6 March 2026

The ANC Study Group on Higher Education and Training welcomes the appointment of Dr Robert Nkuna as the Administrator of the College of Cape Town. This decisive intervention by Minister Buti Manamela was supported by the findings and recommendations of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, ably chaired by the Honourable Tebogo Letsie. The work of the Portfolio Committee played a critical role in supporting the Minister in exercising his oversight responsibilities and ensuring that urgent steps were taken to stabilise the institution.

The ANC Study Group had previously expressed deep concern regarding reported allegations, which were subsequently confirmed through investigations. These included widespread governance failures, irregular appointments and secondments, loss of NSFAS funding, increased dropouts, low staff morale, procurement irregularities, and an overall deterioration of the institutional environment, which negatively affected teaching and learning.

These developments underscore the importance and effectiveness of existing parliamentary oversight mechanisms in addressing serious governance failures within public institutions. Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the constitutional right to education as guaranteed in Section 29 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

As recommended in the Final Report of the College of Cape Town Stabilisation and Governance Support Team, we call for the full implementation of all recommendations, including, but not limited to, the appointment of an Administrator to stabilise governance at the institution, a step we commend the Minister for already having undertaken. We further emphasise the need to strengthen institutional support services and ensure that student representation is prioritised. Students remain central stakeholders in the higher education system and must not be sidelined in processes aimed at restoring institutional stability.

In addition, we support the reconstitution of the Academic Board under the guidance of the Administrator and call on the Auditor-General of South Africa to assist with strengthening measures relating to financial management and supply chain processes. The recovery and proper utilisation of public funds remain critical, as these resources must ultimately serve the students for whom they are intended. The Study Group also wishes to express our appreciation to the Stabilisation and Governance Support Team for their diligent work in resolving the matter within five months.

As the ANC, we remain steadfast in our commitment to education as an apex priority in the fight against poverty, inequality and unemployment through the provision of improved-quality education.

Issued by the Whip of the ANC Study Group on Higher Education Cde Tshepo Louw (MP) 

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