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April 2018 Building trust for better movement across SADC: An update on the SADC Qualifications Framework (SADCQF) The intention of this article is to inform the South African public about the latest development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region to implement its Qualifications Framework (QF), the SADCQF. Click on the link to download a copy of the SADCQF booklet:http://www.saqa.org.za/docs/webcontent/2017/SADCQF%20booklet.pdf.
March 2018 Minister Pandor's remarks at the inauguration of Professor Marwala as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg
26 March 2018 - I wish to begin by expressing grateful thanks and congratulations to Professor Ihron Rensburg, the former Vice-Chancellor, for the sterling work he has done in leading the University of Johannesburg to its current position of strength in teaching and research.
The Department of Higher Education and Training Launches Artisan Centres of Specialisation
05 March 2018 - Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has kicked off the
campaign for the launch of 26 Centres of Specialisation (COS) aimed at
prioritising 13 occupational trades in high demand to curb trade skills
shortages as well as reduce unemployment and poverty in the country. October 2017 High alert warning for a Vanderbijlpark and Centurion Private College offering unacredited programmes
17 Oct 2017 - In 2013, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) issued
Master Retailing (Pty) Ltd with a letter of warning for the illegal provision
of higher education programmes and ordered them to terminate their unlawful
activities with immediate effect and reimburse all affected students
July 2017 Urgent public warning about a fraudulent College operating in Thohoyandou in Limpopo province
10 July 2017 - The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is warning students who are seeking study opportunities to remain vigilant against fraudulent private colleges that continue to operate illegally around the country. Media Statement: DHET resumes its month-long capacity building sessions at TVET Colleges. 07 July 2017 - The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has started with its month-long capacity building sessions aimed at strengthening relationship between the student body, council members, academic board and management at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges in KwaZulu Natal, Durban. June 2017
Fraud Alert
30 June 2017 - It has come to the attention of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) that the Centre for Fine Art Animation and Design (CFAD) College has resurfaced and it is operating illegally in Cape Town after its licence was revoked late in 2016...
Multitudes of TVET college certificates have been cleared and ready for collection
8 June 2017 - The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has been working tirelessly in collaboration with college management, the State Information and Technology Authority (SITA) and the quality assurer UMALUSI in a massive mop up project to clear outstanding NC (V) certificates for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges going as far back as 2007. May 2017
Students urged to sign loan agreement forms 4 May 2017 - The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has urged students, who received funding, to sign their Loan Agreement Forms (LAFs) to avoid funding retraction.NSFAS called on 63 558 students, who have not yet signed their LAFs and Schedule of Particulars (SOP), to do so at their respective universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as soon as possible, or before 31 May 2017. April 2017
2 million NSFAS funded by government since 2013
24 April 2017 - More than two million students studying at South Africa’s public Universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges have been funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) since 2013, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, has announced.
Major investments for universities, TVETs and HDI institutions
19 April 2017 - Dr Blade Nzimande today announced a major new investment in university infrastructure which sees significant government spending over the next two years on new student housing, laboratories, communications technology, other essential facilities, maintenance and further expansion of new universities March 2017 Russian scholarships for SA students 20 March 2017 - The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) - in partnership with the Russian Government - is inviting scholarship applications for South African students to study at Russian institutions for the 2017/18 academic year.
Major progress made in release of TVET college outstanding exam results, certificates 9 March 2017 - The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has made major strides in clearing the bulk of the outstanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges examination results and certificates backlog. More than two million subject results for the November 2016 examinations have so … Chinese scholarships for SA students 8 March 2017 - An agreement has been signed between the government of South African and the Chinese Government to offer fully funded scholarships to South African students to study at selected Chinese institutions. The scholarships may be awarded for postgraduate (Masters, PhD or Post-doctorate) or non-degree Chinese language studies. Over R4 billion contributed by government towards fee increase 7 March 2017 - Minister Dr Blade Nzimande declared the government's contribution for the 0% increase for the 2016 academic year as a result of "FeesMustFall" protests as well as the amount to cover fee increases of up to a cap of 8% for students from families with an income of up to R600,000 for the 2017 academic year amounted to over R4 billion. Public universities' external moderation, exam processes in place 7 March 2017 - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, states that all the 26 public universities processes on external moderation and examination are in place. This is a programme accreditation prerequisite as stated by the Council on Higher Education in accordance with its programme accreditation criteria. More options for the class of 2016 2 March 2017 – The Department says the class of 2016, who have secured a post-school education and training opportunity, have more options. These include applying for second semester entry at a university, registering at a TVET college, finding work experience or consulting Career Development Services Career Help for career advice.
February 2017 Nzimade: Unisa chancellor Mbeki “repositioned Africa, South Africa as international economic, political role-players”
27 February 2017 – At the inauguration of Dr Thabo Mbeki as Unisa’s chancellor, Minister Blade Nzimande lauded the former president, saying Mbeki had distinguished himself as a philosopher and leading thinker, and was known for his repositioning of Africa and South Africa as prominent international economic and political role-players.
Holders of fake qualification to be prosecuted, named, shamed says Nzimande
23 February 2017 - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, says serious action will be taken against perpetrators of fake qualifications, including prosecuting and publicly naming and shaming those caught doing so. Commenting on the scourge, after receiving an update this week from the South African Qualifications Authority
Higher education & training gets another R5 billion
22 February 2017 – Finance Minister Gordan said another R5 billion would be added to higher education and training budget, bringing the total to R38 billion. He said all education stakeholders share responsibility for improving access, quality and the diversity of higher education and training, through consultation not confrontation. Full speech.
DHET clarifies the gap funding grant
20 February 2017 - The Department of Higher Education and Training has reiterated the government's commitment to funding the 2017 fee adjustments for poor, working class and missing middle students at universities and TVET colleges, whose family incomes are below the R600 000 ceiling as announced by Minister Blade Nzimande at the end of last year.
NSFAS expects over 400,00 students to be funded
20 February - NSFAS chairman Sizwe Nxasana says that the scheme expects to add more than 100,000 students to the already 309,788 already funded. Funding has been approved this year to 105,135 entrants and 204,653 returning students at universities and TVET colleges. Applications for 2017 funding closed on 17 February 2017.
17 February 2017 – Over 60 of SA’s top artisans will compete at the WorldSkills competition in Abu Dhabi in October. The artisans were named after a three-day competition in Durban last week. Deputy Minister Manana explains that WorldSkills SA was part of a global movement on skills, development, education and training.
Tracer study identifies 15 trades in demand
16 February 2017 – The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has identified trades that are in demand for the economy to at the level envisaged in the National Development Plan (NDP) such as diesel mechanics, instrument technicians, riggers, auto electricians and millwrights as a worrying threat to the economy.
Let’s work together to bring arsonists to book
14 February 2017 – The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, has called on communities and all relevant arms of the state to work together and redouble their efforts to track, prosecute and bring to book the small band of arsonists who are destroying the country’s education infrastructure.
Skills key to young people; participating in the economy says Nzimande
14 February 2017 – Minister Blade Nzimande says South Africa wants its young people to be skilled so that they can be full and productive participants in the country’s economy. He was talking at the opening of the second WorldSkills SA competition in Durban in which 122 skilled artisans are participating.
8 February 2017 - The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed that 175,348 students have received financial aid for 2017 in order to further their studies at South Africa’s 26 public universities. Of these students, 67,875 are first-entering students and 107 474 are returning students. These numbers may be updated once.
8 February 2017 – In the last month, the Department’s CACH Call Centre has continued to assist students who have applied at a PSET institution but not received confirmation of their study place for 2017.
CACH, which will run until 28 February, is a service which can be accessed through Facebook, email, website, website and phone calls.
New Hungarian scholarships for SA students
1 February 2017 - An agreement has been signed between the Government of South Africa and the Hungarian Government offering 100 fully funded scholarships to South African students to study at participating public universities in Hungary. The application process opened on 30 January 2017 and closes on 5 March 2017.
January 2017
Minister Nzimande holds productive meetings with college student leaders
29 January 2017 – Minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Dr Blade Nzimande’s meeting on Friday with SAFETSA resulted in a number of important milestones. The meeting follows SAFETSA’s concerns related to student funding, learning conditions, and delayed results and certificates.
Minister optimistic about HE 2017 prospects; dialogue important
26 January 2017 – Minister Blade Nzimande says that he is optimistic about the prospects for higher education for this year and reiterates the importance of continuing open dialogue among stakeholders, and the need to work together to ensure stability in the system. Stakeholders agree PSET funding has to be appropriate. Download speech.
R1,3 billion in upfront payments to universities for registration
24 January 2017 - The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has paid R1, 3 billion to 26 public universities, a figure set aside to advance payment of registration fees for students from disadvantaged backgrounds so that they can be admitted for their studies. This payment equates to at least 15% of total and final budget that each university may get for enrolling students, who are eligible for government funding.
Minister calls for dialogue, stresses progress and focus in TVET sector
18 January 2017 - Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande today calls on formations representing students at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to engage in discussion with his Department and College administrations and to strengthen and renew efforts to resolve.
SETA releases over 100,000 opportunities for 2016’s matrics
17 January 2017 – The Department of Higher Education and Training says that learners can access a range of learning programmes opportunities through the 21 SETAs. Prospects include learnerships, bursaries, internships, skills programmes, apprenticeships and work-integrated learning.
Skills development will be hero at skills authority conference, awards
16 January 2017 - On 23-24 March this year, the National Skills Authority (NSA) will celebrate the best skills development practices in the public and private sector when it holds its conference and awards ceremony in Pretoria.
Public notice about Illegal University in Mpumalanga
13 January 2017 - The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is warning students who are seeking study opportunities against fraudulent private online colleges and universities that are targeting students for the 2017 academic year.
13 January 2017 - The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) will be embarking on a week-long inspection campaign aimed at enforcing compliance with the relevant legislations in the private college sector. The inspection will take place in and around Braamfontein and Johannesburg city centre between 16th and 20th January 2017.
12 January 2017 – Minister Dr Blade Nzimande says there are about 505 731 opportunities available within the PSET system to the matriculants who passed Grade 12 and who wish to further their studies. This includes 197 400 at SA’s 26 universities and 207 510 the 50 TVET colleges.
DHET rejects bogus scholarship message
10 January 2017 - It has come to the attention of the Department of Higher Education and Training that incorrect information has been circulating on social media regarding international scholarship programmes. This information was not released by the Department. Details of various international study opportunities are communicated via the Department’s international scholarships website and official Departmental communication channels.
'Varsity, TVET studies still possible for matrics
9 January 2017 - The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) calls on the 2016 successful Grade 12 students looking for a place to study in the post-school education and training (PSET) system in 2017 - especially those who already applied in 2016 but were unsuccessful in securing placement at institutions.
5 January 2017 - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande invites public comments on the Report of the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) to Develop a Support and Funding Model for Poor and “Missing Middle” Students. In 2016 the Minister appointed Mr Sizwe Nxasana to lead a Ministerial.
NSFAS’ 2nd phase of applications closes on 14 Feb
3 January 2017 – The National Student Financial Assistance Scheme (NSFAS) has opened the second and last application window of application for financial aid.
NSFAS made the announcement in December that it would re-open for 2017 applications for all learners who have not applied during the 1 August to 30 November 2016 window period.
December 2016
Government expanding technical & vocational education & training
9 December 2016 The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is focusing on the development of the TVET and community college sectors as the ideal institutions to address the South African economy’s dire need for technical and vocational skills. DHET took over the management of the 50 TVET colleges countrywide.
2 December 2016 - The Department of Higher Education and Training is expected to publish an updated List of Occupations in Demand in 2017. The Department’s current list, which was published at the beginning of 2016, is based upon the data gathered during 2015.
November 2016
Fee Commission releases interim report
24 November 2016 – The Commission has released its first report, which complies with compliance with the direction of the President made when he extended the duration of the Commission until June 2017. It has been prepared after only three of the proposed eight sets into which the Commission has divided its work have been completed. The structure was determined with an appreciation that no properly informed recommendation could be submitted by the Commission without a full understanding of the factors that control and influence higher education and training in South Africa and of the implications of a recommendation one way or the other.
Blueprint to fund poor, “missing middle” students unveiled
21 November 2016 - The Director-General for the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Gwebinkundla Qonde, and the Chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Sizwe Nxasana — who is also the head of the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) that is investigating a comprehensive funding model.
18 November 2016 - Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande has welcomed the 2015/16 report by the Auditor General which highlights the significant positive contribution of the Sector Education and Training Authorities to the year’s overall improved performance at national government level.
NSFAS celebrates its 25th anniversary
10 November 2016 – The South African government, through National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), has funded education for over 1,5 million students, valued at R59 billion. Talking at the NSFAS head office in Cape Town, Deputy Minister Mduduzi Manana says that these funds have helped students from middle class...Full speech. Youtube.
Nzimande: Doctoral studies in humanities, social sciences key to better lives
9 November 2016 – In his address to delegates at the National Doctoral Conference of the National Institute of the Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr Blade Nzimande, says the that this area of study is crucial to emphasising with lives of others. However, science, technology, engineering and mathematics and other.
NSFAS: Closing date for Grade 12’s funding applications is 30 November 2016
2 November 2016 – NSFAS has issued a call to all current matric learners who have not applied for 2017 financial aid, to do so before applications close on 30 November 2016. Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday, NSFAS Executive Officer Msulwa Daca, said the scheme has received a very low number of 2017 funding.
R900 million for university student, programme and staff development
1 November 2016 - The Department of Higher Education and Training is planning to introduce a R900 million university capacity development programme (UCDP) in January 2018, aimed at enhancing development initiatives at universities. The programme follows on from the successes achieved through programmes that.
October 2016
25 October 2016 – Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, presented feedback to parliament on the current university situation. He reiterated Government's position to progressive provide access to higher education, particularly for the poor. He added that "Government...Full speech download.
StatsSA releases higher education institutions financial report
25 October 2016 – Government's official statistics entity released the first-ever higher education institutions financial report. The statistics were based on 26 universities and six universities of technology. Amongst the 2015 statistics released which...Click here for full StatsSA report and
presentation.
CACH opens for applications on 2 January 2017
24 October 2016 - Every January, some 600,000 school-leavers eagerly await the announcement of the National Senior Certificate results. For many, this will mean the fulfilment of their dreams and the start of the next phase of their lives, but for some the route to post-school education will not be so smooth.
19 October 2016 - The electronic bursary application system for TVET college students will go online in 2017 says the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Earlier discussions between the government student loan programme, National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and TVET colleges proved fruitful with commitments to eradicate communication barriers such feedback, response times to colleges inquiries and updating student personal details, among others.
18 October 2016 - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, held a meeting with business leaders under the auspices of the National Business Initiative, hosted by Sanlam in Sandton.
The meeting was convened by Minister Nzimande to discuss the critical role of business in supporting and finding solutions and new models to achieve sustainable university education and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college system for South Africa.
Ministry of Higher Education rejects the fake image
12 October 2016 - The Ministry of Higher Education and Training rejects the image of a naked man who is purported to be Minister Blade Nzimande. The man in the image is alleged to be having a relationship with a young girl, which is an immoral act in our society that must be rejected by all.
On 12 October 2016, the Department presented its sixth annual report to the post-school education and training parliamentary portfolio committee in Cape Town, highlighting several milestones across the post-school education and training (PSET) system. In introducing the annual report, Minister Blade Nzimande explained that the Department had continued with expanding the PSET system as articulated in the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training.
11 October 2016 - President Jacob Zuma has established a Ministerial Task Team to assist the Minister of Higher Education and Training to normalize the situation at Higher Education institutions across South Africa, working with all stakeholders. The Task Team comprises eight ministers including the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande.
10 October 2016 - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande is disturbed by the disruption of classes and chaotic scenes witnessed at the University of Witwatersrand and other universities. The university’s attempts to continue with the academic programme are being held to ransom by a minority of irresponsible and disrespectful students who are intent upon disrupting classes at the university.
10 October 2016 - Gwebinkundla Qonde, Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, says South Africa should not lose sight of the massive advances we continue making in empowering young people through knowledge and skills, enabling ever more to contribute to the continent’s most industrialised economy.
9 October 2016 – Today, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, MP, launched his first Education Sunday Career Guidance campaign that is aimed at promoting post-school opportunities to youth in organised sectors, targeting high school learners and those young people categorised as not in employment, education nor training (NEET) by attending a worship service with the congregation of the Rock of Ages International Church.
8 October 2016 - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande has met with the Chairperson of the University of Zululand, Mr CV Gamede and National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) President Mzwandile Makwayiba in an attempt to try find a solution to the labour dispute at the university.
6 October 2016 - In a week that has witnessed student movement to advance equity in tertiary education, the sector is cautioning that investment and resources being directed at higher education will be eroded – unless #rapemustfall and HIV, health and wellness factors are also addressed. Hence, a range of stakeholders are championing new plans to address rape and gender-based violence at universities and colleges.
6 October 2016 - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande takes this opportunity to thank all the stakeholders who took part at the Higher education Imbizo on 3 October 2016 in Kempton Park. At the Imbizo.
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, MP, will announce a Technical Task Team that will address Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) within institutions of higher education at 08:15 to 10:30 at the Intercontinental Hotel Johannesburg, OR Tambo Airport on Thursday, 6 October 2016
3 October 2016 - Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande has concluded a successful multi stakeholder forum meeting which was convened to find solutions to the situation in our higher education institutions. The meeting which was attended by university vice chancellors, council members, student representative councils, religious and traditional leaders.
Wide-ranging stakeholders talk fees at Imbizo
3 October 2016 – President Zuma addressed a high-level meeting in Johannesburg attended by a wide range of stakeholders from business and civil society.In his address, Zuma added that he wanted to draw on the collective wisdom to finding a lasting solution. His views were echoed by Minister Nzimande (speech). More details – YouTube streaming.
September 2016
Nzimande calls for investigation into the reported death at Wits
27 September 2016 - Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande has called for an investigation following the reported death of an employee of a private security company offering services at the University of Witwatersrand. Minister Nzimande wishes to extend his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family
27 September 2016 - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, MP, met with the National Board of Convocations and Alumni today, 27 September 2016. The meeting was convened at the request of the board to brief the Minister about the initiatives that would be undertaken by the board in the higher education sector.
26 September 2016 – The announcement made by Minister Nzimande earlier this week on the 2017 fee support has been broken down into eight easy to read and understand infographics. The infographics talk to issues such as the Presidential Commission of inquiry into higher education and training funding, DHET’s budget for 2016/17, overview of funding, National Skills Funding track record for bursaries, artisan funding, university fee adjustment as well as who qualifies for the funding next year.
23 September 2016 – A number of stakeholders which include several universities and the ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), Cosatu, the largest of South Africa’s three trade union federations as well as the Department’s NEHAWU branch, have “welcomed” government’s decision on fees.
22 September 2016 - Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, has noted with concern the calls from some sectors of students for no fee increase for all for the 2017 academic year. The Minister is equally concerned by the escalating violent protests taking place, particularly at the University of Witwatersrand, by fringe and rogue elements exploiting the situation through acts of hooliganism and criminality for their perverse agenda.
21 September 2016 - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande has strongly condemned violent student protests at some universities in the country.
19 September 2016 – The Minister of Higher Education and Training has announced that would provide substantial support to poor, working and middle class families at universities and TVET colleges.
Progess on 2016 university funding
12 September 2016 - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, MP, has given a progress update on the implementation of the R4.5 billion that the government committed for financial assistance to poor students, but yet academically deserving.
DHET, NSA to host conference, present skills development awards
8 September 2016 - The National Skills Authority together with the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande to host the 2016 National Skills Development Conference and Awards Ceremony.
The National Skills Authority (NSA), in conjunction with the Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande, is convening a National Skills Conference to be attended by all stakeholders in the post-school education and training system.
Consultations continuing on 2017 ‘varsity fees; calls for continuing patience
6 September 2016 - The Department of Higher Education and Training has noted with concern the continuing student unrest at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the misleading reports suggesting that Government has already reached a firm position on university fee adjustments for 2017.
August 2016
31 August 2016 - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, has called on all relevant arms of the state to redouble their efforts to track down, prosecute and jail the small band of criminals working to destroy the country's education infrastructure.
18 August 2016 - The National Skills Authority together with the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande to host the 2016 National Skills Development Conference and Awards Ceremony.
The National Skills Authority (NSA), in conjunction with the Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande, is convening a National Skills Conference to be attended by all stakeholders in the post-school education and training system.
8 August 2016 – A scheduled dialogue to engage students and partners to initiate solutions to address Sexual and Gender Based Violence in post school institutions at Rhodes University was adjourned due to some student’s demands and protest.
Deputy Minister Mduduzi Manana highlighted that perhaps this is a serious blemish that has always been there, but had been turning a blind eye to.
Education: Women put in a strong showing
8 August 2016 - Women dominate South Africa's post-school education and training (PSET) landscape, outnumbering men as both students and staff in higher education institutions and technical and vocational education and training institutions (TVET).
This emerges from the Statistics on PSET in South Africa in 2014, released this year by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Department releases statement on 'degrees for sale' scam at University of Zululand
2 August 2016 - The Department of Higher Education and Training notes the Sunday Times article "Degrees for sale scam rocks Zululand varsity" published on 31 July 2016 with concern. The Department has been aware of the challenges experienced by the University of Zululand in this regard and has taken several steps to ensure the integrity of the University's qualifications since this issue of fake qualifications was reported in the Independent Assessor's Report of 2011.
July 2016
28 July 2016 - The Minister of the Department of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, fulfilled his promise when he opened the Anene Booysen Skills Development Centre in Bredasdorp, Western Cape.
The centre was built in honour of the late 17 year-old Anene Booysen who was found by security guards the morning after she had been gang-raped and disembowelled at a construction site where she worked building RDP houses.
Manana visits Nelson Mandela Bay employers, learners
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, 26 July 2016 – Today, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, MP, engaged over 1200 learners from surrounding schools in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as part of promoting the Decade of the Artisan advocacy campaign. The campaign slogan is, it’s cool to be a 21st century artisan.
Nzimande calls summit to address student housing
21 July 2016 – Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, MP, says the solutions for student housing need to be “big and bold” and “a match for the challenge”. He added that the country needs “projects with thousands of beds, and … an infrastructure development programme that can be sustained for a decade and longer.”
He said that the student housing challenge – standing at an estimated 200 000 university beds shortage - was “big enough for all interested parties to participate in resolving it.”
Department publishes PSET milestones from 2009 to 2016
15 July 2016 – The Department of Higher Education and Training has published an overview of the milestones achieved since it was first established in 2009. The 24-page publication provides a summarised account of the milestones which range from university, technical and vocational education and training, and community education.
7 July 2016 - A state-of-the-art technical college, launched a year ago in Thabazimbi in Limpopo, has opened its doors of learning to rural students.
It focuses on engineering and developing artisans in order to address scarce skills, lack of job placements and practical workplace opportunities after students have graduated.
DHET clarifies facts in NSFAS story
1 July 2016 - The Department of Higher Education and Training is very concerned about the misinformation reported in a NEWS 24 article “Students must ask what must rise, before saying what must fall – Nzimande”, dated 29 June 2016.
The article quoted the Minister as saying that government has resolved to cancel all debts owed to NSFAS for 2013, 2014 and 2015.
June 2016
HEAIDS students testing, counselling launched in Durban
20 June 2016 - Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, MP, has launched the Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) First Things First HIV/TB/STIs and general health & Wellness programme for students in the higher education and training sector at the Thekwini College, Melbourne Campus in Durban.
Nzimande: Today’s students understand the message of 1976
15 June 2016 – In today’s edition of
Daily Maverick, the Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande says “our responsibility – whether students, parents, university staff, communities, or government – is to ensure an end to the confrontation, to look back at 1976, and to recognise just how fundamentally our country has already been changed for the better as we push on with further and very necessary transformation”.
Minister talks to FeesMustFall Collective
14 June 2016 - Ministry of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande says the Department has taken note of a statement sent today to the media by what purports to be a “FeesMustFall Collective.”
1 June 2016 - The Gauteng Foundry Training Centre is the only one of its kind in South Africa where Smelters, Moulders and Patternmakers can be trained. It was established on the Kwa-Thema Campus of Ekurhuleni East TVET College to support artisan and skills training in the foundry industry.
May 2016
Higher Education Amendment Bill is passed
25 May 2016 - Speech by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, MP, at the passing of the Higher Education Bill at the National Assembly, Parliament, 25 May 2016.
UFH: Inspirational 100 year legacy
23 May 2016 - The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has, for many years, improved the standard of living and helped with the political emancipation of the African continent. It has touched the lives of the oppressed people by meeting their basic needs such as producing educationists, academics, business leaders, renowned writers and struggle heroes, who, in turn, have become heads of state in Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa, amongst others.
In this edition, the Independent Thinking supplement covers the 2016/17 budget as well as work being carried out with the Strategic Infrastructure Projects, an update on the built environment skills, the advent of new skills, the partnerships with the Mpumlanga and Eastern Cape provinces and an overview of the recent Human Research Development Council summit.
Nzimande says post-school education, training continues to rise
12 May 2016 – In the 2016 National Council of Province policy speech, presented by Minister Nzimande, earlier this week, he pointed out the success within post-school education and training, confirmed “unequivocally” by Statistics South Africa reports. For example, the number of black people achieving a bachelors pass in matric has increased from about 60,000 to about 120,000.”
Manana promotes Decade of the Artisan in the North West
10 May 2016 –Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, MP, engaged over 1000 learners from surrounding schools in Bojanala District Municipality as part of promoting the Decade of the Artisan advocacy campaign.
4 May 2016 - The Department of Higher Education and Training has appointed Nexus Forensic Services (NFS) on 23 September 2015 to conduct an investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption in the allocation of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) at ten identified public universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Nzimande says society’s involvement key to research impact
4 May 2016 – “We need our academics to get involved in the production of research and engage with societies if their research is to have any impact in our societal challenges,” says Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande who opened the Conference for Leaders of International Education in Cape Town.
Manana launches Aids campaign in Mpumalanga
3 May 2015 -Thousands of students from the Ehlanzeni TVET College and other higher education and training institutions in Mpumalanga today underwent HIV testing and were screened for STIs and TB.
April 2016
Independent Thinking, 6th edition, April 2016
In this edition, the Independent Thinking supplement covers post-school training and education issues such as university transformation and focuses in particular on the University of Mpumalanga and Sol Plaatje in Kimberley (Northern Cape province).
Minister Nzimande delivers 2016-17 budget vote
21 April 2016 – Minister Nzimande says while South Africa’s higher education and training system is grappling with significant challenges and intense public scrutiny, it has had made enormous strides in building post-school education and training the likes of which have never before been seen in South Africa.
Youth programmes launched in KwaZulu-Natal
20 April 2016 - The Department of Higher Education and Training has launched youth programmes to reduce the number of unemployment and youth with no work experience.
Minister welcomes Press Ombudsman ruling against Rapport
13 April 2016 – Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, welcomed the Press Ombudsman’s finding relating to Rapport (News24) newspaper’s article of 8 November 2015 which found that the newspaper had breached several sections of the press code and found in Minister Nzimande’s favour.
Minister Nzimande unveils Comrade Mzala artwork and writings
12 April 2016 - The historical documents of the avid reader and Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) freedom fighter Jabulani Nxumalo are now available in the public domain.
11 April 2016 - The Department has announced that it has launched an application where students and employers can register online to access or offer work integrated learning (WIL) or workplace based learning (WBL) opportunities. The application will help students in the post-school education and training sector in South Africa who are required to gain mandatory experience with employers in order to acquire their desired qualification. This experience allows students to integrate the theory and practice.
Education needs more partnerships to overcome challenges
4 April 2016 - Strategic partnerships had to overcome the funding crisis facing tertiary education, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, told the Second Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) Summit. Mr Manana said such partnerships should cut across the HRD value chain from foundational learning to the world of work.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Training will be hosting the first annual Career Development Services Stakeholders Conference at the Lake Hotel and Conference Centre on the 7th and 8th of April 2016.
March 2016
Nzimande: Comment on staffing norms for CET colleges
31 March 2016 - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr BE Nzimande has approved for public comments the draft policy on staffing norms for Community Education and Training Colleges. The policy will be duly published in a government notice in due course. The transfer of the function of Adult Education and Training from provinces to the Department came with diverse payment dispensations for educators which included the payment of fixed stipends, short term renewable contracts, and part time employments.
30 March 2016 - Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has described the 2016 Summit of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) that ended here today as a resounding success.
The Summit – which was opened by HRDC chairman, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, yesterday – brought together more than 500 decision makers, including Cabinet Ministers, senior leaders from organised labour and business, community representatives and experts from the research and higher education sectors.
DHET, SRC leaders prioritise communication
31 March 2016 - Following the recent student protests at various universities around the country, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is presenting roadshows to capacitate college student leaders. The workshops aimed to address the communication breakdown between students and university management on issues such as tuition fees.
HRDSA unpacked in 5th Independent Thinking supplement
In the latest edition of the Independent Thinking supplement, the Human Resources Development Council of South Africa (HRDSA) and various of its initiatives are highlighted. Other issues of interest include the current adopt-a-TVET initiative, occupations in high demand as well as the latest annual statistical report on PSET in SA as well as SAQA's intention to target fraudulent qualifications
Deputy Minister visits rural university
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is on hyper-speed to eradicate shortages of student residences around the country. More than R109 million has been invested by DHET to build student residences with 634 brand new beds at the University of Venda (Univen). The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) invested another R300 million for further 1,800 beds.
Minister Nzimande meets with University Vice-Chancellors
8 March 2016 - In his continuing engagement with key stakeholders, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, met with all the country's 26 university vice chancellors last week.
New UP veterinary complex to increase veterinary graduates
2 March 2016 - On Friday 19 February, the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, Mr GF Qonde, officially opened the new Lesedi complex under the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Pretoria.
Health is in students’ hands
1 March 2016 – Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mduduzi Manana welcomed thousands of students from the Northern Cape Urban TVET College and other higher education and training institutions in Northern Cape today who underwent HIV testing and screening for STIs and TB.
February 2016
Minister Nzimande appoints SAQA board
23 February 2016 - The Department of Higher Education and Training announced earlier this week that it had appointed the SA Qualifications Authority's new board for a term, starting in January 2016 and running until December 2020.
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act, 2008 (Act No. 67 of 2008) provides that the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) continues as a juristic person to oversee the further development and implementation of the NQF.
Ministry urges constructive engagement for voicing grievances
23 February 2016 - The Department acknowledges that university students, staff and workers, like all members of our society, have the right to protest and voice their opinions and grievances. However, in doing so they have a duty to do so peacefully and in a manner that respects both the rights and property of others. This right to protest is enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and upheld by the Department of Higher Education and Training at all times.
The Higher Education Amendment Bill, misinterpreted
18 February 2016 – The Department of Higher Education and Training’s William Somo takes a look at some of the issues which have drawn attention since it was first published in November 2016, In essence, the Bill proposes to give the Minister the power to determine transformation objectives and put mechanisms in place to ensure the objectives are met. It allows the Minister to change processes, procedures and mandates of universities and other higher education institutions. He explains why he believes the Bill is being misinterpreted..
Department’s responds to continuing incidents of university unrest
17 February 2016 - The Department of Higher Education and Training is deeply concerned by reports of continuing student unrest at six universities across the country. Of particular concern, is the level of violence and destruction of university property being perpetrated at these universities...more
Department condolences on tragic DUT student death released
15 February 2016 - It is with deep sadness to learn of the death of Mr. Lindelani Myeza, a first year student in the Faculty of Management Sciences, at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). The University management confirmed that Mr. Myeza died over the weekend, at the DUT student residence, in Durban...more
Independent Thinking, 4th edition, February 2016
The February edition of the Independent Thinking supplement is now out. In this collaboration between the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Independent Media Group, post-school issues such as the new University of Pretoria residence, the Higher Education Amendment Bill, the National Skills Fund, TVETs, two new universities as well as the community colleges, amongst others, are covered...more
Portfolio Committee on Higher Education & Training: Release of NC (V) certificates
10 February 2016 - The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has undertaken to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training that the certification backlog currently being experienced with the National Certificate (Vocational) qualifications will be eliminated by 30 June 2016. SITA was reminded that the 5-month extension requested beyond the original target date of 31 January 2016 affects the lives and employability of thousands of young South Africans and SITA was instructed to ensure that all necessary resources are mobilised to address the situation...more
New residence for University of Pretoria
1 February 2016 – The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, officially opened the Tuks Bophelong Student Residence at the University of Pretoria (UP) Prinshof campus for Medical Sciences...more
January 2016
Deputy Minister promotes partnerships between TVET colleges, industry
28 January 2016 - Today, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, MP, visited captains of industry's workplaces in Polokwane in a bid to bring to the fore the need for employers to play a significant role in artisan development and training by partnering with nearby TVET colleges...more
Ministry of Higher Education and Training meets university Vice-Chancellors
20 January 2016 - Today the Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande held a meeting with the Vice-chancellors of South Africa's 26 public universities to discuss preparations and arrangements for the start of the new academic year. Also in attendance were senior representatives of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSAFAS) and the Council on Higher Education (CHE)...more
Minister Nzimande engages with university student leadership
17 January 2016 - Some university SRC presidents and Secretaries General submitted a list of demands to the Ministry of Higher Education at a meeting held on the 15th January 2016. In the meeting the Minister explained progress in each of the areas tabled by the students, and explained what still remained to be done, including timeframes, as follows:...more
14 January 2016 - On 23 October 2015, President Jacob Zuma met with vice-chancellors, chairpersons of university councils, presidents of student representative councils and the representatives of student organisations to discuss concerns with regard to fee increases and funding of higher education...more
Independent Thinking, Edition 3, January 2016
The third edition of the education-focused supplement is now available for download. In this edition, the following areas of interest were covered...more
11 January 2016 – Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande outlined the more than 500,000 PSET opportunities available to the matriculants who successfully passed Grade 12 at a media briefing earlier today...more
Prospective students can access HE opportunities in 2016
6 January 2015 - The Ministry congratulates the class of 2015 grade 12 Learners and wish them well in their entrance to the Post-School Education and Training environment or into the labour market. We also congratulate the educators and officials who put a lot of effort; more importantly, we congratulate the leadership of Minister Angie Motshekga...more
NSF helps establish FET for the blind
4 January 2016 - The trauma of going blind can happen to anyone – either through accident, crime or health reasons like diabetes or glaucoma. And when it happens the person has to learn a whole new set of skills on how to survive...more
December 2015
Improving access and increasing the number of students to universities means more staff, but increasing staff without transforming an apartheid imposed racial imbalance would simply create greater problems...more
November 2015
"Monitoring, evaluation essential" says Manana to NSA
30 November 2015 – Deputy Minister of Education and Training Mr Mduduzi Manana cautioned the National Skills Authority, saying that relaunched authority is still faced with the challenge to empirically and to practically address the capacity challenges through effective monitoring and evaluation...More
SETA warns against bogus apprenticeship/learnerships
20 November 2015 - It has come to the attention of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA) that a scam is presently underway in which unsuspecting learners looking for apprenticeship or learnership opportunities are asked to deposit money at a Shoprite or Spar supermarket as well as a bank in order to access training. The matter had been reported to the South Africa Police Service...More
Independent Thinking, Second Edition, 8 November 2015
In this second collaborative issue between the national Department of Higher Education and Training and Independent Newspapers, issues such as free education, transformation of staffing at universities, progress on systemic transformation, a curriculum and the need for a dynamic world-class university and technical and vocational system are covered...More
9 November 2015 - The University Branch of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has embarked on a Teaching Development Grant Collaborative Programmes project, in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)...more
6 November 2015 - Following a meeting by the Deputy President, as chair of the National Human Resource Development Council, reiterates the council’s commitment to find solutions to South Africa’s education challenges and provides further details of the Adopt-a-TVET college project … more
October 2015
27 October 2015 – The Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande said today that following a meeting between the President and university stakeholders, discussions on free university education and bringing support staff at the universities back onto university payrolls would be brought forward. Here follows the full speech ...more
26 October 2015 - Workplace-based Learning research conducted by local researchers should serve as a foundation upon which a draft policy on Workplace-Based Learning could be formulated said the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Director-General (DG) Gwebinkundla Qonde …more
HE Summit gives voice to burning issues
20 October 2015 - The first day of the Transformation Summit on higher education looked at eradicating the remnants of the apartheid education system at universities …more
Independent Thinking, First Edition, 16 October 2015
The national Department of Higher Education and Training, in collaboration with the Independent Newspapers, is producing a monthly newspaper supplement on where issues such as transformation, amongst others, are being profiled...more
Zuma concerned about key trends on campuses
8 October 2015 - President Jacob Zuma has met with the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, Universities South chair Professor Adam Habib, and the University Council Chairs Forum- South Africa chair, Mr Mbulelo Bikwani to discuss concerns on campus …more
September 2015
Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, recently welcomed the first and newly
appointed Community Education and Training (CET) Colleges Council members at an Inauguration
Ceremony...more
NSF shares details of its bursary activities for 2014
Hlamalane Samanther Chaka, B Comm Accounting student from the University of Johannesburg is just one of the 18,000 students who was awarded a bursary by the the NSF through the NSF Bursary Unit and its partners for the 2014 academic year...more
Say "no!" to fake qualifications
16 September 2015 - The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) warns prospective students to be on the lookout for unregistered colleges during the registration period...more
Education against all odds
14 September 2015 - After her father died and her mother disappeared without any trace, at the tender age of five, Angel Baloyi had no other parental care option, except an extended family member … more
DG addresses top performing students
9 September 2015 - Barely three months after being absorbed into the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) system, Technical and Vocational Education and Training college students are being encouraged to become a capable workforce – ready for the outside world…more
7 September 2015 - The establishment of the CETs marks the birth of the first new institutional type in post-apartheid South Africa with the inauguration recently of the first-ever councils for the CETs...more
August 2015
SA-China cooperation on education grows
28 August 2015 - The two governments are actively striving to realise the wide ranging strategic partnership envisaged in 2010 through the signing of the Beijing Declaration that established the comprehensive strategic partnership...more
Nzimande responds to Stellenbosch student documentary
27 August 2015 - Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, MP, released a statement, expressing his deep concern about the racist incidences recorded in the student documentary, Luister...more
Disruptions at institutions of higher learning as a result of student political intolerance
27 August 2015 - Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training Mr Gwebinkundla Qonde is concerned about the disturbances taking place at South Africa's institutions of higher learning, as a result of student political intolerance during the time of elections of new student representative councils...more
Operation Phakisa momentum grows
26 August 2015 – Blue economy milestones take the lead in government's "hurry up" programme...more
New chair for NSFAS
5 August 2015 - Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, MP, appointed FirstRand group chief Sizwe Nxasana as the new chair of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme...more
New name for SA's university body
22 July 2015 - Universities South Africa, formerly the Higher Education South Africa (HESA), has launched its new name, saying that it wanted to reposition the representative body of South Africa's public universities, as being more inclusive, responsive and equitable national system of higher education...more | 