Minister Buti Manamela Addresses Portfolio Committee on University of Cape Town Developments
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, recently engaged with the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training regarding matters at the University of Cape Town and broader post-school education and training issues. This engagement forms part of ongoing parliamentary oversight of South Africa's higher education sector.
During the session held on 10 June 2026, the minister provided updates on institutional governance, student funding challenges, and strategic priorities for the 2026/27 financial year. The discussion highlighted the department's commitment to accountability and transformation in public universities.
Background on the Portfolio Committee Engagement
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training regularly summons ministers and institutional leaders to account for performance and challenges. In this instance, the focus included specific developments at the University of Cape Town alongside sector-wide concerns such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
Minister Manamela has maintained a consistent presence in these forums, presenting annual performance plans and responding to queries on institutional stability. The June engagement built on earlier briefings, including those related to the 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan.
Key Issues Raised Regarding the University of Cape Town
Discussions centred on governance and operational matters at UCT. Committee members sought clarity on leadership transitions, infrastructure needs, and responses to student concerns. The minister outlined steps taken by the department to support institutional resilience.
UCT continues to play a prominent role in South African higher education, with recent milestones including preparations to host the Times Higher Education World Academic Summit in Cape Town later in 2026. This positions the institution as a key player in continental academic dialogue.
Photo by Bhong Bahala on Unsplash
Broader Higher Education Sector Priorities
Beyond UCT-specific matters, the engagement addressed national challenges including student funding through NSFAS and skills development initiatives. The minister reaffirmed the department's focus on a system reset aligned with the skills revolution mandate.
Presentations covered budget allocations for the 2026/27 period and performance targets for public universities and technical and vocational education and training colleges. Emphasis was placed on improving throughput rates and graduate employability.
NSFAS Administration and Student Funding Updates
The committee also examined the recent decision to place NSFAS under administration following the dissolution of its board. Minister Manamela detailed the procedural steps and the appointment of an administrator to stabilise operations.
These measures aim to address longstanding issues with disbursement delays and governance. The minister committed to regular reporting to Parliament on progress in restoring efficient student support mechanisms.
Transformation and Equity in South African Universities
Equity and transformation remained central themes. The engagement explored progress on staff demographics, student access, and redress programmes across institutions including UCT.
Minister Manamela highlighted collaborative efforts with universities to advance these goals while maintaining academic standards. Discussions touched on the role of regulatory bodies such as the Council on Higher Education in monitoring compliance.
Photo by Gerardo Marrufo on Unsplash
Future Outlook for Higher Education in South Africa
Looking ahead, the minister outlined plans for enhanced oversight and support for universities facing financial and operational pressures. The 2026/27 budget priorities reflect a focus on sustainability and relevance to labour market needs.
Stakeholders, including vice-chancellors and student representatives, continue to engage constructively with the department on these fronts. The Portfolio Committee is expected to schedule follow-up sessions to track implementation.
Implications for Academics and Job Seekers
These parliamentary engagements signal continued government attention to higher education stability, which directly affects employment conditions and career pathways in the sector. Institutions like UCT remain attractive for academic positions amid efforts to strengthen governance.
Prospective faculty and administrators can monitor official DHET channels for updates on institutional developments that may influence recruitment and working environments.
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