FRIDAY, 23 MAY 2025

CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING ON ITS OVERSIGHT VISIT TO THE NORTHWEST AND GAUTENG POST-SCHOOL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS ON 27-31 JANUARY 2025, DATED 19 MARCH 2025.

Honourable Speaker, Honourable Members,

The mighty African National Congress (ANC) proudly welcomes the tabling of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training’s oversight report following its visit to post-school education and training (PSET) institutions in the Northwest and Gauteng provinces.

We commend North-West University for turning vision into reality. The establishment of the province’s first medical school stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. It embodies the principle that “it is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor.” This achievement is not just institutional progress, it represents the dismantling of generational poverty and inequality, opening doors for future leaders.

However, the report also exposes stark realities, highlighting the ongoing challenges that hinder equitable access to quality education. The ANC is deeply concerned by several critical issues that persist in our institutions and demand urgent intervention. These include the imposition of application fees that continue to exclude students from poor households; the unacceptable delays in issuing certificates, depriving graduates of economic opportunities; a severe shortage of student accommodation, with violations of DHET norms and standards; and the absence of residences at TVET colleges, which jeopardizes student safety.

We are deeply concerned about the ongoing governance instability, delayed delivery of essential learning materials, and the absence of recreational facilities, particularly in rural campuses. Most alarming is the slow pace at which structural barriers to education are being addressed, allowing inequality to persist.

During our recent visit to the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, it was observed that the absence of a dedicated Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college within the district significantly hinders local students’ access to quality vocational education. Currently, students from the five local municipalities are compelled to travel approximately 226 km to the Taung satellite campus of Vuselela TVET College. This distance poses logistical challenges and financial burdens, particularly for students from low-income background.

While we acknowledge positive strides, such as the successful implementation of online registration at Northwest colleges and the elimination of application fees in some PSET institutions, we urge further acceleration of initiatives. These include renaming student residences to reflect our democratic values and decisive action on student housing through expropriation without compensation.

As the ANC, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to holding the Executive accountable. We will continue to champion increased public investment, governance reforms, and targeted support for historically disadvantaged institutions. Empowering our youth is not a choice, it is an imperative for the future of our nation.

A country that neglects its youth forsakes its future. But a nation that uplifts its youth will ignite a transformative force for generations to come.

The ANC will not rest until every young South African is equipped with the opportunity, tools, and hope to rise and lead.

I thank you.