Questions and Replies
30 April 2024 - NW761
Pambo, Mr V to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What is the latest breakdown of the number of students who (a) owe university fees and (b) cannot graduate and/or receive their certificates because they owe university fees?
Reply:
INSTITUTION |
Number of students who owe university fees |
Number of students who Cannot graduate and/or receive their certificates because they owe university fees |
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Stellenbosch University (SU) |
9 615 students as at Dec 2023 |
522 students with fees owing did not receive their graduation certificates at the Dec 2023 graduation ceremony. |
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Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
63829 |
25534 students |
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Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
35819 Registered students owe the university fees 38 809 Non-registered students owe the university fees |
We are in the process of checking the graduation lists. If we look at the outstanding balances of graduates at year end it amounts to 5728 students who owe the university and will not receive their certificates. The number of students who will not receive their certificates will decrease as we identify subsequent payments received in 2024. |
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University of Western Cape (UWC) |
At UWC, 307 students completed with 2023 debt, total debt outstanding is R 19 720 786. 976 students completed with prior years debt, total amount outstanding is R 25 535 509 |
The two data sets only refer to April 2023 and April 2024 graduation ceremonies. UWC has a symbolic graduation process whereby if students complete an acknowledgement of debt they are allowed to attend graduation. Certificates are not released if the completed student has an outstanding balance relating to the completed program, however they do receive a letter of completion. |
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Nelson Mandela University (NMU) |
The total number of students owing the university as at 31 March 2024 are 40839 |
Students who cannot receive their certificates are 5766 [Please note: Our students can still graduate, all students receive letters of completion whist the certificates are withheld from those students who have student debt, furthermore, results are shared with potential employers if required.] |
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North-West University (NWU) |
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NWU TOTAL: 593. Please note that we are currently occupied with the autumn graduation ceremonies, and the number of students unable to receive their certificates due to outstanding debt to the institution is expected to increase. |
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University of Venda (UNIVEN) |
University of Venda debtors book has more than 21896 students that owe the university. Total debt owed is as at 31 December 2023 is R623 million. |
All eligible students will graduate, and the number is 2,157. Of the 2,157 graduands, 1,402 (65%) will receive their certificates as their accounts have been fully settled, or they are NSFAS beneficiaries. The 546 NSFAS beneficiaries will receive their certificates on the strength of expected payment from NSFAS. |
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University of Pretoria (UP) |
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The UP has 1 327 degrees in safe keeping, the debt amounts to R 47 535 911.21 |
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University of Cape Town (UCT) |
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The 332 students will not graduate or receive certificates while owing but will get a letter of completion. |
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University of Free State (UFS) |
At 4 April 2024, 39 974 students owe the University of the Free State fees amounting to R850 594 791. This include tuition and other fees payable relating to prior years, as well as 2024. |
887 students. |
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University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) |
Included in the balances above are amounts owed by NSFAS where the close out process has not been finalised. |
As at 12 April 2024 Wits has a total of 4557 students that are unable to graduate and receive a graduation certificate with a total debt value of R298 744 877.61. Included in this number are students who were funded by NSFAS at some point in their academic career, and who owe funds in their personal capacity. The number of Students in this category are 368 students with a total debt value of R29 155 637.64. This covers the academic years 2017 to 2023. In conclusion, The University has a principle and practice to allow the students who are solely NSFAS funded to graduate, which is a practice that has been done in good faith with an understanding that NSFAS will settle the debt upon the finalisation of the respective close-out reports. |
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University of Zululand (UNIZULU) |
Number of students owing fees = 22 980 |
All students at UNIZULU who are eligible to graduate are able to graduate and walk over the stage. Those that owe will receive a letter instead of their certificate. The letter confirms their graduation and invites prospective employers to confirm this directly with the University. The number of students at the end of 2023 that were in this position were 5 967 in total. Some 3 223 students will graduate in 2024 and most of them would have paid up fees as most of them would have been NSFAS funded. |
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Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) |
These figures are as at 31 Dec 2023, |
SMU is slightly lenient, it allows students to graduate even if they have outstanding balances. A total number of 3870 is still withheld. |
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Walter Sisulu University (WSU) |
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Students can graduate but will not receive certificate. |
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University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
As of December 2023, the university had a total of 33 333 students with outstanding debt. The number is made up of the following group of students: Registered in 2023 – 14 537. Not registered as of 2023 – 18 796. The number of students who were registered in 2023 and owed the university, excludes the NSFAS and Bursary-funded students. |
Below is the breakdown of students who graduated but owed the university fees: 2021 Graduates – 2 688. 2022 Graduates – 2 583. 2023 Graduates – 2 602. Students are invited to the graduation ceremonies and get their transcript showing that they have completed the qualification. The certificate is retained until the outstanding fees are settled. UJ provide confirmation of completed studies to prospective employees upon request, thereby allowing students to enter employment. |
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University of Mpumalanga (UMP) |
Owe university fees=4397 (as at 17 April 2024) |
Cannot graduate and/or receive their certificates because they owe university fees= 405 Please be reminded that our students will graduate but will not receive certificates. |
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University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) |
Of the students who completed their qualification in 2023, there are ±4,760 students who currently owe the University fees for 2023 and prior. |
Every graduate is allowed to graduate and is entitled to an official academic record/transcript on application and an official letter confirming ‘Degree Complete’, again on application and payment of the a fee. On settlement of fees outstanding and the requisite ‘fee clearance’, a graduate can formally request to be issued with their withheld degree/diploma certificate(s). |
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DUT |
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NB: All students owing fees at DUT are allowed to graduate upon receipt of completion letters which state compliance with requirements of the qualification. However, certificates are not issued to this cohort until fees have been settled. Prospective employers may contact the university to verify completion of qualifications. |
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Sol Plaatje University (SPU) |
5213 students owe the University a total of R151 733 467.11, where the individual amounts exceed R1000.00. |
Sol Plaatje University does not withhold qualification/graduation certificates where graduates have outstanding fees. |
The following universities are yet to respond to the PQ and follow ups are being made:
- Central University of Technology (CUT)
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- Rhodes University (RU)
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- University of South Africa (UNISA).
26 April 2024 - NW856
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)With reference to the principalship of a certain official (name furnished) at the Northen Cape Urban Technical Vocational Education and Training college, what total amount has been spent since the appointment of the specified person on (a) clothing and merchandise (b) bottled water (c) information and communication technoglogy devices and services that include (i) cellphone contracts, (ii) computers for learning and teaching (computer hubs) and (iii) computers for lecturers and (d) general household maintenance and improvement such as (i) fencing, (ii) paving and (iii) gardening, with specific reference to motivation for the expenditure above R450 000 and the resulting improvements; (2) what are the names of the contractors who supplied the specified services, including the registered owners of the specified legal entities and the registered address of each specified contractor?
Reply:
1. (a) The college procured the clothing and merchandise from different service providers which cost R 3 403 272.11
(b) The bottled water costing R 530 600.00 was procured by the college.
(c) The nformation and communication technoglogy devices and services procured costed R 5 267 571.40
(d) The general household maintenance and improvement procured costed R 7 114 553.90
2. The college procured goods and services each costing more than R 450 000.00 from different service providers and in compliance with the POPI Act it will be prudent for the college not to disclose those service providers yet.
26 April 2024 - NW855
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)(a) What are the reasons that a certain official (name furnished) remains the principal of the Northern Cape Urban (NCUT) Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college, while being the regional manager of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for the Northern and Western Cape, (b) how long has he been occupying both positions, (c) what (i) is the official employment status of the specified official at the DHET, (ii) is the permanent resident place of work of the specified person and (iii) were the findings of the previous investigations into the specified person’s management at Goldfields and Motheo TVET colleges; (2) what are the reasons that no acting principal has been appointed for the NCUTVET?
Reply:
1. (a) The Principal of Northern Cape Urban TVET College is appointed in that position and only acting as a Regional Manager for Northern and Western Cape Region without interests being raised by the Department to appoint that Principal as the Regional Manager.
(a) (1) The Acting Policy of the DHET indicates that a person may Act in a vacant and funded Post (as in the DHET Acting Appointment Policy section 4.2.2(a) and supported by SMS Handbook Chapter 3 section 10.1 (1)) but instead the DHET is focussing on filling the vacant funded Posts permanently.
a) (2) The Department is under no obligation to appoint any person to act in any non-vacant but funded position as it can decide not to renew the acting period of a person (when the principal is not at the college, the principal appoints an Acting Principal on behalf of the Principal).
b) The person has been in a Principal post for Five years and as an Acting Regional Manager for just above a year in periods.
c) (1) As indicated the person is appointed as Principal within the DHET.
( c) (2) The persons as the Acting Regional Manager work in Northern Cape and Western Cape.
( c) (3) The Principal of Northern Cape Urban has never work at Goldfields TVET College and would not know if there was an investigation and its finding.
( c) (4) The Principal of Northern Cape Urban previously worked at Motheo TVET College and does not recollect being investigated and was unfortunates not informed of the outcome of the purported investigation.
2. This question was responded to in question (1) (a), (a) (1) and (a)(2)
26 April 2024 - NW822
Shikwambana, Mr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
With reference to the unusually high amount of R534 400, 00 as reflected in the 2022-23 annual report, what (a) are the details of each (i) travel and (ii) accommodation expenditure for board members of the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA), (b) necessitated the specified travel and accommodation and (c) value has all the travelling and accommodation brought to the (i) MICT SETA and (ii) the citizens of the Republic at large?
Reply:
(a) (i) and (b)
The amount reflected in the MICT SETA 2022-23 Annual Report, as audited, for Travel and Accommodation Expenditure for the Accounting Authority (AA) Members, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), is R 2.1 million. The MICT SETA notes the amount of R 534 400 reflected in the Parliamentary Question. The year under review included the World Skills International Competition 2022 Special Edition. The MICT SETA also participated in the Study Tour to Silicon Valley that was attended by the Chairperson of the AA and the CEO.
The remainder of the Travel and Accommodation expenditure relates to the normal oversight responsibility provided by the AA in line with their oversight role and responsibilities as enshrined in the PFMA and the Constitution of MICT SETA.
- The World Skills International Competition 2022 Special Edition
The World Skills Competition is a Global movement, hosted by fifteen member countries, regions, and their national partners. These members and partners host skills competitions in 26 cities across the world, they share their expertise and resources to ensure that the World Skills community enhances global training standards and benchmarks their systems. The MICT SETA was invited by DHET to participate as an observer in the World Skills Competition and was requested to nominate four delegates who will represent the SETA. The nominated delegates consisted of two members from the Accounting Authority (AA) (Chairperson of AA and Chairperson of Information Communications Technology Committee (ICTCOMM)) and two members from management (Senior manager 4IR and representative from the office of the CEO). This competition reflects the commitment of the MICT SETA to promote Technical and Vocational Education, diversify the economy, and empower and enthuse young people to seek new skills opportunities through vocational education and training. The Skills relating to the MICT SETA industries that were showcased in the competition are as follows:
- Mobile Applications Development
- IT Software Solutions for Business
- Web technologies
- IT Network Systems Administration
- Plastic Die Engineering
- 3D Digital Game Art
- Cloud Computing
- Cyber Security
- Study Tour to Silicon Valley
The Study Tour to Silicon Valley was a high-level study, for discussion with leading multinational companies such as Google, Amazon, and Stanford University, among others. These included Government entities to gain insights into policies and planning governing the innovation ecosystem in the USA to inform innovation policy development and implementation in South Africa. This effort seeks to promote strategic partnerships with the respective entities in key disruptive technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, which will benefit the development of South African capacities. The tour took place from the 20th to the 30th of April 2022. The MICT SETA participated due to the critical role it plays in supporting the implementation of the Decadal Plan for Science, Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and massification of Digital Skills in South Africa.
- Other Travel and Accommodation expenditures.
The remainder of the travel and accommodation expenditure relates to the normal oversight responsibility as prescribed by the legislation. These were incurred for the attendance of the normal AA meetings and AA subcommittee meetings. In the year under review, MICT SETA had six AA subcommittee meetings, namely the Finance and Remuneration Committee (FINREMCO), Executive Committee (EXCO), Information, Communications and Technology Committee (ICT), Governance and Strategies Committee, Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and Social and Ethics Committee (SAECO). These committees meet every quarter and, or on isolated cases where compelling/mandatory submissions falling outside of the approved corporate calendar are required to be complied with. These committees process management submissions and recommend to the AA for approval, the AA meets every quarter.
The EXCO of the MICT SETA Accounting Authority (AA) meets monthly to monitor the implementation of the resolutions of the AA in line with the approved constitution of the MICT SETA. The MICT SETAs’ Head Office is in Gauteng and holds these Accounting Authority and committee meetings at the Head Office most of the time unless there is a stakeholder engagement session in other provinces around the period where the AA is supposed to be meeting, to save costs such as meeting fees and travel costs, the MICT SETA sometimes holds the AA meetings in the same province/area where the AA is holding stakeholder engagement session.
The MICT SETA has three AA members who do not reside in Gauteng, where the AA meetings are often held, two of the three reside in Limpopo, and the Chairperson of the AA resides in the Eastern Cape. The area where the Chairperson stays is not closer to the airport, he is required to drive a long distance to Durban King Shaka International Airport, where he catches his flight to Gauteng most of the time when there are AA meetings. In line with its policies, MICT SETA is required to arrange travel and accommodation for all three AA members to ensure that they exercise their oversight responsibility.
Included in the travel and accommodation for AA members, are costs incurred for the attendance of AA Strategic Sessions, which are often held outside of the office premises, due to the nature of these meetings.
Other oversight responsibilities of the AA include.
- Approval of the Annual Performance Plan (APP) and Strategic Plan (APP);
- Approval of policies of MICT SETA;
- Approval of Budget;
- Approval of Annual Financial Statement, Performance information, and Annual Report.
- Approval of Engagement letter and Audit Strategy;
- Approval of Audit Report from Auditor General and other auditors;
- Approval of Quarterly Reports; and
- Approval of the Annual Procurement Plan.
For every AA meeting, the SETA is required by its policies and PFMA to pay for the travel and accommodation expenses of all AA members.
The detailed Transaction Report of all the Travel and Accommodation Expenditures incurred by the MICT SETA in the 2022-23 financial year is attached as Annexure A.
c) (i) and (ii)
The MICT SETA has contributed largely to the skills development initiative within its sector. During the period under review, a total of 14 064 learners were enrolled in various learning programmes such as Learnership, Internship, TVET placement, University Placement, Short Programmes, and Skills Programmes. A total number of 14,064 households were exposed to some form of income because of these programmes. Of the 14 064 learners enrolled 8 366 were females and 5 698 were males, a total of 1 371 were learners living with disabilities. Furthermore, for completions, 8 276 learners completed the learning programmes, of which 5503 were female learners,3223 were Males and 602 were learners living with disabilities. Over 2,500 learners who completed the learning programmes were absorbed by employers within the MICT SETA subsectors.
A total of 179 Learners were supported with skills development programmes to establish enterprises and 249 learners were supported through skills development programmes to establish co-operatives. These results were championed through the oversight responsibilities provided by the AA of MICT SETA and its committees.
The MICT SETA established research chairs across public universities within South Africa, which resulted in the launch of Tshwane University of Technology Research Chairs and University of Limpopo Research Chairs in the year under review, later in the same year, the SETA adopted a Triple Helix Model that fosters collaboration between the Industry, Academia, and Government/MICT SETA. As a result, this has led to a tailor-made Integrated Leaner Management System with the potential of being adopted by all the SETAs, this Integrated Leaner management has the potential to address the issues of double dipping that were identified by the AGSA as being a constant challenge across the PSET system. The above solution is at the 90% completion stage and was tested by the stakeholders and found to be sound and user-friendly. This is part of ensuring that beyond accelerating Digital Skills to as many young South Africans in Urban, Townships and Rural Areas, the agenda of Innovation is inclusive hence the youth in the Universities of Technologies have actively participated in the development of this cutting-edge customised digital solution.
The MICT SETA has also been instrumental in the formation of a strategic partnership that goes beyond the post-school system to strategic industry partners to drive innovation in the form of Hackathons and improved opportunities for employment and mentorship. In the same year, MICT SETA developed more than 32 4IR qualifications not limited to Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, 3D printing, Coding, Block Chain etc.
Furthermore, MICT SETA obtained a clean audit outcome, with a clean governance report (talking to a well-functioning governance structure) with 95% achievement of Annual Performance Plan targets, the highest it has ever achieved in the history of its establishment. All these achievements were because of the oversight role and continuous guidance provided by the MICT SETA AA and its committees. See Annexure A regarding the value derived by the MICT SETA.
26 April 2024 - NW821
Shikwambana, Mr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What (a) number of the 40 institutions that are being piloted as student accommodation has been successfully accredited and (b) are the details of each accredited property that is linked to a technical, vocational, education and training college and/or university?
Reply:
(a) The institutions are not accredited by NSFAS as part of the pilot. However, we do have some institutions that have started the process to register on the portal.
b) All accredited properties are linked to TVETs and/ or Universities in the pilot as per the Minimum Norms and Standard on Student Housing. To date a total number of 2145, are linked to TVETs and 3901 linked to universities.
PROPOSED TVET COLLEGES:
EASTERN CAPE
- Port Elizabeth
- East Cape Midlands
- Buffalo City
- KSD
- King Hintsa
FREE STATE
- Motheo
GAUTENG
- Central Johannesburg College
- Ekurhuleni East
- Ekurhuleni West
- Tshwane South
- Tshwane North
- Sedibeng
KZN
- eThekwini
- Coastal
- Majuba
- Umfolozi
- eLangeni
LIMPOPO
- Mopani
- Vhembe
- Letaba
MPUMALANGA
- Gert Sibande
- Ehlanzeni
WESTERN CAPE
• Northlink
Proposed Universities:
EASTERN CAPE
- University of Fort Hare
- Walter Sisulu University
- Nelson Mandela University FREE STATE
- CUT
GAUTENG
- TUT
- Vaal University of Technology
- University of Pretoria
- UJ
KZN
- University of Zululand
- DUT
- MUT
- UKZN
LIMPOPO
- University of Limpopo
- TUT Campus
MPUMALANGA
- Mpumalanga University
NORTHERN CAPE
- Sol Plaatje University
WESTERN CAPE
- UWC
- CPUT
26 April 2024 - NW820
Shikwambana, Mr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What (a) are the relevant details of (i) all pilot accommodation service providers, (ii) contractual value of each service provider and (iii) the duration of each contract and (b) amount has been paid to each service provider to date?
Reply:
a) (i) NSFAS has a total of 40 selected institutions on the pilot for private accommodation for the 2024 academic year which are spread across different Provinces.
The total number of Accommodation Providers/ Properties that have been accredited through NSFAS portal is 3309.
ii) There is no single contractual value as these are dependent on the outcome of the grading of each property.
iii) All offer letters that have been accepted by landlords are for a duration of 3 years.
b) NSFAS started paying some accommodation providers by 15 March 2024 and catch-up payments are still being processed as these are based on the registration data received from the institutions. All remittances are expected to be done by end April/ May when all payments are up to date.
26 April 2024 - NW801
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What total (a) amount of money was (i) lost by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme through detected fraud and/or maladministration in each year since 2017 and (ii) recouped and/or recovered in the same period and (b) number of criminal charges brought relating to detected fraud and/or maladministration?
Reply:
a) (i) Approximately R21 446 855 was lost.
(ii) None of the funds have been recovered as some of these matters are still being investigated by law enforcement agencies.
(b) The NSFAS has reported 14 matters with the SAPS relating to alleged fraud.
26 April 2024 - NW650
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether, with reference to student accommodation at the Vaal University of Technology, he will furnish Dr W J Boshoff with the total number of landlords supplying accommodation for students funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) that (a) are (i) unpaid and/or (ii) not fully paid for the 2023 academic year and/or (b) dispute any possible assertion from NSFAS that their payments for 2023 are up to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what is the (a) outstanding total amount in each specified case and (b) monetary value of the unpaid accounts combined?
Reply:
a. NSFAS did not have any landlords for Vaal University of Technology providing accommodation for NSFAS students in 2023.
(i) N/A
(ii) N/A
b. NSFAS was made aware in December 2023 that VUT has unaccredited landlords providing accommodation to some NSFAS beneficiaries in 2023 and the institution has not been working with the unaccredited landlords. NSFAS however intervened to assist the institution until the matter was resolved in February 2024 where the institution has started processes to pay landlords who have leases with confirmed funded students.
On 13 March 2024, NSFAS was informed of the pending payments of funded students who were residing in accredited accommodation. NSFAS is awaiting the institution to provide the list of those students to verify them on the system.
2. Vaal University of Technology to respond.
26 April 2024 - NW658
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether the pilot programme for student accommodation which was introduced at various universities is compulsory for all institutions of higher learning; if not, why not; if so, what are the reasons that some institutions, such as the Sol Plaatje University, are not implementing the specified programme in line with the requirements of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme?
Reply:
For the 2024 academic year, NSFAS proposed that 23 TVET colleges and 17 Universities must be part of the accommodation pilot program, which includes Sol Plaatjie University.
NSFAS continues to engage Sol Plaatje University on the implementation of the project and the University has since confirmed that they have implemented the project at 95%. NSFAS is keeping a close eye on the University.
11 April 2024 - NW750
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What steps is his department taking to uphold the integrity of academic credentials conferred upon graduates of tertiary institutions of higher learning in the Republic, as some academic credentials raise doubt about its integrity and the institutions conferring it?
Reply:
The Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, (the Act) as amended, states that degrees, diplomas, and certificates are awarded by higher education institutions subject to their statutes and the Act. Section 65 C of the Act adds that no degree, diploma, or certificate may be awarded upon any person who has not been registered as a student, against the qualification, for the period (and conditions) prescribed by the Senate of the institution.
Universities are established by the Minister in terms of the Act. Each university has a Programme and Qualification Mix (PQM) that is approved by the Minister; qualifications that are placed on the universities’ PQMs are approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (the Department), accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), registered on the National Qualifications Framework (HEQSF) and by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and supported by a professional body, where applicable. The Minister, therefore, determines the scope and range of operations for higher education institutions.
The Department, the CHE and SAQA have initiated a Data Validation Project (DVP); the aim of this project is to ensure that qualification types and naming conventions are consistent across the three databases. This exercise was necessitated by the emergence of different qualification types and nomenclatures that were used interchangeably after the HEQSF Alignment process.
The DVP is an ongoing process; where inconsistencies are identified, clarity is sought from institutions and due process is followed to secure the necessary approval of qualifications. There are cases where some qualifications need to be discontinued because universities conduct periodic reviews of PQMs to ensure viability of qualifications. In some cases, qualifications are discontinued because of national reviews, an example is the old two-year Bachelor of Laws. When qualifications are discontinued, the university engages with the Department and the last date of First Time Enrolment is recorded on the PQM. This record is then archived by the Department.
Where there are concerns around the quality of academic programmes, the CHE conducts reviews of the qualifications and improvement plans are developed and approved by the CHE, this information is then shared with the Department. The CHE and the Department adopt a developmental approach around quality assurance and enhancement hence the need for improvement plans, site visits and periodic institutional audits of universities.
Professional bodies play an important role in ensuring the integrity of professional qualifications and in protecting the public. The CHE has signed Memoranda of Agreement/ Understanding with several professional bodies to promote cooperation and collaboration that ensures the quality of qualifications that lead to professional registration.
Additional notes:
The role of the CHE in quality assurance of qualifications is upheld in the Higher Education Act and universities’ senates and councils play an important function in safeguarding the academic integrity of qualifications. While some universities still offer and award qualifications that are not aligned to the HEQSF to pipeline students that were registered before 31 December 2019, these are being phased out. This is done while offering and awarding HEQSF aligned qualifications with different nomenclature.
The Department will, for a period maintain two separate PQMs for each university, HEQSF aligned and non-aligned. The Department envisages that non-aligned qualifications for distance education programmes will be phased out by 2028 and non-aligned contact programmes, by 2026.
11 April 2024 - NW760
Pambo, Mr V to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
In light of the fact that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has recovered close to R1Â billion from institutions of higher learning that have either misused and/or misallocated funds from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, what (a) steps has he taken to hold the specified institutions accountable for misused and/or misallocated funds and (b) intervention measures have been put in place to ensure that maladministration does not continue in institutions of higher learning?
Reply:
a) In terms of proclamation 88 of 2022, the SIU initiated investigations on potential misuse and/or misallocation of funds by the institutions. Once the SIU has concluded its report, the Department will study the report, and engage the NSFAS and institutions which are implicated by SIU before it takes any steps. The Department has in the interim asked universities to conclude outstanding financial reconciliations.
b) NSFAS is improving its internal controls and reconciliation processes to identify outstanding funds and recover or process payments due far sooner. The Department further monitors the performance reports of universities and conducts site visits, reviews audited financial statements and annual reports of the universities, and where substantial evidence or complaints on maladministration are reported to or detected by the Department, investigations are undertaken as per the empowering provisions of the Higher Education Act (1999).
Section 42 (1) of the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, as amended, states that the Minister may issue a directive to the council of Public Higher Education Institution (PHEI) if the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the Council or the Management of the PHEIs, (a) is involved in financial impropriety or the PHEI is being otherwise managed’.
If Section 42 (1)(a) is not fulfilled, then the Minister may consider Section 42 (4), which states that “in the event that the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the council of the PHEI concerned has failed to comply with the directive contemplated in this section within the stated period, or the steps taken, fail to remedy the deficiency within a reasonable period of time, the Minister may, depending on the circumstances-
(a) appoint an independent assessor in accordance with section 44; or
(b) appoint an administrator in accordance with section 49B; or
(c) take any other appropriate action allowed by this Act or any other law”, as a form of intervention.
11 April 2024 - NW749
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether he intends to commission any investigation into the allegations of fraudulent degrees conferred by the University of Fort Hare; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department will decide on the allegations once two related processes have been concluded. The first process emanates from the work of the Special Investigation Unit which is conducting an investigation at the University of Fort Hare, following the Presidential Proclamation published on 5 August 2022, in the Government Gazette no 47199. A report is expected during March / April 2024, and is likely to be delivered to the President’s office. The second process stems from the legal proceedings underway, involving the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane and the University of Fort hare.
28 March 2024 - NW473
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What (a) total number of registered post-graduate students in public institutions of higher learning are financed by the State in their studies in the 2024 academic year and (b) are the full details of how the funding is resourced?
Reply:
The information requested by the honorable member is not readily available as registration of post-graduates is still underway. Once all universities have finalised registration, data will be collated and verified with confirmations from the National Research Foundation, the Services SETA, National Skills Fund, National Student Financial Aid Scheme and other fellow government departments as well as state owned enterprises who sponsor post-graduate studies of students. Enquiries will also be made on how funding is sourced from the latter institutions.
28 March 2024 - NW529
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Following the launch of the National Artisan Development Academy by the Motheo Technical and Vocational Education and Training College on 1 March 2024, (a) what direction is the specified facility taking in ensuring that the supply of qualifications matches the requirements of a growing economy and (b) how will the students be accommodated regarding residency?
Reply:
(a) During the conceptualisation phase of the National Artisan Development Academy, a research committee was established with members from the University of the Free State (UFS), Central University of Technology (CUT), Services SETA and Motheo TVET College. The study employed a qualitative research design that involved desktop analysis of supply and demand of trades and related occupations.
The analyses involved:
1) the review of the Sector Skills Plans of six Sector Education and Training Authorities that provide funding for trade and related occupations (with particular attention paid to PIVOTAL lists, scarce and critical skills lists),
2) DHET’ s list of priority occupations and Department of Trade (DTI) Sector Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) scarce skills as well as applicable policy and legislative framework. The research activities described above resulted in a combined list of 36 possible trades. These were further grouped according to their levels of similarities. Based on these analyses, a total of 23 trades were extracted from scarce skills. Sixteen trades were common across scarce and pivotal lists. Seven trades were listed as scarce and not pivotal. Nine trades were listed as pivotal and not scarce. The trades were grouped according to similar practical equipment requirements. Nine groups could be identified, covering 31 trades. Five trades could be allocated into any group. The study recommended that Groups 1-6 be accommodated at the Academy, in addition to Hairdressing and Beauty Treatment which fall within the scope of the Services SETA is accommodated at the Academy.
(b) The National Artisan Development Academy have 3 hostels on the campus where we can accommodate a total of 192 students. Students who are in programmes which are funded by NSFAS like the Occupational Certificate: Hairdresser and Visual Art & Design N4 to N6 will be accommodated in these hostels. The Student Support Services (SSS) Unit is assisting the college with student housing at the Academy for students resides from outside Bloemfontein.
28 March 2024 - NW530
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether he has been informed that private accommodation owners who are accredited by the Sol Plaatje University in the Northern Cape were charged an amount of R250 per month by the specified university; if not, why not; if so, (2) whether it is standard for universities to be charging private accommodation owners the specified fee; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how is the fee used by the university and (b) what total amount has the university raised through the specified process since it started operating?
Reply:
Part 1: Prior to this Parliamentary Question, I was not informed of the amount charged by the Sol Plaatje University (SPU). This is because the accreditation of private student accommodation is carried out by the institutions in line with their own policies and processes.
In its response to the question, SPU indicates the following:
- It imposes a fee for the accreditation of off-campus accommodation for the purpose of ensuring that this accommodation meets the University’s standards for safety, quality, and student comfort.
- It charges between R500-R1500 per year for each facility.
- Following accreditation, a nominal monthly administration fee is charged for each student housed, covering ongoing oversight and support services.
Part 2 – Main Question: Yes, it is a standard practise for universities to be charged private accommodation owners a fee for the accreditation of their facilities.
Part 2 (a): SPU responded as follows:
- These funds reimburse the University for administrative tasks, including managing payments to landlords and covering associated costs such as banking fees.
- The revenue directly contributes to enhancing the living and learning environment of its students. Specifically, it offsets bank charges and supports the residence budget.
- Despite facing financial challenges in managing residence operations as detailed in its published financial statements, these efforts reflect the University’s commitment to providing quality student accommodation.
- The charges are pivotal for maintaining its high accommodation standards.
Part 2 (b): SPU reports that it introduced private student accommodation in 2023 and for the 2023 financial year, it raised an amount of R4.2 million.
Additional Information: In addition to the above, SPU indicates the following:
- The University is committed to ensuring the highest standards of off-campus accommodation for its students.
- In line with this commitment, the University implements an accreditation system accompanied by a structured fee model:
28 March 2024 - NW542
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether he has been informed that the Motheo Technical Vocational Education and Training College, which offers workshop classes for welding and upholstery and other handy work-related courses, is not officially registered; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how was the specified college allowed to proceed with offering such courses without proper procedure being approved, (b) what measures of intervention will his department implement to ensure that the college refunds parents for tuition that has already been paid and (c) what action will his department take against the institution for operating without being registered?
Reply:
(a) Motheo TVET college has been offering these programmes as skills programmes since 2001. The current administration of the college inherited these programmes, which were offered as unaccredited skills programmes registered by the former Industry Boards as Competency Based Modular Training (CBMT) Programmes were registered as shorter skills training programmes. Upon realising that these programmes were not accredited, the management of the college took a decision to accredit these programmes through the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) since 2019. For ease of reference the accreditation letters of these programmes is attached, as well as other programmes as received from the QCTO. The college has always marketed these programmes as skills programmes, and not as accredited programmes. (b) The colleges stands to be guided otherwise in terms of reimbursing students/parents for tuition that has been paid as these are legacy programmes registered with old industry boards as far back as technical colleges and manpower centres. (c) The occupational programmes in questioned are accredited with QCTO and the details are as follows:
- Upholstery is now OC: Furniture Upholstery
- And welding is now OC: Welder
This course has their workplace component included in the curriculum. The college is working with industry partners to place all students successfully with employers. Attached find the accreditation certificates for all these occupational programmes.
28 March 2024 - NW708
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether he will furnish Mr L J Basson with a (a) list and (b) full description of all events planned by his department to take place before 29 May 2024 in celebration of the 30 years of democracy in the Republic, including the (i) projected total cost or expenditure of each event and (ii) breakdown thereof in terms of expenditure for (aa) catering, (bb) entertainment, (cc) venue hire, (dd) transport and (ee) accommodation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
Whether the Minister will furnish Mr L J Basson with:
(a) a list
There is no list as no events were planned to celebrate the 30 years of democracy in the republic.
(b) full description of all events planned by his Department to take place before 29 May 2024 in celebration of the 30 years of democracy in the republic.
There are no details available as no events were planned to celebrate the 30 years of democracy in the republic.
(i) Projected total cost or expenditure of each event and
No cost or expenditure were incurred.
(ii) Breakdown thereof in terms of expenditure for
(aa) catering
No cost or expenditure were incurred.
(bb) entertainment
No cost or expenditure were incurred.
(cc) venue hire
No cost or expenditure were incurred.
(dd) transport and
No cost or expenditure were incurred.
(ee) accommodation.
No cost or expenditure were incurred.
If not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?
No events are planned to celebrate 30 years of democracy in the republic.
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
There is no specific event that the department is planning in celebration of the 30 years of democracy in the current financial year (2023/2024) due to budget constraints. However, it is something that will be considered later in the 2024/2025 financial year.
- None
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
28 March 2024 - NW264
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)(a) On what grounds did the University of South Africa appoint a certain person (name and details furnished) in a previous position and (b) how was the specified person’s contract renewed after the person had retired at 65; (2) what qualifications does the person hold for the position?
Reply:
1. Section 34 (1) of the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, as amended, (the Act) states that “the council of a public higher education institution must appoint the employees of the public higher education institution”. Furthermore, subparagraph (3) states that “the council must determine the conditions of service, disciplinary provisions, privileges and functions of the employees of the institution, subject to the applicable labour law.
2. In this regard the university advised that it extended the contract of its head of security on the basis of his 35 years’ experience. He holds Security Course Certificate Grade A, B, C, D and E.
28 March 2024 - NW438
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether teams of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme are available to assist students who may want to make applications in areas where no stable internet is available; if not, why not; if so, (2) Whether a team could be sent to the Magabheni Sizakala Centre in Ward 99 in eThekwini, to assist students for the May intake; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- NSFAS is able to assist students with applications where there is no stable network, however it should be noted that applications closed on 15 February 2024.
- A team can be deployed to Magabheni Sizakele Centre through a formal request sent to NSFAS. NSFAS will then assess if similar challenges are experienced in surrounding areas so that its intervention is not confined to specific or limited areas, and is also implemented in a manner that seeks to manage public sector funds efficiently.
28 March 2024 - NW475
Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What is the position of his department regarding the newly developed assessment systems to assess incoming and/or prospective students of the (a) University of Cape Town, (b) Stellenbosch University and (c) University of the Western Cape?
Reply:
Neither the Department or the universities are aware of newly developed assessment systems. Section 28 (1) of the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, as amended, provides for the establishment of a senate as a university governance structure accountable to the council for the academic and research function. In addition, the Department ensures that universities have developed policies which provide for transparent selection and admissions.
The systems used by the three universities have been in use for some time but are continuously enhanced as institutional policies evolve. The systems are set up according to the minimum admission requirements per programme and when final results are received the system matches these against the applicant, calculates the point score as per the policy of a particular university, checks for designated subjects and levels and determines if the applicant meets the requirements or not. If minimum requirements are met, the applicant is placed in a selection pool (for the programme applied for) for faculties to consider and if they do not meet the minimum they are declined (automatically). The pool is then ranked by the system from highest point score to lowest and faculties are then allowed to proceed with selections and view the fresults.
If an offer is made, the system sends out an offer via email and the applicant is given time to accept the offer which differs per institution. The system also sends a reminder email. Should the offer be accepted this is recorded and the applicants receive registration information. Should the offer not be accepted it is forfeited but can still be accepted by the faculty where late acceptance is permitted. For applicants that accept offers and do not register as per the designated deadlines, a faculty may revoke the offer. While there is some automation, selection is not automated and faculties still quality assure the results and make an offer or decline an applicant
28 March 2024 - NW474
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(a) What is the proposed funding model of his department for the missing middle, (b) what total number of students will be catered for in the 2024 academic year and (c) how is the funding model sustainable?
Reply:
- The proposed funding model for the missing middle is a loan scheme linked to a credit guarantee.
- 31 884 students.
- The funding model allows for students to repay the loan once they are employed.
28 March 2024 - NW476
Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
In light of the fact that the higher education staff composition still does not reflect the demographics of the Republic 30 years post-apartheid, where white men remain dominant in the professorial rank at 67%, (a) what are the reasons his department has failed to address the matter, (b) how will he ensure that this dynamic is changed and (c) what (i) plans have been put in place to produce tangible results and (ii) are the timelines?
Reply:
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation is fully aware of the skewed demographics in the senior academic ranks of universities and since 2018 embarked on a wide-ranging programme of sectoral redress to transform the social structure of our academic system.
In 2018, the Department of Higher Education and Training instituted the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) funded by the University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG). This innovation was brought about around the time of the Summit on the Transformation of Higher Education in 2015.
The Staff Development component of the UCDP contributes to the creation of an academic pipeline that enables the recruitment, retention and progression of academics, particularly black and women academics, along the entire pipeline, including through enabling research development, teaching development, leadership development and professional development opportunities for academics and professional staff. A general requirement that is applied to all the sub-programmes of the UCDP is that 80% of the beneficiaries must be Black and/or women South African citizens.
One of the sub-programmes of the UCDP is the Future Professors Programme (FPP). It aims to recruit young academics into a structured and intense programme to accelerate their readiness for the professoriate. The FPP contributes to building demographically transformed, professional, and capable senior academics at public universities in South Africa across various disciplines. The programme is being implemented to address the deficiency in black and women professors, at South African public universities. Currently, 144 lecturers are supported in the programme with the rest to be onboarded in 2024/25. Of these, 68 (47%) are males and 76 (53%) are females, 126 (88%) are Black (African, Coloured and Indian) and 18 (12%) are White. A total of 87 academics have completed the programme with 52 of them promoted to Professorship and the rest rated through the National Research Foundation’s rating system. All 26 universities are participating in the programme. So far (up to the 2023/24 financial year), a total amount of R135 229 574 has been invested in supporting approximately 171 senior lecturers into a structured programme to develop them towards professorship positions.
In addition to the FPP that specifically focuses on the development of senior academics to be ready for Professorial positions, three programmes that act as the pipeline for the FPP are being implemented. These programmes include the Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP) which recruits candidates who are interested in pursuing an academic career and who hold an Honours degree or junior degree. These candidates are supported through a structured and developmental programme to acquire Master’s degrees and are granted an opportunity of a one-year academic internship at South African universities which prepares them to apply for academic positions at universities. This includes a full scholarship to acquire a Master’s degree (or starting from an Honours level) and a one-year internship at a South African university. So far, a total amount of R113 384 650 has been allocated to universities for the implementation of this programme since its inception and a total of 193 positions and scholarships have been awarded to universities.
Next in the pipeline is the New Generation of Academics Programme (the nGAP) which recruits new academics against carefully designed and balanced equity considerations and disciplinary areas of greatest need into permanent posts at universities and supports them through an intensive development programme that includes acquiring PhDs and development towards a fully-fledged academic. To date, the programme has allocated a total of 872 posts to universities which amounts to a total investment of R2 263 522 782. So far, 772 lecturers have been recruited and appointed to the universities permanently. Of this number, 415 (54%) are females and 357 (46%) are males, 22 (3%) are white and 750 (97%) are black. A total of 188 of these lecturers have acquired their PhDs, and of these 101 are females and 87 are males. All universities are benefitting from the programme.
The third programme that can serve as a feeder to the FPP is the University Staff Doctoral Programme (USDP). The USDP supports existing permanent academics and professional staff at universities to achieve doctoral degrees through full scholarships. So far, a total of R183 456 061 has been invested in the programme since its inception in 2018 to support a total of 420 academics in universities. A total number of 324 academics are currently pursuing the PhDs with 196 (60%) being female and 128 (40%) male. Black academics supported constitute 290 (90%) and 34 (10%) white. Eighty-seven (87) academics supported have completed their PhDs and the rest are in progress. The Department has also specifically supported university programs which foster collaboration between historically-white and historically black, and urban and rural-based institutions.
Although COVID-19 negatively affected the progress of many of the academics supported through these programmes, the UCDP interventions are in full swing and will carry on until the demographics in the academic system reflects the demographics of the population.
28 March 2024 - NW484
Makamba-Botya, Ms N to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What measures have been put in place to build more educational institutions of higher learning with student accommodation in the next five financial years?
Reply:
The Department has a plan to assist deserving institutions to build student accommodation. A number is institutions have been identified and have been presented to National Treasury for approval:
Institution |
Campus |
Sector |
No of Rooms |
No of Beds |
University of Limpopo |
Turfloop |
University |
1925 |
3500 |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
Bellville |
University |
413 |
750 |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
District Six, West |
University |
330 |
600 |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
Mowbray |
University |
440 |
800 |
Central University of Technology (CUT) |
Bloemfontein |
University |
550 |
1000 |
Central University of Technology (CUT) |
Welkom |
University |
550 |
1000 |
Gert Sibanda TVET College |
Sibanesetfu |
TVET |
495 |
900 |
Gert Sibanda TVET College |
Perdekop |
TVET |
330 |
600 |
King Hintsa TVET College |
Teko |
TVET |
462 |
840 |
Lephalale TVET College |
Lephalale |
TVET |
660 |
1200 |
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) |
Ga-Rankuwa |
University |
1100 |
2000 |
Sekhukhune TVET College |
CS Barlow |
TVET |
440 |
800 |
Sekhukhune TVET College |
CN Phatudi |
TVET |
385 |
700 |
Tshwane University of Technology |
Ga -Rankuwa |
University |
330 |
600 |
Tshwane University of Technology |
Pretoria West |
University |
990 |
1800 |
Tshwane University of Technology |
Soshanguvhe |
University |
495 |
900 |
University of Johannesburg |
Soweto |
University |
330 |
600 |
University of Johannesburg |
Auckland Park |
University |
411 |
748 |
University of Johannesburg |
Doornfontein |
University |
385 |
700 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
Pietermaritzburg |
University |
825 |
1500 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
Edgewood |
University |
330 |
600 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
Westville |
University |
495 |
900 |
University of Limpopo |
Turfloop |
University |
1925 |
3500 |
University of Zululand (UniZulu) |
KwaDlangezwa |
University |
1925 |
3500 |
Institution |
Campus |
Sector |
No of Rooms |
No of Beds |
University of Zululand (UniZulu) |
KwaDlangezwa |
University |
210 |
400 |
Majuba TVET College |
Newcastle |
TVET |
825 |
1500 |
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) |
Nelson Mandela Drive Delivery Unit |
University |
330 |
600 |
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) |
Zamukulungisa Delivery Unit |
University |
330 |
600 |
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) |
Health Sciences Faculty Drive Delivery Unit |
University |
440 |
800 |
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) |
Ibika |
University |
330 |
600 |
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) |
Potsdam Delivery Unit |
University |
330 |
600 |
Northlink TVET College |
Tygerberg |
TVET |
495 |
900 |
Northlink TVET College |
Wingfield |
TVET |
330 |
600 |
Vhembe TVET College |
Mashamba |
TVET |
385 |
700 |
Vhembe TVET College |
Makwarela |
TVET |
330 |
600 |
Total |
20856 |
37938 |
The funding for the programme is dependent on the funding allocation from National Treasury.
28 March 2024 - NW527
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What is the current status of the plan to establish the (a) University of Policing and Crime Detection in Hammanskraal and (b) University of Science and Innovation in the City of Ekurhuleni?
Reply:
For both universities, the process is currently at the second phase of technical planning studies focusing on detailed technical, geospatial, campus infrastructure, ICT, equipment, staffing and student support services costs. The scope further extends to the following tasks:
- Conducting a detailed audit of the qualifications, expertise, and capacity of existing staff at Hammanskraal police academy to determine skills gaps and requirements for the new higher education institutions and developing a talent acquisition model;
- Exploring mechanisms for securing collaborative partnerships and/or a consortium with universities already offering postgraduate qualifications with various specialisations in crime and policing studies;
- Conducting international benchmarking to assess the enhancement of education and training through next generation technologies;
- Investigating the various modalities of articulation pathways between the TVET (technical, vocational, educational, and training) sector and the new higher education institutions; and
Exploring the development of articulation pathways at the postgraduate level between the new higher education institutions and partnering universities.
The results of Phase Two technical modelling will enable the Department of Higher Education and Training to align implementation and funding plans with the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework planning process.
28 March 2024 - NW528
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
How has his department resolved the issue of delays in the process of establishing the Tshwane University of Technology Giyani Campus?
Reply:
In the first instance, the feasibility study for the establishment of the campus was delayed by more than 5 months (May to Mid-October) due to the Limpopo Department of Education (LDE) denying access to the site (former Giyani College of Education). The Department resolved this by escalating the matter to the Limpopo Office of the Premier (OTP). Subsequently, the Limpopo OTP organized a meeting with the Department and LDE on 16 October 2023 where LDE agreed to grant access to the site, and a site visit was carried out 01-02 November 2023.
In the second instance, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) was denied access (from mid-November 2023 to end of February 2024), the Department resolved the issue by once again escalating the matter to the Limpopo OTP. The Department’s Senior Management, led by the Director-General, held a meeting with the Director-General of Limpopo on 13 March 2024. The meeting was also attended by the Limpopo Department of Education (LDE), the Mopani District Municipality, the Giyani Local Municipality (led by the Mayor), and TUT. The Limpopo OTP undertook to ensure that the Department and TUT have access to the site. The meeting agreed on an establishment of a broader Project Steering Committee that includes the Limpopo Office of the Premier, LDE, Mopani District Municipality, Giyani Local Municipality, and Community Structures.
22 March 2024 - NW472
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)What total number of (a) applications did the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) receive for the 2024 academic year, (b) applicants (i) qualified and (ii) did not qualify, (c) applications were (i) approved and (ii) rejected and (d) applications of the qualifying students (i) were approved, (ii) are undergoing appeals and (iii) will not be catered for by NSFAS; (2) what were the common reasons for rejection of NSFAS applications?
Reply:
1. (a) NSFAS received 1,936,330 bursary applications for the 2024 academic year (to date i.e. 07 March 2024).
(b) (i) The total number of applicants that qualified is 1 258 509.
(ii) The total number of applicants that did not qualify is 230 669.
(c)(i) Total number that was approved is 1 258 509.
(ii) Total number that was rejected is 230 669.
(d) (i) 1 258 509 of the qualifying students were approved.
(ii) 19 149 have submitted appeals.
(iii) 230 669 will not be catered for as they have been rejected.
2. The common reasons for rejection of the bursary applications at NSFAS are based on the following.
a) financial eligibility criteria where family income is above the NSFAS threshold of R350 000,
b) failure to meet academic eligibility criteria, such as the N+ rule.
22 March 2024 - NW463
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What total number of technical vocational education and training colleges have vacant principal positions?
Reply:
There are 14 Technical Vocational Education and Training colleges as follows:
NO |
REGION |
NAME OF COLLEGE |
Gauteng & Free State |
|
|
2. |
Western Cape & Northern Cape |
|
3. |
Mpumalanga & North West |
|
4. |
Kwa Zulu Natal |
|
5. |
Eastern Cape |
|
22 March 2024 - NW436
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)With regard to the objectives and purposes of the Skills Development Act, Act 97 of 1998, what total amount has been paid by employers in skills development levies since the inception of the Skills Development Levy, National Skills Fund (NSF) and the implementation of the specified Act; (2) what (a) total amount has been raised by the NSF in reliance upon the Act, in particular section 27, and (b) is the source of the funding in reliance upon section 27(2)(a) to (f); (3) what is the (a) current value of the total amount raised and held by the NSF and (b) total monetary value of unspent skills development levies being held by (i) all the sector education and training authorities and (ii) the NSF; (4) what is the total number of accredited qualifications that have been funded by the (a) skills development levies and (b) NSF; (5) what are the reasons that the money, raised through levies on employers and other sources of funding, has not been spent on skills development?
Reply:
1. With regard to the objectives and purposes of the Skills Development Act, Act 97 of 1998, what total amount has been paid by employers in skills development levies since the inception of the Skills Development Levy, National Skills Fund (NSF) and the implementation of the specified Act;
Employers have the direct relationship through the mandatory grant process. The NSF as a catalytic funder focuses on skills development across the value chain of SA and has a direct relationship with stakeholders and/or implementing agents such as Skills Development Providers, Government Departments, PSET institutions none of which pay a levy to the NSF.
2. what (a) total amount has been raised by the NSF in reliance upon the Act, in particular section 27, and (b) is the source of the funding in reliance upon section 27(2)(a) to (f);
The pilot project underway through the Presidency called the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) is the only source of additional funding and this has been included in the MTSF (through DHET).
Background
“Section 27 (1) of the Skills Development Act (SDA) states that the National Skills Fund is hereby established and section (2) further state that the Fund must be credited with:
-
- 20 per cent of the skills development levies, interest and penalties collected in respect of every SETA, as required by sections 8 (3) (a) and 9 (a) of the Skills Development
Levies Act (SDL Act);
-
- the skills development levies, interest and penalties collected by the Commissioner from employers which do not fall within the jurisdiction of a SETA, as required by section 8 (3) (c) of the SDL Act.
- money appropriated by Parliament for the Fund;
- interest earned on investments contemplated in section 29 (3);
- donations to the Fund; and
- money received from any other source.”
2 a) The total amount has been raised by the NSF in reliance upon the Act, in particular, section 27.
With reference to the Act and the question raised, the NSF was established in 1999 in terms of section 27 of the SDA without legal persona.
From that period of its establishment to the period of 2010, the NSF was placed under the Department of Labour (DOL) as a chief directorate /Directorate and the total amount that was raised by the NSF during this period was R 8 439 078 000.
In 2010-11 NSF was transferred to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and in 2011-12 the NSF was listed as Schedule 3A Public Entity in terms of the PFMA, retrospectively effective from 1 April 2012. From the period of 2011 to 2023 the total amount that was raised by the NSF during this period was R49 464 097 000.
In summary and in total considering the period when the NSF was in DOL and the NSF in the DHET, the NSF received a total amount of R57 903 175 000.
2 b) The source of the funding in reliance upon section 27(2)(a) to (f)
With reference to the section 27 of the SDA and the question raised, the NSF current main revenue sources are:
- 20% of the skills development levies as contemplated in the SDL Act; and
- Interest earned on investments held at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC); and
- Money received from any other sources - uncommitted surplus from the SETAs and to certain extend interest received from the Skills Development Providers (but the amount is not material).
The NSF may also receive revenue from the following sources as per section 27 of the SDA (but this is not prevalent as NSF has not received any of the amount listed below):
- The skills development levies collected and transferred to the NSF, in terms of the SDL Act in respect of those employers or sectors for which there is no sector education and training authority (SETA)
- Money appropriated by Parliament for the NSF
- Donations to the NSF
With reference to the 20% of the skills development levies as contemplated in the Skills Development Levies Act, 1999 (Act 9 of 1999) (SDL Act) as per section 27 (2) (a), the NSF has accounted for R45 996 000 000.
With reference interest earned on investments contemplated in section 29 (3) of the SDA and as per section 27 (2) (d), the NSF has accounted for R6 789 000 000.
With reference to the funds received as a results uncommitted surplus from the SETAs that are transferred to the NSF in terms of SETA grant regulation 3(12) the NSF has accounted for R4 126 000 000.
With reference to section 27 (1) (f) “money received from other sources” / Other income the NSF has accounted for R 992 000 000 (for example transfers from DHET for special projects and
Finance income from advance payments to skills development programmes and projects)
3 a) Current value of the total amount raised.
The current value from 1 April 2023 to 31 Dec 2023 is the total of R4 152 000 000.
- 20% of the skills development levies as contemplated in the SDL Act is R 3 313 000 000 and
- Interest earned on investments held at the PIC as per section 27 (2) (d) is R838 000 000.
3b) The total monetary value of unspent skills development levies being held by NSF is R14,916 billion.
in terms of Section 29(3) of the SDA, the unexpended balance in the NSF at the end of the financial year must be carried forward to the next financial year as a credit to the NSF.
The unspent funds are currently invested investments held at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) as per section 29 (2) of the SDA that state that Any money in the Fund not required for immediate use may be invested in accordance with an investment policy approved by the Director-General that complies with the requirements of the Public Finance Management Act and may be withdrawn when required.
The total value of the unspent skills development levies being held of R14 916 000 000 is intended to be utilised for:
-
- The 200 committed skills development programme and projects that the NSF has entered contract with the cash commitment of R 11 196 000 000.
- The 204 earmarked committed skills development programme and projects that have not yet been contract of about R 10 000 000 000.
The NSF in terms of its strategic plan and annual performance plan intends to support and respond to the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP)/MTSF/WP-PSET/NP-PSET and also responding to the other projects of national priorities by funding projects that are :
-
- Identified to increase production of occupations in high demand (skills development programme and projects such Artisanal development etc)
- Link education and the workplace (skills development programme and projects - Work integrated learning /Learnerships/ Internships etc)
- Improve the level of skills in the South African workforce (skills development programme and projects such Worker education related interventions)
- Increase access to occupationally directed programmes (skills development programme and projects with the 50 TVET Colleges / 9 CET colleges / State SOCs such as NECSA etc)
- Skills development support for entrepreneurship and cooperative development (skills development programme and projects such SEDA related interventions),
- The human resource development strategy (support to the secretariate work of NSA /HRDC)
4. what is the total number of accredited qualifications that have been funded by the (a) skills development levies and (b) NSF;
The National Skills Fund has funded various programmes in relation to the Skills Development Act and National Skills Development Plan. The table below provides the reader with number of qualifications in the financial years 22/23 and 23/24.
Qualification |
22/23 |
23/34 |
Number |
Number |
|
Learnerships |
10775 |
10818 |
Apprenticeship / Artisans |
7071 |
5888 |
Bursaries (incl. Int) |
813 |
1426 |
In addition to the numbers above, as a value add included are learners trained in:
-
-
- Occupations in High Demand (OIHD),
- Persons with Disability and
- Beneficiaries coming from rural communities.
-
5. What are the reasons that the money, raised through levies on employers and other sources of funding, has not been spent on skills development
- Currently NSF has skills development programme and projects of contract values of R23 264 000 000 and cash commitments of R11 196 000 000 that still need to be disbursed based on the budget projections beyond 2024 financial year and
- The NSF also has earmarked skills development programme and projects of 204 earmarked committed skills development programme and projects that have not yet been contract of about R10 000 000 000 disbursed.
The NSF in terms of its strategic plan and annual performance plan intends to support and respond to the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP)/MTSF/WP-PSET/NP-PSET and responding to the other projects of national priorities by funding projects that are:
- Identified to increase production of occupations in high demand (skills development programme and projects such Artisanal development etc)
- Link education and the workplace (skills development programme and projects - Work integrated learning /Learnerships/ Internships etc)
- Improve the level of skills in the South African workforce (skills development programme and projects such Worker education related interventions)
- Increase access to occupationally directed programmes (skills development programme and projects with the 50 TVET Colleges / 9 CET colleges / State SOCs such as NECSA etc)
- Skills development support for entrepreneurship and cooperative development (skills development programme and projects such SEDA related interventions),
- The human resource development strategy (support to the secretariate work of NSA / HRDC)
22 March 2024 - NW621
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)In light of the decline in research funding in the Republic, what plans has he put in place to support and strengthen higher education institutions to resist potential bias in areas such as health research arising from corporate funding; (2) whether there are any ongoing and/or planned initiatives to enhance the capacity of (a) public health academics and (b) research ethics committees to identify and manage conflicts of interest in health research; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The funding of health (including medical) research is managed between the Departments of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and Health and their respective entities. To ensure public good policy goals are coherently promoted across the two systems, there is a high degree of collaboration between the two Departments and its entities. The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is working with the National Health Research Ethics Council of the National Department of Health, the South African Medical Research Council, as well as the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) to develop guidelines for health research data management. Public funded health research is informed by the priorities that are set by the National Health Research Committee of the National Department of Health in collaboration with the Department of Science and Innovation. Researchers at the public funded Higher Education Institutes should adhere to the set priorities. Should a company want to fund research in line with the national health research priorities, the research proposal needs to be approved by the respective Institutional or provincial health research ethics committee, to ensure fairness and access.
2. The building of the capacity with regards to the research ethics committees is the responsibility of the National Health Research Ethics Council (NHREC) of the National Department of Health. The NHREC is a statutory body established under the National Health Act No 61 of 2003. The Act mandates the Minister of Health to establish the Council and it sets out NHREC’s functions, which involves giving direction on ethical issues relating to health and to develop guidelines for the conduct of research involving humans. The following are the functions of the NHREC as outlined in the Act:
- Determine guidelines for the functioning of health research ethics committees;
- Register and audit health research ethics committees;
- Set norms and standards for conducting research on humans and animals including norms and standards for conducting clinical trials;
- Adjudicate complaints about the functioning of health research ethics committees and hear any complaint by a researcher who believes that he or she has been discriminated against by a health research ethics committee.
- Refer to the relevant statutory health professional council matters involving the violation or potential violation of an ethical or professional rule by a health care provider.
- Institute such disciplinary action as may be prescribed against any person found to be in violation of any norms and standards, or guidelines, set for the conducting of research in terms of this Act; and
- Advise the national department and provincial departments on any ethical issues concerning research.
22 March 2024 - NW598
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
With reference to his reply to question 87 on 24 February 2023, what are the details of the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year of manufacture, (d) date of purchase and (e) purchase price paid for each vehicle purchased by his department for (i) him and (ii) the Deputy Minister since 8 May 2019?
Reply:
Minister |
Deputy Minister |
|
(a) |
N/A |
i) BMW ii) BMW |
(b) |
N/A |
i) X3 XDRIVE 20D ii) X3 XDRIVE 20D |
(c) |
N/A |
i) 2021 ii) 2021 |
(d) |
N/A |
(i)12/10/2021 (ii)20/12/2021 |
(e) |
N/A |
i) R761 199.40 ii) R768 666.99 |
07 March 2024 - NW412
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)What total number of beds for student accommodation have been approved by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme accrediting agents to date for the 2024 academic year; (2) whether the specified accrediting agents have been paid in full yet; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details
Reply:
(1) The total number of beds that have been accredited by NSFAS is 83 750.
(2) NSFAS has paid accreditation agents for whom invoices have been validated and approved. The total paid to date for 2023 accreditation amounts to R1, 575,740.
07 March 2024 - NW415
Khakhau, Ms KL to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What steps has his department taken to ensure that Coinvest and other service providers roll out National Student Financial Aid Scheme funds on time?
Reply:
The Department does not oversee the operations of service providers appointed by NSFAS, this is the role of senior management. NSFAS has advised that as per their agreements with service providers, they provide on boarding files to all partners in anticipation of the agreed upon monthly payment dates. A NSFAS payment file follows, after all partners have confirmed that students have been on boarded. Within 24 hours of NSFAS paying funds over to the partners, they release funds into students’ individual NSFAS bank accounts.
07 March 2024 - NW414
Khakhau, Ms KL to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What total number of students have to date been allocated money in accordance with his department’s missing-middle funding model?
Reply:
NSFAS is currently still processing applications based on financial eligibility of a combined family income in the range of R351 000 to R600 000. Academic institutions will assist in establishing academic eligibility (e.g. STEM vs Humanities programmes and the 70:30 split respectively).
Once both requirements of financial and academic eligibility are satisfied, NSFAS will share the loan agreement forms and associated documents for each eligible student with the students. Disbursement will follow thereafter.
07 March 2024 - NW413
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
On what grounds has he decided not to take a leave of absence while the investigation related to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and other matters is conducted?
Reply:
The act of taking leave of absence in the face of malicious allegations is usually exercised as an ethical step to allow a formal disciplinary process to proceed without any prejudice or hindrance, by an implicated party. As it relates to NSFAS, I have never been subjected to any disciplinary process or investigation and as such, the requirement of leave of absence doesn’t arise.
07 March 2024 - NW403
Shikwambana, Mr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(a) On what date will the contracts of the four direct payment service providers for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) be terminated, as recommended by the Werkmans Attorneys in October 2023 and (b) what total amount in Rand of NSFAS funds are still held by the direct payment service providers?
Reply:
a) The NSFAS Board is currently undergoing legal processes related to the cancellation of these contracts. Contracts will be cancelled upon completion of this process.
b) In terms of the agreed upon process, the partners do not hold on to NSFAS funds in the partners bank accounts; funds are paid into students individual NSFAS bank accounts and these funds are immediately available to students upon them completing the know your client (KYC) bank processes.
28 February 2024 - NW30
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)What (a) is the status of students who were rejected by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and (b) were the reasons for rejection; (2) what is the total number of (a) appeals that have been lodged by students that were rejected by NSFAS for the 2024 academic year, (b) the specified lodged appeals that were resolved and (c) the resolved appeals that resulted in NSFAS agreeing to pay for the specified academic year?
Reply:
1. (a) 131 528 applications have been rejected for the 2024 academic year. Their status remains at rejected.
(b) The applications were rejected due to not meeting either the financial or academic eligibility criteria.
2. (a) NSFAS has received 1495 appeals to date.
(b) NSFAS has not started working on the appeals yet. NSFAS applications closed on 15 February 2024. The team has been working on expediting the processing of applications.
(c) No appeals have been resolved yet.
28 February 2024 - NW31
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Following the allegations of corruption against a certain person (name and details furnished) and his subsequent leave or suspension, (a) what actions has he taken in the wake of the allegations, (b) what are the precise allegations against the specified person, (c) how have the allegations affected the daily running of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), (d) how does his department plan to solve the operational challenges and (e) who is the current acting chairperson of NSFAS?
Reply:
(a) what actions has he taken in the wake of the allegations,
On 10 January 2024 the NSFAS Board Chairperson, Mr Ernest Khosa informed the Board of his decision to take a leave of absence, and the Board, at the same meeting on 10 January 2024, decided to appoint an independent legal service provider to advise on the appropriate course of action. The firm Tshisevhe Gwina Ratshimbilani Inc. (TGR Attorneys) has been appointed and we now await their report.
(b) what are the precise allegations against the specified person,
The OUTA report contains recordings and transcripts of recordings of two meetings held allegedly between the Chairperson of the NSFAS Board, Mr Ernest Khosa and service providers to NSFAS. The report raised several allegations, including:
- The Chairperson privately met with service providers under investigation by the board for irregular appointments.
- The Chairperson allegedly received monetary benefits from service providers in exchange for facilitating appointments.
- The Chairperson purportedly made decisions with service providers that were contrary to the ongoing board investigation.
(c) how have the allegations affected the daily running of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS),
The leave of absence of the Chairperson has resulted in vacancies within both the Board itself and some of its sub-committees. Nevertheless, the Board has taken proactive measures to address this situation by reallocating existing members to fill these vacancies, thereby ensuring the continuity of leadership and preventing any void in governance.
(d) how does his department plan to solve the operational challenges and
The Department’s role is to exercise oversite. In the process of fulfilling this role it has approved funding for NSFAS’ ICT needs and capacity challenges. Whilst these are being addressed the Board has identified experts who will assist with implementing the turnaround strategy of the entity. Through reports the Department is monitoring the implementation of the audit plan and mitigation strategies it has advised NSFAS to implement. Further it engages with stakeholders, such as TVET Colleges and Universities, on whom NSFAS depends for timeous provision of accurate data to address bottlenecks. In addition, the Department will be instituting a board evaluation programme to assess the board’s performance against key KPI’s including amongst others institutional governance, policies to support critical standard operating procedures and performance management.
(e) who is the current acting chairperson of NSFAS?
The current Acting Chairperson is Prof Lourens van Staden.
28 February 2024 - NW175
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What is the total number of students according to demographics of (a) race, (b) gender and (c) disability that each university has enrolled in each faculty in the 2024 academic year?
Reply:
The Department is not in a position to share current (2024) enrolment data as the data has not been validated and audited at the university level. Ordinarily university audits are completed around July, Audited Disability enrolment stats have been disaggregated by race and gender in the table below. Unfortunately, DHET does not categorise student data in terms of the faculty they are located in.
Year |
2022 |
|||||||||||
Institution |
Female |
Female Total |
Male |
Male Total |
||||||||
African |
Coloured |
Indian |
No Info |
White |
African |
Coloured |
Indian |
No Info |
White |
|||
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
42 |
31 |
1 |
1 |
12 |
87 |
61 |
27 |
4 |
1 |
16 |
109 |
Central University of Technology |
94 |
2 |
|
|
3 |
99 |
87 |
5 |
|
|
4 |
96 |
Durban University of Technology |
207 |
5 |
10 |
|
|
222 |
167 |
2 |
10 |
|
2 |
181 |
Mangosuthu University of Technology |
36 |
|
|
|
|
36 |
23 |
|
|
|
|
23 |
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University |
195 |
29 |
3 |
|
36 |
263 |
168 |
25 |
4 |
|
36 |
233 |
North West University |
337 |
9 |
9 |
1 |
196 |
552 |
197 |
8 |
4 |
1 |
141 |
351 |
Rhodes University |
50 |
6 |
4 |
|
24 |
84 |
33 |
10 |
5 |
|
21 |
69 |
Sefako Makgatho University |
8 |
|
|
|
|
8 |
17 |
|
|
|
|
17 |
Sol Plaatje University, Northern Cape |
26 |
3 |
|
|
1 |
30 |
24 |
4 |
2 |
|
1 |
31 |
Tshwane University of Technology |
88 |
1 |
|
|
3 |
92 |
107 |
|
|
|
5 |
112 |
University of Fort Hare |
4 |
|
|
|
1 |
5 |
6 |
1 |
|
|
2 |
9 |
University of Cape Town |
80 |
49 |
18 |
106 |
100 |
353 |
104 |
31 |
18 |
99 |
71 |
323 |
University of Free State |
124 |
8 |
1 |
|
51 |
184 |
114 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
41 |
165 |
University of Johannesburg |
88 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
28 |
127 |
72 |
3 |
5 |
|
19 |
99 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
271 |
5 |
43 |
|
12 |
331 |
195 |
7 |
23 |
|
3 |
228 |
University of Limpopo |
107 |
1 |
|
|
|
108 |
84 |
|
|
|
|
84 |
University of Mpumalanga |
1252 |
2 |
2 |
|
4 |
1260 |
798 |
3 |
2 |
|
2 |
805 |
University of Pretoria |
115 |
16 |
22 |
1 |
140 |
294 |
114 |
7 |
23 |
1 |
156 |
301 |
University of South Africa |
1201 |
133 |
115 |
34 |
361 |
1844 |
789 |
81 |
83 |
9 |
232 |
1194 |
University of Stellenbosch |
54 |
52 |
14 |
9 |
191 |
320 |
31 |
39 |
11 |
14 |
160 |
255 |
University of Venda |
28 |
|
|
|
|
28 |
41 |
|
|
|
|
41 |
University of Western Cape |
150 |
112 |
8 |
2 |
17 |
289 |
104 |
87 |
8 |
2 |
13 |
214 |
University of Witwatersrand |
379 |
52 |
91 |
|
188 |
710 |
299 |
23 |
72 |
|
141 |
535 |
University of Zululand |
163 |
|
|
|
|
163 |
126 |
1 |
|
1 |
|
128 |
Vaal University of Technology |
248 |
|
|
|
|
248 |
227 |
2 |
|
|
3 |
232 |
Walter Sisulu University |
10 |
|
|
|
|
10 |
12 |
|
|
|
|
12 |
22 February 2024 - NW32
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(a) How will the R3,8 billion funding for the missing middle be facilitated for the 2024 academic year and (b) what number of students will benefit from the funding?
Reply:
(a) The R3.8 billion funding will be sourced from the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), with the NSF contributing R1.5 billion and the SETA offering R2.5 billion in 2024. The transfers will be subject to NSFAS meeting certain conditions, including improved controls and processes.
(b) 31 884 students will be funded over a period of 4 years.
20 December 2023 - NW3426
Makamba-Botya, Ms N to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Noting the various reported incidences of racial tension arising at the University of Pretoria and the alleged unfair dismissal from Student Representative Council elections of certain candidates (details furnished), (a) what are the details of the intervention measures that his department has made in the institution, noting the historical context of the institution itself with regard to racial discrimination and (b) how does the department ensure that students and workers have an outlet outside of the investigation processes of institutions for reporting issues pertaining to racial prejudice?
Reply:
a) The Department approached the university for a response which was then provided on 14 December 2023. In the report the university confirms that it developed a transformation strategy in 2022 as required, and the strategy creates safe spaces for engagement and discussion on institutional culture, and subsequently established UP Institutional Transformation Committee and UP Transformation Office, all which are tasked with developing and implementing various transformation initiatives.
b) All incidences on racial prejudice and other forms of discrimination which are reported to the Department are immediately investigated by senior officials, sometimes with the assistance of Higher Health and South African Police Services.
19 December 2023 - NW3743
Shikwambana, Mr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(a) On what date will the report which was compiled by Professor Yunus Ballim on allegations of corruption at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme be released, (b) what are the findings of the specified report and (c) what recommendations have already been implemented thus far?
Reply:
a) The report compiled by Prof Ballim constitutes an investigation into the causes and failures of the NSFAS, and it investigates business, processes, systems, and capacity challenges of the NSFAS. The Department has engaged the government printers for a quotation, and the report will be published as soon as it is processed internally.
b) The 271-page report concludes with 21 recommendations. Some of the findings and actions processed thus far are captured in the table below:
FINDINGS |
ACTION |
Migration from a decentralized to a student centred model (SCM) occurred without properly configured operational model / enterprise architecture plan that articulates its processes and organizational capabilities |
NSFAS has assigned an Executive to oversee the feasibility study into regionalization. NSFAS |
Full integration of the IT systems with all PSET institutions to ensure integrity of data and efficiency of the flow of information on registration, academic progression and funding details is required. Upgrade IT system and protect systems against fraud. |
NSFAS has developed a multi-year ICT implementation strategy. Thus far it has received R119 million to improve its ICT systems. |
Develop an organogram and a staffing plan with requisite competencies |
An organogram was developed in 2022. NSFAS turn-around plan aims to add communication, ICT and finance skills as the organogram is aligned to new challenges |
Accelerate regulations that will frame the bursary scheme in consultation with the sector. |
The Department is commencing with the development of a fee regulatory framework in 2024 which will advance regulations as opposed to guidelines. The regulations will incorporate the bursary scheme. |
Protect systems against fraud. |
NSFAS is cooperating with law enforcement agencies. |
Desist from radical policy shifts which have no regard for implementation complexities |
Evidence based decisions are being affected, such as, extensive research which guided the student funding model. |
18 December 2023 - NW4029
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether his department has the relevant details of the total amount spent by each institution of higher learning for contracting security companies in the 2022-23 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Reporting Regulations of June 2014 does not require the Universities in the Annual Reporting to the Department to specifically disclose Total Security Costs as part of the audited financial Statements of Comprehensive Income. However, the Outsourced Security costs are stipulated as part of the Supplementary Data which is verified by the external auditors of the University.
As per the audited supplementary data received and the universities’ audited financial statements, the total amount spent by each institution of higher learning for outsourced security services in the 2022 financial year is shown in the table below. The University of Cape Town, University of Fort Hare and University of South Africa have not as yet submitted their Annual Reports and Financial Statements, we are consequently unable to gauge how much they have allocated towards outsourced security services thus far.
Further, University of Limpopo has not as yet submitted their Supplementary Data and a follow up has been made. The Supplementary Data supplied by Sefako Makgatho University and Sol Plaatje University suggest that the universities have not incurred costs for outsourced security services. University of Pretoria was billed R11 000 for an outsourced security services.
NAME OF INSTITUTION |
SECURITY EXPENSES |
Traditional Universities |
R'000 |
North West University |
65 082 |
Rhodes University |
8 036 |
Stellenbosch University |
50 092 |
University of Cape Town (no data provided) |
|
University of Fort Hare (no data provided) |
|
University of KwaZulu Natal |
32 831 |
University of Limpopo (no data provided |
|
University of Pretoria |
11 |
University of the Free State |
44 779 |
University of the Western Cape |
78 971 |
University of Witwatersrand |
13 862 |
|
|
Universities of Technology |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
971 |
Central University of Technology |
17 826 |
Durban University of Technology |
54 155 |
Mangosuthu University of Technology |
26 671 |
Tshwane University of Technology |
25 210 |
Vaal University of Technology |
57 271 |
|
|
Comprehensive Universities |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
1 832 |
University of Johannesburg |
38 990 |
University of South Africa (no data provided) |
|
University of Venda |
45 530 |
University of Zululand |
30 737 |
Sol Plaatje University (no data provided) |
|
University of Mpumalanga |
22 137 |
Sefako Makgatho University (no data provided) |
|
Walter Sisulu University |
108 265 |
Where no data is provided, DHET will follow-up with the university concerned.
18 December 2023 - NW3278
Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What are the reasons that he has not published the report to date, which was concluded in 2021 by the Ministerial Committee of Inquiry on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, chaired by Professor Yunus Ballim?
Reply:
It is not mandatory for Minister to publish all reports, particularly after they have been tabled in parliament. Nonetheless the report is available on request. Furthermore, work is underway to ensure the report is published in the government gazette.
13 December 2023 - NW4131
Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(a) What has he found has been the three cutting-edge scientific advances and innovations that underscores the prowess of the Republic in light of global advancements in science and technology and (b) how does his department intend to encourage collaboration between (i) academic institutions, (ii) industries and (iii) international partners to promote cutting-edge research and technological innovation in key sectors?
Reply:
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) supports several cutting-edge scientific advances and innovations which enhance the country’s global competitiveness. Some of these scientific advances and innovations are in the areas of Precision Agriculture, Precision medicine, Nanotechnology, Hydrogen and fuel cell, as well as carbon capture and use, and are central to the modernisation approach of the key economic sectors (such as health agriculture, manufacturing and energy) outlined in the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Decadal Plan.
PRECISION AGRICULTURE
The Decadal Plan prioritises modernising agriculture and the development of precision and digital agriculture tools that are key to increasing efficiencies in the sector as well as unlocking the bottlenecks with access to science-based decision information and thus inclusion for all farmers. The National Biosecurity Hub launched by the Minister together with his counterpart in agriculture, is a strategic platform prioritising cutting-edge research development and innovation as well as access to molecular and digital tools for diagnosis, detection, surveillance and management of major pests and diseases as well as food safety. The goal of the National Biosecurity Hub is to strengthen national biosecurity, using international standards in the development of national sanitary and phytosanitary systems (SPS), build technical and information management services and meet the SPS requirements of international trade. The hub will serve as a platform to:
- prevent, respond to and manage pests and diseases that threaten plant health, animal health, and food safety;
- conduct research on reported and emerging threats (e.g., biology/detection/diagnosis);
- develop a Biosecurity Information Hub to store and manage SPS and related information (monitoring and surveillance);
- promote engagements on SPS matters by establishing appropriate communication structures; and
- leverage human resources, financial resources, and infrastructure from public and private sectors to support the national biosecurity system.
- The National Biosecurity Hub, coordinated by Innovation African@UP and co-funded by DSI and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is unlike any other globally as it is designed for a resource-constrained environment, and its hub and spokes model is designed to aggregate the benefits from individual commodity/government-industry co-funded multistakeholder and multi-institutional research programmes with a national biosecurity Information Hub that houses the consolidated digital surveillance information. The heat maps and long-term data monitoring is then accessible to DALRRD, which has the mandate for biosecurity and the system would also enable the prioritising of new research needed and building early warning systems.
- The Hub includes linkages with major partners; for example in plant health with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and all relevant universities in South Africa as well as industry partners such as GrainSA and Cropwatch Africa and allows for Integration of data that makes digital systems useful, for example the Biosecurity Africa app used to capture, store & visualise data and partnerships enable the flow of information (i.e. from Biosecurity Africa app to Information Hub.
b) The DSI encourages collaboration with:
(i) Academic institutions
The DSI has played a pivotal role in supporting the collaborative development of a Precision Agriculture Information System by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with the ARC. This system is instrumental in de-risking the agricultural sector by furnishing farmers of all scales with data-driven insights that improve decision-making, optimise resource (water, fertilisers) utilisation, and address risks and threats associated with climate change, pests, and diseases.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Precision Agriculture Information System provides weekly information on soil and crop health conditions by integrating ground data collected nationwide and satellite data from the European Space Agency.
(ii) Industries
Based on the development of the Precision Agriculture Information System the DSI provides training for farmers and extension services affiliated with both DALRRD and the private sector to proficiently use the system for optimising crop production.
(iii) International partners
In terms of international partnerships, to foster the digitalisation of the agricultural sector in the SADC region, especially through the utilisation of the Precision Agriculture System, the CSIR has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAD), promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
2(a) PRECISION MEDICINE
This is an emerging field that utilises advanced technologies and data analysis to tailor medical treatment and prevention strategies to individual patients based on their unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The DSI, together with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has been driving the precision medicine initiative in South Africa since 2016. The Programme is aimed at addressing the significant healthcare challenges faced by South Africa, with a rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer as well as host genomic influences on susceptibility to infectious diseases (HIV/ TB).
b) The DSI encourages collaboration with:
(i) Academic institutions
Precision medicine-funded projects are spread across universities and universities of technology in all the major provinces of Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
(ii) Industries
Since 2016, the SAMRC/DSI has invested €14 million (Euro) in Precision Medicine projects. This small investment has resulted in spin-out companies and the development of products:
- Breast cancer screening, and other cancer-personalised approaches using organoid and omics technology.
- Infrastructure investments have led to fully capacitated labs that are now able to develop scaled genomics studies.
- Pharmacogenomics projects allow understanding of treatment failure with known drugs from the country’s essential drug list.
(iii) International partners
In terms of partnerships, the Precision Medicine Programme is actively seeking programme partners to drive this agenda to develop population-specific genomic studies to move Africa forward and offer an opportunity for the healthcare sector on the continent to incorporate the latest technologies to provide quality care and precision medicine options to African patients. The DSI/SAMRC has established and leveraged international partnerships to support emerging priority areas, namely precision medicine, and antimicrobial resistance.
The DSI/SAMRC play a significant role within the European Union- Africa Personalised Medicine (EU-Africa PerMed) Consortium, which has the final objective of integrating African countries into the International Consortium for Personalised Medicine (ICPerMed) programmes to contribute to the implementation of Personalised Medicine (PM) in the global context. This includes fostering joint precision medicine projects and programmes between Europe and Africa and strengthening bilateral EU-AU science, technology and innovation (STI) in health. In the long run, incorporating African countries in the global precision medicine research agenda can contribute to reducing existing health disparities between developed and developing countries, as well as facilitating access of African countries to new tools and technologies that have the potential to make healthcare more efficient and equitable.
3. NANOTECHNOLOGY
The ability to manipulate matter at the nanometre length scale has given birth to nanostructured materials with exceptional properties that were never observed for similar micro-structured and bulk counter-part materials. Such properties include high chemical and biological reactivities, high surface area-to-volume ratio, high mechanical strength, high electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity as well as unique light scattering and absorption properties.
This cutting-edge technology offers several opportunities for development of the manufacturing sector with applications in water treatment, health and consumers materials such as cosmetics. Domination of markets is largely determined by speed to commercialisation of the nanotechnologies. South Africa and most African countries are lagging compared to other countries in Asia, Europe and America. The Nanotechnology market in the U.S. is estimated at US$16 Billion in the year 2020, and clearly this cannot be ignored. In response to this development the Department has initiated to drive the development of Nanotechnology in the country including the establishment of the Nanotechnology Innovation Centres, one at Mintek and the other at CSIR these focus on research that drives the development of commercial products. Some of the Industrial products developed at Mintek include the water filter systems for mine-water treatment, development of point of care diagnostic kits for detection of HIV, TB and lately Covid-19. The CSIR has developed commercial products which include plastics used in food packaging, cosmetics, and paint additives.
3(b) The DSI encourages collaboration with:
(i) Academic institutions
Nanotechnology research and education is spread across the country. The DSI supports postgraduate training through a master’s programme which is offered across four universities, the University of the Western Cape, University of the Free State, Nelson Mandela University and the University of Johannesburg. Research is funded across different institutions nationally, including the North-West University for research into health and safety assessment of nanomaterials, the Nanomedicine Platform at Nelson Mandela University and the Green Nanotechnology at the University of the Western Cape.
(ii) Industry
The Nanotechnology Innovation Centres collaborate extensively with industry with Mintek focusing on the mining sector and the CSIR broadly on the manufacturing sector. Several agreements are in place for the joint development of technology and provision of services to industry. The Nanomaterials Industry Development Facility (NIDF) was set up at the CSIR to assist the industry and SMME sector with scale-up and pilot facilities as well as characterisation for product development.
(iii) International partners
On international collaboration, the DSI has several active programmes in place such as the participation in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the development of standards, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for safety aspects. There are also several agreements to stimulate collaboration between scientists in joint projects with several countries including the BRICS countries, as well as Egypt and Ethiopia in the current year.
4(a) HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELL, CARBON CAPTURE AND USE TECHNOLOGIES
The Decadal Plan identifies energy innovation as a priority area to support a diversified and sustainable energy mix that is secure, accessible and affordable. A stable and reliable energy mix is key to supporting economic recovery. The DSI has invested in the development of emerging energy technologies focused on local value addition and reducing the carbon intensity and greenhouse gas emissions of the country's energy mix, to mitigate the negative impact of climate change.
Investments have been made in the development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies that leverage the country’s resource endowment in platinum group metals (PGMs), wind, solar and land availability to drive the transition to a low carbon and sustainable energy system. However, the transition to a low carbon economy needs to be just and equitable and have minimal negative impact on existing sectors.
In this regard, the DSI has invested in the demonstration of carbon capture and use technology to support the continued use of coal in power generation while reducing the emissions from the coal fired power plants. The carbon capture and use (CoalCO2-X) technology captures the flue gas pollutants (carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxide (NOx)) and converts them into value added products such as fertiliser, sulphuric acid and nitric acid, using low emissions hydrogen and ammonia produced from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. The conversion of the flue gas pollutants into the value-added products used in agriculture and industry provides an opportunity to create new industries and jobs adjacent to the coal fired power stations, while preserving existing jobs in the coal sector.
The reduction of the carbon intensity in the energy mix will support the global competitiveness of South African made products, given the move by some trading partners such as the European Union to impose punitive taxes on imported goods based on their carbon content.
4(b( The DSI encourages collaboration with:
(i) Academic institutions
The DSI has supported the development of technologies along the hydrogen and fuel cell value chain under the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Programme through the Centres of Competence (CoCs) located at Universities and Science Councils. The leading Universities include North-West, University of Cape Town and University of the Western Cape, while the Science Councils include Mintek and the CSIR.
To date, the HySA Programme has been able to train MSc and PhD graduates in engineering and related fields, publish in ISI journals, generate a healthy portfolio of Intellectual Property Rights, as well as develop prototypes and demonstrate them in real world environment. Furthermore, commercial products have been sold and trade secrets declared through Spin-off companies. PGM based catalysts and other components for fuel cells and electrolysers, as well as metal hydride-based hydrogen storage technologies have been locally developed that will position South Africa to be a significant player in the global hydrogen economy. A summary of the outputs from the HySA Programme include:
- 192 (MSc and PhD) graduates in engineering and related fields.
- 352 publications in ISI journals.
- 30 intellectual property rights filed.
- 15 intellectual property rights granted.
- 27 technology demonstrations in real world environment.
- 18 commercial products.
- 7 trade secrets declared.
- 3 spin-off companies.
On the carbon capture and use technology, the North-West University and University of Cape Town are working on the production of low emissions (green) hydrogen and ammonia, as well as the development of catalysts for the conversion of the captured carbon dioxide to low emissions diesel respectively.
(ii) Industries
The HySA CoCs have worked with industry partners such as Anglo-American Platinum, Sasol, Impala Platinum and Bambili Energy (small medium and micro enterprise (SMME)) in the development and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The carbon capture and use technology has been successfully demonstrated at a Cement plant in partnership with PPC Cement and EPCM global (SMME).
(iii)International partners
In the Hydrogen Economy, South Africa is an active member of the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) and is the current Chair of the IPHE. The IPHE is a governmental platform with 23 member countries, including the European Commission, and is dedicated to the development and sharing of information on the Hydrogen Economy, as well as to assist in the development of safety, codes and standards to promote the global trade in low emissions hydrogen. In addition, South Africa collaborates at bilateral level with several countries like Japan, Germany, United Kingdom and Germany.
13 December 2023 - NW3742
Shikwambana, Mr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What (a) are the full relevant details regarding the revelations of a massive corruption and procurement heist which led to the expulsion of a certain person (details furnished) and (b) processes were followed in appointing companies that were supposed to disburse allowances to students?
Reply:
Below we outline the sequence of events, related timelines and information on each stage of the procurement process (for the Direct Payments of Allowances to NSFAS Students) that was followed in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act (Act No. 1 of 1999) (PFMA), the National Treasury Instruction Notes and Practice Notes, and the NSFAS supply chain management policy.
An Open Bidding (Competitive) process was followed by NSFAS in sourcing suitable bid proposals from prospective service provider(s) in the financial services and fintech sector to assist NSFAS, for a period of five (5) years (renewable), in the direct disbursement of allowances into the bank accounts of NSFAS funded students/ beneficiaries enrolled for a course of study at public universities and TVET colleges across South Africa.
A summary of the procurement process followed is outlined below:
1. Following the support and approval of the bid specifications by the NSFAS bid specification committee (BSC) the tender was advertised on 25 January 2022 in the National Treasury E-tender portal and the NSFAS website with the closing date of 25 February 2022 on the 90/10 Price and BBB-EE principle.
2. A total of 18 bids were received at the closing date of the tender, all of which were evaluated by the NSFAS bid evaluation committee (BEC) against the tender requirements. The BEC convened on seven (7) occasions. An independent expert was appointed to assist and guide during the evaluation process, however noting that this independent expert did not have any voting rights, and accordingly did not evaluate and score any of the 18 proposals received.
3. Of the 18 bid proposals received, a total of nine (9) bids were disqualified for not achieving the mandatory requirements of the tender.
4. The remaining nine (9) bids were subjected to the technical and functional evaluation criteria, of which the outcome was that all nine (9) achieving the minimum score of 70% out of 100%.
5. The nine (9) bids were all invited to present their proposed solution to the BEC on 11 May 2022 and 13 May 2022.
6. A total of four (4) bidders achieved the minimum score for the presentation criteria and passed all the tender requirements, and thus progressed to be evaluated for Price and BBB-EE.
7. On 08 June 2022, the BAC adjudicated on BEC recommendation report and recommended that the CEO support (for onward approval by the NSFAS Board) the tender for the Direct payments of allowances to NSFAS students (SCMN022-2021) for a period of five (5) years, renewable, award to the following four (4) bidders:
- Coinvest Africa (Pty) Ltd
- Tenet Technology (Pty) Ltd
- Ezaga Holdings (Pty) Ltd
- Norraco Corporation (Pty) Ltd
8. On 13 June 2022, the NSFAS Board approved the tender for the Direct payments of allowances to NSFAS students (SCMN022-2021) for a period of five (5) years, renewable be awarded to the following four (4) bidders:
- Coinvest Africa (Pty) Ltd
- Tenet Technology (Pty) Ltd
- Ezaga Holdings (Pty) Ltd
- Narraco Corporations (Pty) Ltd
9. On 15 June 2022, all four (4) bidders were issued with letters of award and negotiations on price standardization, etc and signing of Service Level Agreements followed thereafter.
13 December 2023 - NW4132
Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Recognising the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education for national development, what (a) strategies are being implemented by his department to address disparities in access to STEM education, particularly among underrepresented groups and (b) steps has his department taken to promote inclusivity and/or diversity in STEM fields to ensure a skilled and diverse workforce for the future?
Reply:
Question (a): Strategies being implemented to address disparities in access to STEM education, particularly among underrepresented groups.
The Minister recognises and supports the transformation in education, which includes addressing historical inequities to allow underrepresented groups in society to have access to STEM education. In this regard, though, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is the leader, and the Departments of Science and Innovation and Higher Education and Training are limited to providing support to the DBE for this effort.
Based on a collaboration agreement with the DBE, the Department of Science and Innovation facilitates learners' access to extracurricular activities that pique their interest in STEM and help them understand why studying STEM subjects is important. These activities include participating in STEM Olympiads and fairs, as well as having access to supplemental learning and teaching resources that offer real-world examples of the STEM concepts covered in the curriculum. Learners in public ordinary schools, especially those in quintiles 1-3 three, are given priority when these activities are implemented.
Question (b): Steps taken to promote inclusivity and/or diversity in STEM fields to ensure a skilled and diverse workforce for the future.
The Department commissioned and completed several studies as the evidentiary basis for policies and interventions aimed at promoting inclusivity and/or diversity in STEM. These studies with a focus on promoting inclusivity and/or diversity include the:
- Retention, Conversion and Progression of Postgraduate students (2015) – a study that looked at the rate of progression from lower postgraduates (Hons) to upper postgraduate (PhDs);
- Postgraduate Research Training in Engineering (2018) – which investigated low PhD graduation rates in Engineering, particularly women PhD engineers and PhD engineering graduates who are South African nationals vs. those from outside the country. This study also found that most PhDs in Engineering get employed in the financial, insurance and fintech sectors in the private sector;
- Building the Cadre of Emerging Researchers in South Africa (2018) – also called the “Silent Majority” study. This study looked at who holds PhDs, who actively publishes and who actively seeks research funding among different emerging researcher groups (by gender and race) in our university system; and
- Recruitment, Retention and Progression of Black South African academics in SA universities (2019) looked at just that, namely blacks and particularly black women recruitment, retention, and progression in the university rungs.
Based on these studies, the Department formulated, implemented, and even recapitalised targeted interventions at the National Research Foundation such as the Thuthuka Programme, and the Black Academics Advancement Programmme. The policy prescripts in the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Funding Policy were also informed by the findings of these studies.
A different set of studies aimed at ensuring the support of a pipeline of a diverse and future-proof, skilled workforce was conducted and completed, including:
- The South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) study on Pathways into the Labour Market and Self Employment for Natural Science Graduates (2021);
- The Water Research Commission (WRC:2020) – Tracer study of water PhDs in South Africa. The study focused on the employability of PhD graduates in the water sector; and
- The National PhD Tracer Study (2022) which looked at the relevance and demand for PhDs by different sectors (government, universities, science councils, private sector etc), among others.
The DSI is working with the DHET to finalise a robust one skills plan for the country, that is, a Master Skills Plan for the country.
13 December 2023 - NW4145
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether his department has recently adopted any step-by-step measures and/or policies to combat high incidences of sexually transmitted infections in institutions of higher learning; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Background and Context
- HIGHER HEALTH Delivery against the HIGHER HEALTH Model
HIGHER HEALTH has a three-tier model that has emerged from our hands-on experience over many years. We continue to conceptualise and deliver our programme in terms of three broad processes:
- Level 1: Knowledge transfer –designed to reach the entire student population.
- Level 2: Practical learning – a more focused intervention that requires active student participation.
- Level 3: Linkage to services – to cater to individual students based on their needs.
The implementation of the HIGHER HEALTH Model has reinforced the significance of a holistic approach to health education. By employing different tiers, the model ensured comprehensive coverage of health topics while catering to individual student needs. The diverse programs within the model enabled knowledge transfer, practical learning experiences, and linkage to essential health services, fostering a conducive environment for students' overall well-being.
First Things First Health Days are the vehicle for much of the Health Promotion, testing, and screening that has become a hallmark of the HIGHER HEALTH approach. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the importance of health promotion for health service providers to ensure sustainable working life for individuals involved in providing health services. Such sustainability begins when students preparing to manage their own future health and welfare in working life. HIGHER HEALTH model has been instrumental in supporting students to manage their health and determining their level of risk. The increased demand for education as prevention increased health-seeking behaviours amongst students in the reporting period.
Step-by-step measures and/or policies to combat high incidences of sexually transmitted infections in institutions of higher learning; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details
1. Background Context and Policy
- (WHO) Global Health Sector 2022-2030 details the vision, goals, and actions to ending the STI epidemic. Strengthening STIs case management is one of the key priorities of the strategy Effective people-centred
- HIV, TB, and STIs: National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2023 – 2028 for HIV, TB and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) has been developed, and aims to reduce barriers to accessing health and social services. It builds on lessons from the previous NSP and promotes a new and urgent focus to reducing inequalities for all people living with HIV, TB and STIs who are not benefiting from treatment and care services.
- The inclusion of mental health services and social support is based on the strong association between HIV, TB and STIs, sexual and gender – based violenece (SGBV), human rights violations, inequalities and mental health and Viral hepatatis has also been included and the prevalce linked to linked to HIV and STIs. HIGHER HEALTH is scaling up interventions that includes health awareness campaigns, distribution of IEC materials, dialogues on HIV/STI/TB, risk screening for ADAP/LGBTQI/Disability, HIV testing, TB screening, cancer screenings, referrals, contraceptives distribution, and female condoms provision. Each intervention aimed to improve the health and well-being of students.
2. Training and Capacity Building for HIGHER HEALTH Clinicians
- Training on the latest National Department of Health (NdoH), Adult Primary Care (APC) guideline 2019/2020 which is a comprehensive approach to the Primary Care of Adults 18 years and above.
- APC 2019/2020 aligns with all NDOH policies and Clinical protocols for Primary Health Care and includes the latest reviewed version for STI treatment which is the Comprehensive STI Clinical Management Guideline 2017.
3. Service Delivery
- Provision of Information
- Counselling and education, including HIV testing
- Circumcision promotion (counselling to continue condom use)
- Cervical cancer screening
- STI Campaigns Condom promotion, provision and demonstration to reduce the risk of STIs.
- Risk Screening – Screen all Beneficiaries accessing HH Mobile Clinic.
- Linkage to Care for all Beneficiaries screened positive, and their Contacts are referred for treatment and further management to the Clinic.
- Review the compliance/ adherence with treatment and Follow-up care for all Referrals and Contacts to ensure successive referrals.
- Monitoring and evaluation
13 December 2023 - NW4130
Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Given the increasing demand for accessible and quality higher education, (a) what plans have been put in place to address the expected avalanche of matriculants with bachelor passes, coupled with those who repeat courses at universities, given the limited space at universities and (b) how does his department intend to ensure financial sustainability and/or support for students in the coming 2024 academic year?
Reply:
- The limited spaces at universities arise because each institution must align with its enrolment plans. Students are therefore encouraged to diversify their options and consider TVET Colleges. In this regard, TVET colleges have planned to enrol a total of 482 244 students in all programmes for the academic year of 2024.
- Financial sustainability will be addressed through the provision of loans for the missing middle students, that is students whose household income is between R350 000 and R600 000, thus ensuring that as students repay the loans, they enable more students to access the PSET sector.
13 December 2023 - NW3424
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What are the reasons his department failed to develop internal capacity to enable the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to disburse allowances to students, instead of outsourcing the service to external service providers, as his department is expected to provide such service for the duration of its existence and (b) by what date is it envisaged that his department will have mastered the ability to internally capacitate the NSFAS to be able to do its disbursement of allowances duties?
Reply:
(a) The Department plays no role in developing internal capacity of NSFAS. Section 9 of the NSFAS Act (No.56 of 1999) refers to the appointment of employee. It states that the board is responsible for the appointment of the Executive Officer who will manage and administer the affairs of the NSFAS under the authority of the board, and perform the functions determined by the board.
(b) The Minister has requested NSFAS to furnish him with a turn-around plan, which includes, amongst others, improving capacity of the entity. Thus far, NSFAS reported that it has appointed a COO who will advise the board on the long-term strategy of disbursement of allowances.
11 December 2023 - NW4028
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether he intends making the (a) budget and (b) total spending of all institutions of higher education (i) public knowledge and (ii) released in each quarter into the public domain; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
a) (i) The budgets for Higher Education Institutions are published in the Appropriation Bill annually.
(ii) The budgets for Higher Education Institutions are made public quarterly
b) (i) The amount transferred to Higher Education Institutions are published in the Annual Report of the Department.
(ii) The total amount transferred to Higher Education Institutions are made public quarterly.