Members of Parliament (MPs) have condemned the lack of leadership in South Africa’s higher education sector, highlighting unresolved positions and sustained governance issues within key institutions. Notably, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been placed under administration for the third time since 2018 due to persistent governance failures and management challenges.
Critical Leadership Gaps
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Tebogo Letsie, expressed deep concern regarding NSFAS’s repeated administrative issues, stating, “The repeated placement of NSFAS under administration is deeply concerning. It means that, since 2018, the entity has had three administrators appointed to address persistent governance failures, non-compliance with legal recommendations, and poor management of student allowances.” Professor Hlengani Mathebula has recently been appointed as the third administrator.
Concerns Over Acting Appointments
Further dissatisfaction arose around the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP Seta), which has lacked a permanent CEO since March 2026. MPs criticised the Department of Higher Education and Training for its continued reliance on acting positions across universities and TVET colleges, drawing a parallel to “Hollywood”, where “everyone is acting,” as stated by EFF MP Sihle Lonzi.
Moreover, opposition parties have rejected the department’s budget, invoking accusations of corruption and incompetence, with the Democratic Alliance demanding accountability and Minister Nobuhle Nkabane’s removal. They declared, “Until she is removed, the DA will oppose her budget.”
There are also mounting concerns regarding employment equity, particularly highlighted by the University of the Free State, which employs a significant number of foreign staff. The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education noted, “The committee also raised concerns about the underrepresentation of African, Coloured, and Indian staff in professorships and associate professorships, highlighting ongoing transformation challenges at UFS.”
What Happens Next
As the higher education sector faces increased scrutiny, it remains to be seen how the Department of Higher Education and Training will address these pressing concerns. The call for reform and better governance in these institutions appears clear as opposition parties push for accountability and local employment prioritisation.