African National Congress

Parliamentary Caucus

CAREERS

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION ON ITS OVERSIGHT VISIT TO THE NORTHWEST AND GAUTENG POST-SCHOOL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS (PSET) ON 27-31 JANUARY 2025, DATED 19 MARCH 2025 CHAIRPERSON REMARKS BY HON. WT LETSIE, MP,

FRIDAY, 23 MAY 2025

Honourable Chairperson,

I rise to present the report of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training following our oversight visit to PSET institutions in the Northwest and Gauteng provinces from 27 to 31 January 2025.

The oversight visit sought to assess the state of readiness of PSET institutions in the two provinces, focusing on enrolment processes, funding for new and returning students, and student accommodation provisions, among other imperatives.

The Committee found commendable efforts, such as at the North-West University, where new facilities now house campus protection services and respond decisively to gender-based violence. At Vuselela TVET College, despite student frustration with a slow registration process, progress in NSFAS application processing was noted. Orbit TVET College stood out with its Artificial Intelligence Exhibition Hall and an award-winning smart home innovation designed for the deaf, demonstrating the real potential of student-led innovation.

Notwithstanding these positive strides, several challenges were also noted, such as the shortage of accredited student accommodation exacerbated by the delayed inclusion of some institutions in the NSFAS accommodation pilot; ageing infrastructure; strained relations between organised labour and management in some institutions; and governance issues, such as the disclaimer audit opinion at Taletso TVET College, which highlight the need for urgent reform.

To this end, the Committee has made critical recommendations such as:

  • The immediate implementation of the Central Applications System.
  • Strengthened communication between NSFAS and institutions.
  • Enhanced infrastructure maintenance programmes that leverage student capabilities.
  • A review of the defunding of NSFAS-funded students during the academic year.

Honourable Chairperson,

Education remains a fundamental pillar for eradicating our nation’s persistent poverty, inequality and unemployment challenges. Thus, we must make concerted efforts to not only expand the PSET sector but enhance its quality, relevance, innovation and ability to drive sustainable development and socioeconomic transformation.

It is in this regard that I table this report for consideration and adoption.

Thank you.