Ramaphosa University Expansion Plan Stirs Debate: SONA 2026 Push for New Universities in South Africa

In his 2026 State of the Nation Address delivered on February 12, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined ambitious plans to expand South Africa's higher education landscape by directing the Ministers of Finance and Higher Education to develop proposals for building additional universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. These new institutions would feature specialised areas of focus, aimed at absorbing the growing number of matriculants qualifying for post-school education. This announcement comes amid a severe capacity crunch in the public university system, where over 500,000 eligible applicants are expected to be turned away for the 2026 academic year despite record-high matric pass rates.

The Roots of the Higher Education Capacity Crisis

South Africa's higher education sector has long grappled with insufficient infrastructure to meet demand. Public universities enrolled approximately 1.07 million students in 2023, with enrolment targets set to reach 1.18 million by 2030 according to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). However, first-year spaces remain critically limited at around 235,000 annually, far short of the nearly one million matriculants, many of whom achieve bachelor passes. Institutions like Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape reportedly rejected around 500,000 applicants for 2026 alone, highlighting a 'capacity wall' exacerbated by stagnant funding and ageing facilities.

This crisis disproportionately affects students from disadvantaged backgrounds, with over two-thirds of last year's bachelor passes coming from no-fee schools. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has expanded access, funding over 900,000 students last year, but physical spaces and accommodation lag behind.

Record Matric Results Amplify the Pressure

The 2025 matric results marked a historic high, fuelling demand for university places. Yet, universities such as the University of Cape Town received over 106,000 undergraduate applications for just 6,000 spots at Stellenbosch University. This mismatch has sparked protests at campuses like the University of Fort Hare and the University of Limpopo, where students demand better accommodation and resources before new builds.

Historical Promises and Lingering Doubts

Ramaphosa's pledge echoes earlier commitments, notably the 2020 SONA announcement of the University of Science and Innovation (USI) in Ekurhuleni. Six years later, the site remains undeveloped—little more than bushes and a dilapidated building—drawing sharp criticism for government inaction. Plans for five new universities announced in prior years have seen slow progress, raising questions about feasibility in an era of fiscal constraints.

Despite this, proponents argue that specialised institutions could fill gaps in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), aligning with economic needs.

Political Reactions: A Divided Response

The announcement has ignited debate across the political spectrum. African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) leader Kenneth Meshoe praised it as a step toward skilling the youth, particularly through TVET expansion. Conversely, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema dismissed it as electioneering, pointing to unfulfilled past promises: 'We were supposed to hear today how far is the University of Ekurhuleni.'

• Rise Mzansi's Songezo Zibi: Support new universities but prioritise revitalising existing ones like Fort Hare to end student protests over accommodation.
• Build One South Africa (BOSA)'s Mmusi Maimane: Endorse skills focus but call for raising the quality pass rate from 30% to feed more graduates into the job market.

Stakeholder Views from Higher Education Leaders

University vice-chancellors and student bodies express cautious optimism. The DHET's enrolment planning from 2026 to 2030 emphasises sustainable growth, but experts warn that new builds must address quality assurance. For aspiring academics, this could mean more lecturer positions; check opportunities on university-jobs in South Africa.

Student organisations highlight NSFAS delays and accommodation woes, urging immediate action alongside expansion.

Funding and Implementation Challenges

Key hurdles include budget allocation amid austerity. The skills levy reform—restoring 20% to 40% returns to employers—could fund TVETs, but capital for universities requires public-private partnerships. Ramaphosa's directive for innovative student housing finance, partnering with banks, aims to unlock private investment.

Lessons from stalled projects underscore the need for clear timelines, governance, and community buy-in to avoid repeating past failures.

TVET Colleges: Backbone of the Skills Revolution

Parallel to universities, TVET expansion targets artisan shortages via a dual training model blending classroom and workplace learning. Reforms to Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) promise better alignment with industry, positioning TVETs as gateways to employment rather than dead ends.

• Specialised focus in high-demand sectors like renewables and digital tech.
• Increased artisan production to support economic growth.
• Integration with NSFAS for broader access.

For career advice on TVET paths, visit higher-ed-career-advice.

Student Accommodation: An Urgent Priority

With protests rife, Ramaphosa tasked the Higher Education Minister to collaborate with financial institutions on housing solutions. Current shortages force thousands into unsafe private digs, impacting studies. Innovative models like guaranteed offtake agreements could spur development.

Potential Economic and Social Impacts

If realised, the expansion could add tens of thousands of spots, boosting graduate output and innovation hubs. Linked to the National Development Plan, it promises reduced youth unemployment—currently over 40%—by producing job-ready skills. For researchers eyeing postdoc roles, see higher-ed-jobs/postdoc.

Case Studies: Lessons from Ongoing Developments

While Ekurhuleni lags, other initiatives progress: The University of Mpumalanga and Sol Plaatje University, established post-2010, demonstrate scalability despite teething issues. These offer blueprints for specialised curricula and regional equity.

Photo by Zandri Cooper on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Actionable Steps

The proposal's success hinges on swift ministerial action, transparent timelines, and monitoring. Aspiring students should explore alternatives like TVETs or private providers while advocating via unions. Academics and administrators can contribute via DHET consultations.

Track professor ratings on rate-my-professor and job listings at higher-ed-jobs, university-jobs, or post your vacancy at post-a-job. For SA-specific roles, browse za.

For deeper insights into SA higher ed readiness, see related coverage on higher ed readiness 2026.