transformation efforts. The committee balanced critique with praise for enrollment successes, urging collaborative fixes.

DHET emphasized PSET readiness, with Minister Buti Manamela briefing parliament on reforms. NMU's Vision 2030 strategy aligns budgeting with DHET reporting for sustainable growth.

National Implications for South African Universities

NMU's challenges echo sector trends: NSFAS overload (over 1 million beneficiaries), infrastructure backlogs, and immigration compliance. Parliament warned all institutions on foreign hires, while TVET/CET scrutiny addresses enrollment readiness. Budget 2026 allocates R50.5 billion to universities, R54.3 billion to NSFAS, yet gaps persist.

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Recommended Solutions and Path Forward

• Swift residence upgrades using efficiency grants.
• Flexible meals policies with student input.
• Transparent NSFAS-private housing audits and joint checks.
• DHET-guided foreign employment frameworks.
• Digital tools for faster funding approvals.

NMU pledged implementation, with DHET monitoring. AI predictive tools for dropout prevention, as piloted elsewhere, offer promise.

Photo by Desola Lanre-Ologun on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Opportunities in Higher Education

As NMU addresses these, expect stabilized operations and enhanced compliance. With growing PG demand, institutions like NMU will prioritize skilled faculty. Job seekers can find roles in administration, lecturing, and support via higher ed jobs, university jobs, or lecturer jobs.

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