Questions and Replies
27 March 2023 - NW555
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether he has been informed that the R45 000 cap on accommodation for National Student Financial Aid Scheme beneficiaries often results in such students not being able to afford suitable accommodation, or even end up living on the streets in some cases; if not, will he undertake to deal with the specified issue; if so, what are the relevant details of the steps he will take to deal with the matter?
Reply:
I have not been informed about the Cap leading to students not being able to afford suitable accommodation. Men my department presented on readiness for the academic year, we reported that universities made provision for emergency accommodation for students where possible. On 20 March 2023, USAF too confirmed that emergency accommodation has been offered to students. Following my meeting with USAF on 3 March 2023, where on concerns with the R45000 Cap were raised by some Vice Chancellors, I established a task team consisting of affected universities, officials from the Department and NSFAS. Relevant data from all 26 public universities is being collected to establish how many students are affected and which accommodation categories they are allocated within. Once all the data is collated a workshop will be held with relevant stakeholders. In the interim, internal analysis has been conducted by the Department to analyse which universities will not cope financially with the Cap, and what adjustments need to be made to ensure they are supported. Recommendations will be submitted to the Department. NSFAS has also informed me that it plans to redirect NSFAS students to the more affordable accredited accommodation identified by its team of accreditors.
27 March 2023 - NW543
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
On what evidence did the National Student Financial Aid Scheme rely to cap the accommodation allowance for beneficiary students at R 45 000 in each year?
Reply:
The NSFAS relied on the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation report, existing NSFAS data for accommodation claimed historically across all institutions, both universities and TVET colleges, recommendations from the MTT report and available market data which looked at the generic student housing market.
27 March 2023 - NW572
Sibiya, Ms DP to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1) What is the extent of online education in the Republic as information technology is critical in expanding access to higher education; (2) whether he has found that the higher education system has the capacity to expand access through online education; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Higher Education and Training has embraced the digital transformation journey and has prioritised utilising technology to improve the quality of teaching and learning which will ultimately improve institutional efficiency and student success.
1. The extent of online education has not been quantified by different institutions in the PSET sector. However, the Department has introduced multiple initiatives including amongst others:
(a) Investment in the development of a National Open Learning System (NOLS) that aims to:
- progressively harness open learning principles in all PSET institutions;
- provide students in the PSET system with an efficient open learning system with viable options for learning;
- use ICT as an enabler for teaching and learning in PSET; and
- make high quality, shared teaching and learning resources increasingly available as Open Educational Resources (OER).
b) Commissioned a research project with an international partner (GIZ — German Agency for International Cooperation) on the current use of technology in South African TVET colleges.
c) Funded the South African National Research Network (SANReN) which was mandated to connect all 50 TVET Colleges with more than 300 sites covering the length and breadth of the entire country (TCCP) including rural institutions. 90% of TVET students are from poor homes. The project is 80% complete. Learning sites that were connected have provided very positive feedback, with high-speed connectivity achieved across vast and deep rural and mountainous regions of the country
2. On the question of building capacity to expand access through online education is work in progress, the DHET has developed a National Guideline on using technology to enhance teaching and learning. All Colleges were capacitated on the use of the National Guidelines during 2021/2022.
The Department further initiated a project on blended learning which aims to build lecturer and tutor capacity in blended learning of mathematics and statistics education, tutoring and support. Currently, there is no formalized programme to capacitate lecturers and tutors for blended tuition. The objective of the project is to conduct workshops and work with Inter-university and Faculty communities of practice that consist of lecturers and tutors who will focus on sharing best practices and creating new knowledge to advance their ability to educate optimally will be established.
22 March 2023 - NW837
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What steps is his department taking in respect of the safety of university leadership, following reports that the Vice-Chancellor of the Durban University of Technology, Professor T Z Mthembu, is now being protected by bodyguards after a security threat, making the specified person the second university head after the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fort Hare, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, to engage security guards while other institutions, such as North-West University and University of Johannesburg, offer security services to staff and students?
Reply:
The Department expressed its outrage at the callous conduct of criminals. The Department invited all heads of security to a workshop to understand common threats and risks, and resolved to meet every quarter with them, and develop a security framework for a national security policy for universities as well as norms and standards applicable to the PSET sector. The Department also consulted them on the possible terms of reference that would guide the work of the national task force as envisaged by the Minister. The Department asked all Vice-Chancellors to share security costs to understand the extent of the threat they confront, and establish what they are charged, and if they are charged fair prices for such services. The Department also supports the work of the SIU which will also expose other layers of risk around the Vice-Chancellors and has consulted the security sector extensively on evolving risks in the university and TVET sector.
22 March 2023 - NW836
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What are the details of the progress of the investigation by the Special Investigating Unit of the fraudulent registration of 15 politicians in post-graduate programmes at the University of Fort Hare?
Reply:
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) was appointed by the President and will therefore be reporting to the President in this regard.
22 March 2023 - NW823
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What is the detailed breakdown of the reported allocation of R1 billion to the University of Fort Hare in each of the past seven financial years?
Reply:
Over the past seven years (2015/16 to 2021/22), a total of R1.057 billion from the Department’s earmarked grants, namely, the Foundation provision (FP) , Infrastructure and Efficiency Grant (IEG), Student Housing Infrastructure Programme (SHIP) and Sibusiso Bengu Development Programme (SB-DP) has been allocated to fund various projects at the university. This support has enabled UFH to work towards improving the quality of their infrastructure significantly and has supported: the construction of new academic buildings, laboratories, and lecture theatres; the refurbishment, upgrading and conversion of academic buildings; development of student accommodation; and the acquisition of equipment and furniture. Summary of the projects funded through the Department’s four earmarked grants is shown in table 1 below.
Table 1: Summary of the funded Projects 2015/16 – 2021/22 for UFH
Project Name/Description |
Funding (R' 000) |
||||
Infrastructure & Efficiency Grant |
Student Housing Infrastructure Programme |
Sibusiso Bengu Development Programme |
Foundation Provision |
Total/Project |
|
*University Priority Projects |
10 500 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 500 |
#University Special Projects |
35 000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
35 000 |
Deferred Maintenance Projects |
76 625 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
76 625 |
HDI Infrastructure Backlog FC10: Chemistry lab, network and telephone systems |
30 200 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
30 200 |
Eskom Connection |
19 073 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
19 073 |
Replacing the Obsolete Substation |
12 903 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
12 903 |
Refurbishment of Lecture halls: Alice & East London Campuses |
20 500 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 500 |
Early Childhood Development Centre: East London Campus |
53 699 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
53 699 |
Student Centre & Parkade: East London Campus |
63 059 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
63 059 |
Electricity Infrastructure Upgrades - Alice Campus |
56 240 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
56 240 |
Occupational Health & Safety Compliance: All Campuses |
55 850 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
55 850 |
Disability Access: All Campuses |
36 546 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
36 546 |
Video projectors and sound lift in teaching venues |
0 |
0 |
12 000 |
0 |
12 000 |
Access control to all buildings |
0 |
0 |
22 000 |
0 |
22 000 |
CCTV to monitor activity in venues, admin building & open areas |
0 |
0 |
14 000 |
0 |
14 000 |
Wireless access systems across campus |
0 |
0 |
25 050 |
0 |
25 050 |
Legal compliance |
0 |
0 |
18 000 |
0 |
18 000 |
Alice Water and Sanitation Project |
57 606 |
0 |
72 394 |
0 |
130 000 |
Phase 2 of Alice Student Village for 1437 beds |
0 |
122 000 |
0 |
0 |
122 000 |
Business Plan funds |
0 |
0 |
1 000 |
0 |
1 000 |
HEDA analytical system implementation |
0 |
0 |
5 000 |
0 |
5 000 |
Improve student to laptop ratios in open space access labs |
0 |
0 |
32 000 |
0 |
32 000 |
Provide 700 academic and administrative staff with laptops |
0 |
0 |
6 300 |
0 |
6 300 |
Chemistry lab equipments |
0 |
0 |
500 |
0 |
500 |
Contracts management and review project |
0 |
0 |
18 440 |
0 |
18 440 |
Safety and security |
0 |
0 |
11 350 |
0 |
11 350 |
Asset management office |
0 |
0 |
10 584 |
0 |
10 584 |
Graduate destination study |
0 |
0 |
2 100 |
0 |
2 100 |
Development support funds |
0 |
0 |
4 838 |
0 |
4 838 |
Programme management and CDT funds |
0 |
0 |
13 365 |
0 |
13 365 |
Purchase of land in East London |
0 |
0 |
20 000 |
0 |
20 000 |
Extended/foundation programmes (Inclusive of interests) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
117 976 |
117 976 |
Total/Source |
527 800 |
122 000 |
288 921 |
117 976 |
1 056 697 |
* University Priority Projects - Allocation is for the refurbishment and/or equipment purchase in any projects related to disability access, well-founded laboratories, security upgrades and ICT.
# University Special Projects - Allocation is for the ELECTRICAL RETICULATION ON THE ALICE CAMPUS - Upgrade of reticulation system comprises of 19 indoor substations (MV switchgear, transformers and LV distribution boards) and 5 mini-substations linked with underground cables laid out in a Eskom main ring formation.
15 March 2023 - NW640
Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What (a) penalties have been imposed on campus security companies that continually use unjustifiable violence on protesting students which in some cases has resulted in the loss of life and/or limb and (b) measures will be put in place to stop such incidents from happening again on campuses?
Reply:
Most universities have safety and security policies in place that outline processes to be followed when dealing with protests and penalties imposed when security officers act contrary to policy prescriptions. In addition, universities deal with cases of breach of policy prescripts through their internal disciplinary processes and procedures. The Department committed to work with USAf and universities to improve the capacity of institutions to maintain peace and keep campuses safe and secure. It is also working very closely with SAPS and CAMPROSA in ensuring that recruitment and training of security officers is standardized through the development of a blueprint.
15 March 2023 - NW639
Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What level of training is provided to campus security guards in dealing with student protests, given the fact that the SA Police Service has a specialised and highly trained unit that deals with protests?
Reply:
Different universities have different security needs which depend on the threats they are experiencing. The Department convened a meeting with the Heads of Security to understand and assess the different needs and threats experienced by universities and there was unanimous support for peace-keeping training. It was identified that training of security officers should be prioritised. Universities should create working relationships with law enforcement agencies including the Public Order Policing Unit of the South African Police Service.
Universities South Africa (USAf) committed to work closely with South African Police Service (SAPS) and Campus Protection Society of Southern Africa (CAMPROSA) to ensure that universities’ security officers are well trained, and training of security officers is standardized through the development of a training manual at national level. The Department has developed a blueprint for security personnel in the TVET sector and will oversee the process of the development of a similar framework within the next 6 months after conducting further assessments of the university security personnel.
15 March 2023 - NW579
Adams, Ms R C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation:
(a) What is the current state of sport and arts education in the Republic and (b) how is his department harnessing higher education in this regard?
Reply:
The sectors (Sports and Arts) were affected by COVID-19 global health pandemic significantly; The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) as one of the twenty-one (21) Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) is prioritizing, skilling and upskilling as critical enablers towards the reconstruction and recovery of these sectors, as also, amongst others identified in the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
(b) How is his department harnessing higher education in this regard?
The CATHSSETA is one of the twenty-one (21) Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) with limited revenue collected from levy payers. The CATHSSETA is responsible to facilitate skills development within the sector.
In the past three (3) years, the CATHSSETA has allocated R 29 460 483, 00 to support sports, arts, and culture training interventions. This allocation is broken down as referred to the table 1 below:
Table .1
FINANCIAL YEAR |
AMOUNT |
2020/21 |
R12 060 400. 00 |
2021/22 |
R9 701 025. 50 |
2022/23 |
R7 699 057. 50 |
Total |
R29 460 483. 00 |
The CATHSSETA has also, amongst others, implemented the following programmes which have had a significant impact on the sectors:
Coaching: There has been an identification of a shortage of coaches at the junior level space in South Africa, therefore CATHSSETA has trained ten (10) coaches to increase the pool and ensure stability and continuation in that regard. Furthermore, the qualification is currently being reviewed to ensure that it is relevant and fit for purpose of the industry’s needs.
Talent Scout: The CATHSSETA has developed the talent scout programme which saw 20 learners attending and being qualified. The qualification is one of the first in South Africa, this programme aims to ensure that talent is identified, managed, and harnessed to ensure that the correct caliber of learners is placed in the right sporting codes.
Intellectual Property: The SETA is also looking into awarding providers to train the artists on intellectual property which will give them skills to manage their contracts and crafts in the 2023 fiscal year.
Volunteers Skills Programme: Training of five hundred (500) learners in preparation for the Netball World Cup to be hosted in South Africa from 28 July to 6 August 2023.
Life Skills Programme for Old and Active Artists and Sports Anchors: There’s a scary pattern that exists in the South African entertainment and sports industry particularly when black artists/celebrities pass on. Shortly after their passing on, it emerges that the artists were broke or in huge debt. It, therefore, cannot be right that artists and sports anchors work hard their whole life, and, in the end, they have nothing to show. The life skills programme will provide learners with the ability to manage their emotions, health, finances, and relationships.
15 March 2023 - NW702
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether, following reports of the University of Cape Town Vice Chancellor taking an early retirement following conflict with the university’s council (details furnished), (a) the university has communicated the decision to him and/or his department prior to reports being in the press and (b) he will be challenging the reported amounts; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
The Minister still awaits the formal report on the matter from the Council of the University of Cape Town as well as the Report of the Panel. Upon receipt and analysis of the formal report from the Council, the Minister will determine the action to take within the prescripts of the Higher Education Act.
15 March 2023 - NW701
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Following reports of eight murders of Post School Education and Training (PSET) students at various campuses and escalating murders, robberies and rapes at PSET sectors and campuses, what steps is his department taking along with the institutions to address safety concerns?
Reply:
Safety and security at public universities has long been a matter of concern in South Africa. It is well-known that our universities are sometimes confronted by enormous challenges of violence which include brutal murder of female students in both universities and TVET colleges spaces.
Since 2019 the Department of Higher Education and Training has been engaging with universities, Universities South Africa, South African Police Services and Campus Protection Society of Southern Africa (CAMPROSA) to address safety concerns at universities. Protocols were developed for securing direct intervention by SAPS, including interdicts issued by courts.
The Department also committed to work with USAf and universities to improve the capacity of institutions to maintain peace and keep campuses safe and secure. Universities were requested to submit their plans to enhance safety and security on their campuses and residences including all safety-related initiatives. The aim was to identify urgent matters that need to be addressed at institutions including the need to improve the capacity of institutions to maintain peace and keep campuses safe and secure. The plans submitted were analysed. Funds have been made available in the Infrastructure Efficiency Grant (IEG) for safety and security projects submitted by universities to the Department.
The University Education Branch convened a meeting with the Heads of Security to understand and assess the different threats experienced by universities and collectively identify interventions that can be implemented immediately, as well as medium- and long-term. Amongst others, it was suggested that a Policy Framework which will serve as a guiding instrument for developing policies by universities should be developed. The framework will outline basic norms and standards that should be included in institutional policies.
A national security audit to ascertain the state of safety and security at universities is underway. The study seeks to determine the existence of security measures on campuses, what the university populace think of the current security situation, and what university management has done to promote safety and security.
In addition, following the series of callous murders at the University of Fort Hare a decision was made to establish a National Task Force (NTF) which will assist in the development of intervention strategies to assist with campus safety and other security measures.
15 March 2023 - NW657
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What (a) urgent steps has he taken with regard to the South African students who are part of the programme to study in Russia and who are now forced to move in with friends after being evicted from their residences due to non-payment and (b) are the further relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)’s programme does not have any students who have not received stipend payments. The Stipend payment of the Department’s programme is being processed by the South African Mission in Russia and their stipends for February 2023 have been processed. The South African mission in Russia is currently processing the March stipends.
With regard to other scholarship programmes not administered by the DHET, there has been constant communication with the Provincial Government of Mpumalanga (the province) which has sponsored the 221 students in question with full scholarships at Russian universities and had previously faced stipend payment challenges. The Department has also had periodic joint meetings with the Province, The Department of International Relations and Corporation (DIRCO) and South African Mission in Russia to ensure that the scholarship awardees are assisted with scholarships related challenges. The purpose of these engagements was to put in measures that would expedite a solution for the affected students.
Mpumalanga Province has recently indicated to the Department that all accommodation, tuition, and stipend challenges that their scholarship awardees were facing have been resolved. Furthermore, the Province has indicated that it has approved diversions to approve support for students who have contravened the scholarship contract and those who have gone beyond their contract period.
At a meeting of 27th February 2023, the province indicated that it is reviewing an additional list of students who submitted a complaint through DHET of not receiving their funds. At the same meeting the province indicated that it is reviewing the submitted case as according to their records all student matters pertaining to stipend payments had been resolved.
15 March 2023 - NW655
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Which measures has he recently taken to ensure that accreditation for student accommodation is not riddled with corruption by responsible officials at various universities?
Reply:
The Department of Higher Education and Training (the Department) has received very few complaints alleging unfair practices in the accreditation of private student accommodation. In the previous cases, there was no proof or any tangible information provided which made it impractical for the Department to investigate the allegations.
Recently (late February 2023), the Department received a letter with a sequence of events of alleged discrimination, victimization, denial of work, refusal of payments, and misrepresentation of facts by a university in its process for the accreditation of private student accommodation. The Department is looking into these allegations and has already requested the University in question to provide a detailed report on issues raised. Once the report is received, the Department will investigate further and institute appropriate measures to address the allegations.
15 March 2023 - NW651
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Notwithstanding his statement on Thursday, 23 February 2023, on the state of readiness of the postschool education and training sector for the 2023 academic year and outlining the steps taken, what (a) urgent steps has he taken to resolve the financial exclusion crisis faced by thousands of students across the Republic, (b) institutions have the highest numbers of financial exclusion cases in each province and (c) date is it envisaged that the crisis will be resolved?
Reply:
a) The Department of Higher Education and Training had various consultations with universities, the South African Union of Students as well as NSFAS to discuss the challenges and ongoing agreements with the sector to address the issue of financial exclusions and historic debt of academically deserving students. The Department has also embarked on oversight visits to all 26 universities over this period, to determine amongst others, plans that universities have put in place to assist unfunded students that are doing well academically and concessions that are in place to enable students with debt to be able to register.
Most universities have initiated processes and concessions to assist academically deserving students. These plans and concessions range from SRC-raised funds to academically deserving students by settling their historic debt; merit bursaries to academically performing students; missing middle campaigns; and fundraising initiatives to assist academically deserving students, including fundraising engagements with external sponsors; and the signing of acknowledgement of debt forms in line with universities’ financial concessions.
It should also be noted that the work to find a long-term solution to missing middle student funding needs is ongoing. One of the key recommendations of the Ministerial Task Team in their critical work to conceptualise a new student financial aid model for the South African higher education and training system is that as part of the long-term development of a new, comprehensive student funding policy, government should explore the establishment of a loan scheme to support “missing middle” students in accessing higher education and training. The MTT explored different loan models, including a direct lending model, wholesale lending model and credit guarantees. The MTT recommended that in the immediate short-term government should explore the possibility of a government guarantee for commercial bank loans. This would allow for the funding of missing middle students and test the take-up of such loans while other loan models are explored from 2023 onwards. The Department is currently engaging with the banking sector to explore the options for a credit guarantee model with the commercial banks and other financial service providers before an application for a credit guarantee can be submitted to National Treasury by the Minister. It is envisaged that the final model will be tabled before the Forum of South African Directors-General (DG cluster) before it is submitted to Cabinet within the next month or two.
b) This information will have to be collected directly from institutions, as the Department does not collect this information.
c) Engagements will continue with universities until the matter is resolved with all stakeholders.
13 March 2023 - NW575
Mahlatsi, Ms KD to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
MEMORANDUM FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION 575 DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 03/03/2023 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 6 OF 2023 Ms K D Mahlatsi (ANC) to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation: [138] [Question submitted for oral reply now placed for written reply because it is in excess of quota (Rule 137(8))]: What has been the impact of the research and development tax incentive in increasing research and development investment as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product? NW640E REPLY: Independent studies and assessments have been conducted on the impact of the R&D tax incentive. These studies and assessments were considered during the recent policy review of the R&D tax incentive programme, the outcome of which culminated in the Minister of Finance announcing in his 2023 Budget Speech a 10-year extension of the incentive until 31 December 2033. As part of this policy review a Discussion Document was published on 15 December 2021 by the National Treasury and the Department of Science and Innovation, which document referred to and referenced the relevant studies. The Discussion Document is available on the National Treasury’s website. In terms of impact, the study conducted by James (2017) indicated that companies benefiting from the R&D tax incentive spend an additional R4 million on R&D compared to those who conducted R&D but did not benefit from the incentive. The study indicated that while the revenue foregone between 2008 and 2015 was about R7 billion, the additional R&D spending was nearly R13 billion. This implies that for every one rand of tax revenue foregone by the fiscus, these companies spent an additional R1.83 on R&D. Another study also indicated positive and significant effects associated with the R&D tax incentive, in that companies that received the R&D tax allowance increased in-house R&D investment in terms of expenditure and intensity and reduced technology in-licensing.
Reply:
Independent studies and assessments have been conducted on the impact of the R&D tax incentive. These studies and assessments were considered during the recent policy review of the R&D tax incentive programme, the outcome of which culminated in the Minister of Finance announcing in his 2023 Budget Speech a 10-year extension of the incentive until 31 December 2033. As part of this policy review a Discussion Document was published on 15 December 2021 by the National Treasury and the Department of Science and Innovation, which document referred to and referenced the relevant studies. The Discussion Document is available on the National Treasury’s website.
In terms of impact, the study conducted by James (2017) indicated that companies benefiting from the R&D tax incentive spend an additional R4 million on R&D compared to those who conducted R&D but did not benefit from the incentive. The study indicated that while the revenue foregone between 2008 and 2015 was about R7 billion, the additional R&D spending was nearly R13 billion. This implies that for every one rand of tax revenue foregone by the fiscus, these companies spent an additional R1.83 on R&D. Another study also indicated positive and significant effects associated with the R&D tax incentive, in that companies that received the R&D tax allowance increased in-house R&D investment in terms of expenditure and intensity and reduced technology in-licensing.
13 March 2023 - NW296
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)What surety can his department provide to students, with the start of the year being marked by registration complications such as the delay by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, to successfully clear them for registration before the start of the academic year at universities such as Rhodes University, to ensure that they will not be left wanting after they have waited long into the start of the academic period to be cleared; (2) whether any arrangements, other than his plea to institutions of higher learning, have been made with universities to allow students to register; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The late closure of NSFAS applications (31 January 2023) coupled with a significant increase in applications for first time entering places system wide and NSFAS system challenges contributed to some of the delays. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) utilising a monitoring toolkit embarked on oversight visits to universities to assess the state of readiness about registration, admissions, funding as well as any other challenges institutions might have encountered. The Department has closely monitored the state of readiness regarding the 2023 registration cycle at 26 universities following the Minister’s consultation with the sector, regarding the start of the 2023 academic year. These monitoring oversight visits allowed the Department to engage with universities and student leaders as well as NSFAS to deal with any matters including the delay in NSFAS funding confirmations. NSFAS reported to the Portfolio Committee on 22 February 2023 that 1 084 574 students have been provisionally funded at universities and TVET Colleges. Confirmed funding for universities and TVET Colleges where registration data is received is 350 014 and 81 281 students respectively. The exchange of registration data between NSFAS and institutions are ongoing.
The closing date for appeals to be lodged at NSFAS was extended to 28 February to accommodate students that are currently being evaluated through NSFAS processes.
NSFAS also made upfront payments to both Universities and TVET Colleges with prior periods’ savings and recovery funds.
2. Measures that universities have put in place to allow provisionally funded students to register are as follows:
- Some universities allowed students who are provisionally funded to register while waiting for the funded list from NSFAS.
- Some universities granted an extension to accommodate the late release of results for Grade 12s, delayed NSFAS funding decisions and minimum payments for registrations.
- Some universities had to adjust orientation schedules to accommodate late registering students, as well as to ensure opportunity for extended registration for those students who require it.
- Majority of institutions use online registration with opportunities also for face to face and assisted registration on campus.
- At most institutions, there are mechanisms in place to ensure that students can sign Acknowledgements of Debt, and to (in most cases) access the start of the academic year and accommodation.
13 March 2023 - NW329
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Following public reports made on 8 February 2023 across social media that a needy student who was in need of placement at the University of Venda was subsequently requested to pay for accommodation by a staff member, and in response to the debauchery, the Deputy Minister of his department reported on Twitter that the specified staff member was duly suspended for their role in the event, what (a) further repercussions, beyond the suspension of the staff member, will follow as a result of the event, (b) steps has his department taken to prevent the incident from occurring again and (c) number of similar incidents have been reported to (i) his department and/or (ii) to him?
Reply:
1.
1.1 On the 03 February 2023, the University of Venda successfully traced and apprehended one of its Junior Administrative staff members who was allegedly soliciting bribes from prospective students. His modus operandi was to contact students who had applied for admissions at the University and had received notification to accept admission to the programme of their choice. He called students, informing them that they would not be admitted since the spaces are being taken up, but if they paid him money, he would enable them to be admitted. The staff member concerned was immediately suspended pending the finalisation of the contemplated disciplinary action against him. It is important to note that the staff member had no access to admission and registration process since the whole process is conducted via the Online System.
1.2 On 08 February 2023, the University learned through social media reports (Twitter) of the allegations of a needy student seeking admission and placement at the University of Venda. Upon receipt of the allegations, the University through its Legal Services Department conducted an investigation which revealed the following:-
1.2.1 The alleged victim posted on a Facebook page called UNIVEN-Students UPDATES & Fun, asking for assistance to apply for PGCE at the University. This page called UNIVEN-Students UPDATES & Fun, does not belong to the University of Venda.
1.2.2 In response thereto, the victim received an inbox message on her Facebook account from one Amukelani who indicated that there is Skhumbuzo Venda who could assist the victim with application, as he (Skhumbuzo) also assisted her (Amukelani) to apply for PGCE and she is waiting for admission. Amukelani also provided the victim with contact numbers of Skhumbuzo Venda, and the victim started communicating with Skhumbuzo.
1.2.3 According to the victim, Skhumbuzo is the one who assisted her throughout the application process to the completion stage. Co-incidentally, within a period of ten minutes of the completion and uploading her application on the University application portal, the victim received a WhatsApp text message from one Tshilidzi Isaac Mulidzi soliciting a bribe amounting to R3 500.00 for her admission to the program.
1.2.4 The University of Venda does not have a staff member by the name of Tshilidzi Isaac Mulidzi, nor does the University have an employee and/or student by the name of Skhumbuzo Venda.
1.2.5 When 2023 admissions commenced, the University issued a communique to members of the public advising them to communicate with Univen officials via the University contact details appearing on its website for information and assistance. Skhumbuzo Venda and Tshilidzi Isaac Mulidzi are not amongst the University of Venda contact persons.
1.2.6 The investigation revealed that the victim never communicated with the University official/s regarding her application. The University is in possession of screen shots of the victims Facebook posts on UNIVEN-Students Updates & Fun, WhatsApp conversation between the victim and Skhumbuzo Venda, and Mr Tshilidzi Isaac Mulidzi.
1.2.7 From the information gathered, the complainant was a victim of a Facebook scam.
2. RESPONSE TO PARLIAMETARY QUESTIONS RAISED:
a) Following the suspension of the Staff Member, the University of Venda Management initiated disciplinary action in accordance with its Disciplinary Code and Procedure against the staff member. The staff member will be subjected to a disciplinary enquiry. If the staff member is found guilty of misconduct, he will be dismissed, this should deter other employees from committing a similar offence.
b) steps his department taken to prevent the incident from occurring again
All staff members at the University of Venda have been warned against any corrupt activity within their sphere of operations in the Admissions Section. The whole University Community was also warned against such activities. Media statements were issued to the public against such involvement or engagement.
c) number of similar incidents have been reported to (i) his department and/or (ii) to him?
There is just one incident which the University of Venda is attending to currently.
13 March 2023 - NW453
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What total amount do the institutions of higher learning spend daily on diesel each time the Republic experiences stage (a) 3, (b) 4, (c) 5 and (d) 6 load shedding?
Reply:
No. |
Institution/University |
Stage 3 |
Stage4 |
Stage 5 |
Stage 6 |
1 |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (across all campuses) |
R30 500.00 |
R44 650.00 |
R56 400.00 |
R82 250.00 |
2 |
University of Cape Town |
R98 510.00 |
R131 346.00 |
R164 183.00 |
R197 019.00 |
3 |
Central University of Technology |
Central University of Technology spends about R 39 285.87 per week for both campuses. This is a conservative number since it varies based on the stages of the loadshedding. |
|||
4 |
Durban University of Technology |
R5 870.70 |
R7 044.84 |
R11 741.40 |
R16 437.96 |
5 |
University of Fort Hare |
||||
6 |
University of the Free State. |
R7 747.20 |
R15 494.40 |
R20 659.20 |
R25 824.00 |
7 |
University of Johannesburg (across all 4 campuses) |
R178 494.63 |
R535 483.88 |
R713 978.51 |
R892 473.13 |
8 |
Mangosuthu University of Technology |
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide information on the cost of diesel under each of the different stages of load shedding; however, we are able to advise that it costs MUT approximately R123 026 per month when generators are used during load shedding. This is based on the load shedding on 2 hours per day. |
|||
9 |
University of Mpumalanga |
||||
10 |
Nelson Mandela University (across all campuses) |
R75 600.00 |
R100 800.00 |
R108 360.00 |
R115 920.00 |
11 |
North-West University (3 campuses) |
R196 800.00 |
R295 200.00 |
R392 600.00 |
R492 000.00 |
12 |
University of Pretoria (with two campuses in close proximity to hospitals not experiencing load shedding – figures per day) |
R1 200 933.00 |
R1 501 167.00 |
R1 801 400.00 |
R2 201 711.00 |
13 |
Rhodes University |
It’s difficult for the Rhodes University to show the spend per Stage of loadshedding. We can however show the spend on diesel for the year. It is evident that as the year progressed and the stages increased, the spend on diesel increased substantially. |
|||
14 |
Sefako Makgatho University |
R1 233.00 |
R1 513.00 |
R2 104.00 |
R2 603.00 |
15 |
Sol Plaatje University |
R3 880.80 |
R7 276.50 |
R7 276.50 |
R8 731.80 |
16 |
University of South Africa |
UNISA does do not keep track of expenditure per stage of loadshedding and is therefore not able to provide data in that format. Expenditure schedule attached. |
|||
17 |
Stellenbosch University *across the 4 campuses) |
R194 221.00 |
R234 576.00 |
R288 473.00 |
R342 739.00 |
18 |
Tshwane University of Technology (6 Campuses) |
R26 250.00 |
R39 375.00 |
R42 000.00 |
R42 000.00 |
19 |
University of the Western Cape |
R21 871.00 |
R33 333.00 |
R41 667.00 |
R49 911.00 |
20 |
University of Zululand |
The University of Zululand does not have many generators. We, therefore, do not have an astronomical diesel account for load shedding, but the reality is that we are in dire need of generators and a budget for diesel for the generators if the load shedding is going to continue as is. |
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA: LOADSHEDDING EXPENDITURE BREAKDOWN
Month |
Monthly Usage |
Days |
Daily Usage |
R |
R |
||
Jan & Feb 2020 |
246947,60 |
60 |
4115,79 |
Mar-20 |
63151,70 |
31 |
2037,15 |
Apr,May & Jun 2020 |
25035,81 |
122 |
205,21 |
Aug-20 |
17518,29 |
31 |
565,11 |
Sep-20 |
18040,43 |
30 |
601,35 |
Oct-20 |
33725,10 |
31 |
1087,91 |
Nov-20 |
80989,16 |
30 |
2699,64 |
Dec-20 |
90871,96 |
31 |
2931,35 |
Jan & Feb 2021 |
26888,58 |
59 |
455,74 |
Mar-21 |
15948,16 |
31 |
514,46 |
Apr-21 |
53977,89 |
30 |
1799,26 |
May-21 |
81001,58 |
31 |
2612,95 |
Jun-21 |
41150,90 |
30 |
1371,70 |
Jul, Aug & Sep 2021 |
27000,00 |
92 |
293,48 |
Oct-21 |
52672,14 |
31 |
1699,10 |
Nov-21 |
45000,00 |
30 |
1500,00 |
Dec-21 |
248158,77 |
31 |
8005,12 |
Jan & Feb 2022 |
45000,00 |
59 |
762,71 |
Mar-22 |
63000,00 |
31 |
2032,26 |
Apr-22 |
72000,00 |
30 |
2400,00 |
May-22 |
130991,80 |
31 |
4225,54 |
Jun-22 |
93352,60 |
30 |
3111,75 |
Jul-22 |
545811,47 |
31 |
17606,82 |
Aug-22 |
563791,45 |
31 |
18186,82 |
Sep-22 |
296575,74 |
30 |
9885,86 |
Oct-22 |
897823,41 |
31 |
28962,05 |
Nov-22 |
430533,29 |
30 |
14351,11 |
Dec-22 |
1159115,82 |
31 |
37390,83 |
Jan-23 |
795095,57 |
31 |
25648,24 |
Feb-23 |
1107191,50 |
28 |
39542,55 |
Mar-23 |
44795,89 |
3 |
14931,96 |
13 March 2023 - NW466
De Villiers, Mr JN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What (a) is the salary of each (i) chief executive officer and (ii) top executive position in each state-owned entity reporting to him and (b) total amount does each get paid to attend a meeting?
Reply:
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
Name of public entity/institution |
(a) |
(b) |
|
(i) |
(ii) |
||
R’000 (per annum) |
R’000 (per annum) |
R’000 (per annum) |
|
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research |
6,168 |
4,269 |
Nil |
Technology Innovation Agency |
2,142 |
2,234 |
Nil |
South African National Space Agency |
2,800 |
2,415 |
Nil |
Human Sciences Research Council |
3,210 |
2,421 |
Nil |
Academy of Science of South Africa |
1,530 |
1,160 |
Nil |
National Research Foundation |
3,966 |
3,300 |
Nil |
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Name of entity |
(a) (i) and (ii) |
(b) |
National Institute for Human and Social Sciences |
(i) Acting CEO salary = R2 603 150.86 (ii) Top Executive salary CFO = R2 263 609.44 |
No payments for meetings |
National Student Financial Aid Scheme |
(i) Chief Executive Officer = R3 219 780 (ii) Top executive salary
|
No payments for meetings |
No |
Entity |
|
i) Chief Executive Officer |
ii) Top executive position |
|
Agriculture sector education and training Authority (AGRISETA) |
R 2 049 255,59 |
= R 1 880 976,00
= R 1 567 483.31
= R 1 567 483.31
= R 1 567 483.31 |
Not applicable |
||
Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) |
R2 067 566.99 |
= R 1 622 168.55
=R 1 622 168.55
= R 1 552 314.00 |
Not applicable |
||
Council on Higher Education (CHE) |
R 2 301 373.26 |
= R 1 823 489.80
= R 1 772 121.04
=R 1 756 677.52
=R 1 659 102.60
=R 1 546 702.18
=R 1 510 569.96
=R 1 402 976.99 |
Not applicable |
||
Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) |
R 2 382 608.58 |
=R 2 086 692.36
=R1 326 484.98
=R 1 721 294.14
=R 1 922 833.07
=R 1 721 294.48
=R 1 531 210.27 |
Not applicable |
||
Construction Sector Education and Training Authority (CETA) |
R 1 714 074 |
= R 1 800 000
=R 1 984 599.96
=R 2 088 200.04 |
|||
Education, Training and Development Practices (ETDPSETA) |
R2 364 053.72 |
=R1 787 642.16
=R1 787 642.16
=R1 696, 471.44 |
Not applicable |
||
Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) |
R 2 090 088 |
=R 1 404 000
=R 1 541 954.82 |
Not applicable |
||
Food and Beverages Manufacturing Industry Sector Education and Authority (FOODBEV) |
R 2 493 825.30 |
=R 1 836 481.14 |
Not applicable |
||
Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authorities (HWSETA) |
R 2 251 105 |
=R1 945 371
= R1 845 502
=R1 647 797
=R1 618 794
= R1 714 119 |
Not applicable |
||
Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) |
R 2 458 739.75 |
=R 1 900 833.48
=R 2 269 526.96
=R 2 338 339.69 |
Not applicable |
||
Manufacturing Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (MERSETA) |
R 2 399 816.88 |
=R 1 935 359.75
= R 1 935 359.75
=R1 488 310.24 |
Not applicable |
||
The Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA)
|
R 2 216 713.20 |
=R 1 760 245.31
= R 2 075 440.03
=R 1 090 628.00
=R 951 081.71
=R 1 487 170.64
= 348 154.08
= R 1 500 603.00
= R 1 451 862.70
= R 1 090 628.35
= R 1 063 234.07 |
Not applicable |
||
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) |
R 2 330 121 |
= R 1 789 314
=R 1 870 041
=R 1 754 196
=R 1 757 840 |
Not applicable |
||
Safety and Security Sector Education & Training Authority (SASSETA) |
R 2 291 317.32 |
=R 2 055 805.92
=R 1 733 308.92
=R 1 733 308.92 |
Not applicable |
||
South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) |
R 1 688 372.87 |
=R1 663 421.16 |
Not applicable |
||
Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) |
R 3 600 000 |
=R 2 605 999.92
=R 2 605 999.92
=R 2 056 188.48
=R 2 468 071.92 |
Not applicable |
||
Wholesale and Reatail Sector Education and Training Authority (WRSETA) |
R 2 401 999.44 |
=R 1 869 971.52
=R 1 788 677.04
= R 1 685 263.32
=R 1 788 677.04 |
Not applicable |
||
Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) |
R2,076,394.32 |
= R1,682,720.00
= R1,693,477.76
=R1,491,346.48
|
|||
Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) |
R2 195 400.00 |
=R1 518 069.00
=R1 563 948.00
=R 1 518 069.00 |
|||
Financial and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) |
R 2 451 781,92 |
= R 2 092 215,24
=R 1 682 113,92 |
|||
Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SERVICES SETA) |
R 2 802 234.96 |
=R 1 899 327.32
=R 1 899 327.32
=R 2 083 087.20
=R 1 899 327.32
=R 1 899 327.32 |
|||
Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority |
R 2 088 539.43 |
=R 1 540 597.01
= R 1 558 507.08
=R1 344 449.64 |
|||
Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority |
R 1,911,474 |
= R 1,186,746.72
= R902 027.96
= R 1,040,871.49
= R 1,023,853.76 |
|||
Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) |
R2 253 176 |
=R1 780 000
=R 1 650 000
=R1 780 000
= R1 650 000 |
13 March 2023 - NW529
Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether he has been informed of the operations of Jintek Technical College in Pretoria, which is operating without the necessary accreditation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No, I have not been informed of any of operations of Jintek Technical College (Pty) Ltd without the requisite accreditation and registration with my department. Currently Jintek Technical College (Pty) Ltd is registered with my department to offer the following qualifications:
National Certificate (Vocational): Finance Economics and Accounting – Level 2
National Certificate (Vocational): Management – Level 2
National Certificate (Vocational): Marketing– Level 2
National Certificate (Vocational): Office Management – Level 2
National Certificate (Vocational): Tourism – Level 2
National Certificate: Engineering Studies – N1; N2; and N3.
13 March 2023 - NW576
Yabo, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What interventions is his department implementing to ensure that its entities can be competitive in the market under the current procurement legislation which hinders state-owned entities from providing services to other state-owned organs due to market competitiveness which reduces the contribution of the entities reporting to him?
Reply:
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
The Public Entities of the department aligned their procurement policies to Regulations 2022 of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, 2000 (Act 5 of 2000) with the focal amendment of implementing specific goals in accordance with the White Paper on Reconstruction and Development, 15 November 1994. The advantage of the changes in legislation is that other than price for goods/services, Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment is not the only other criterium of scoring point in the final award of tenders. Instead, Public Entities are now permitted to identify points for specific goals to be incorporated into their tender that contributes to the final points scored together with points for price. It implies, Public Entities can select target markets based on predetermined specific goals. Though Public Entities of the department do not procure from or for other state-owned entities, they are however able to render much more competitive and focused services by now being able to select specific goals in the procurement processes.
13 March 2023 - NW703
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether (a) he will give a comprehensive update on the Aeroswift project at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research which ran into serious financial trouble and was the topic of a forensic report, specifically referring to any of the persons called out in the forensic report still involved with the specified project, (b) beneficiation of titanium is still the focus of the project and (c) the aviation industry is still the target market; if not, what is the position in this regard; (2) what (a) is presently the key deliverable expected from the project, (b)(i) total amount has been spent on the project to date and (ii) additional amount is anticipated to have to be spent to achieve the key deliverable, (c) is the anticipated return on the investment and (d) steps will be taken to realise the goal?
Reply:
Question 1
a) Despite the challenges experienced by the Aeroswift joint venture partner, the CSIR continued with the technology development and pre-commercialisation activities, which includes, amongst others, the establishment of an expanded team focused towards achieving these goals. There are no current financial challenges on the Aeroswift project.
There is no one “called out” in the forensic report that is currently a member of the Aeroswift project team.
b) Aeroswift is not only aimed at using titanium powder in the additive Manufacturing process.
c) The aviation industry is still one of the identified target markets.
Question 2
a) The key expected deliverables of the project are publications, support to post-graduate students, technology development packages, patents, pre-commercialisation of the Aeroswift technology, and pre-production machine.
b) (i) The DSI’s total investment over the last 14 years is in the order of R183,545 million
(ii) The additional amount required for commercialisation and manufacturing of the pre-production machine is in the process of being determined.
c) The return on the RDI investment is beyond financial and cannot be quantified only in financial terms. The intent is to leverage the technology to position South Africa as a manufacturer of niche 3D printers/Additive manufacturing machines and to strengthen our local manufacturing sector.
d) All specific contractual goals have been met at this point for the pre-commercialisation of the Aeroswift technology.
13 March 2023 - NW12
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What total number of SA Social Security Agency scholarships were given towards the (a) R425 Nursing Diploma programme, (b) R174 four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and Midwifery, (c) R425 Nursing degree and (d) new Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing?
Reply:
The Department is not responsible for SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) scholarships. This question should be directed to SASSA and the Department of Social Development.
However, the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) invested and continues to invest in various health-related professions as referred below:
a) R425 Nursing Diploma
Year |
Number of students |
Budget |
2019-2020 |
478 |
R37 762 000 |
2020-2021 |
400 |
R31 600 000 |
2021-2022 |
203 |
R16 037 000 |
b) R174 B Nursing & midwifery
Year |
Number of students |
Budget |
2019-2020 |
93 |
R11 160 000 |
2020-2021 |
65 |
R7 800 000 |
2021-2022 |
44 |
R5 280 000 |
c) R425 Nursing Degree
Year |
Number of students |
Budget |
2019-2020 |
185 |
R22 200 000 |
2020-2021 |
130 |
R15 600 000 |
2021-2022 |
88 |
R10 560 000 |
d) New Post Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Mental Health)
Year |
Number of students |
Budget |
2019-2020 |
0 |
0 |
2021-2022 |
0 |
0 |
2022-2023 |
0 |
0 |
13 March 2023 - NW573
Mananiso, Ms JS to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation:
In light of the disjuncture in the fiscal distribution of higher education which has resulted in the underfunding of the technical, vocational education and training (TVET) education programme against the university programme, what is the fiscal strategy of his department to close the gap to attain the targets of the National Development Plan with regard to TVET college enrolments?
Reply:
As indicated in my media briefing on 24 January 2023 regarding the state of readiness for the academic year 2023, TVET colleges planned headcount enrolment for 2023 is 497 032 for the ministerial approved programmes with additional 59 383 headcount enrolment for programmes that is funded through other funding sources, thus bringing the total planned TVET enrolment for the academic year 2023 to 556 415.
Of the total planned enrolment of 556 415, a total of 480,686 (2022/23: 500,071) ministerial headcount enrolments are currently funded through the baseline funding (Fiscus) provided by the state, with the balance of the enrolments either must be collected via student fees or written off by the respective TVET Colleges.
The total required budget for this enrolment plan amounts to R14.591 billion of which R14.428 billion is funding by the State with a correlating budget deficit of (R162 million or 1.13% funding deficit) that must be absorbed by TVET Colleges through the recovery of student fees. The state can therefore currently only fund 480,686 TVET Enrolments from the fiscus baseline which is far below the envisaged growth required by the NDP of 2.5 million TVET enrolments by 2030.
The following table reflects the result of minimal baseline growth due to the increase in Consumer Price Index (CPI) and labour on the programme costs which resulted in reduced enrolments:
Description |
2021/22 |
2022/23 |
2023/24 |
Decline in State Funded enrolment from 2021/22 to 2023/24 |
State Funded enrolment |
505,770 |
500,071 |
480,686 |
(4.95%) |
There has been a decline of approximately 5% in state funded TVET enrolments over the past three (3) financial years. This is predominantly attributable to the impact of COVID-19 on the fiscus envelope, and the numerous budget cuts that have been applied by National Treasury (NT) on the TVET budget allocation resulting in almost no real time growth in the baseline since 2021/22.
Thus, substantial increase of funding is required for expansion of the TVET college sector to meet the National Development Plan targets. The analysis done by the Department has revealed that a required significant funding increase of, up to 100% over the MTEF and up to 300% until the 2030 will be required if the developmental target of 2.5 million TVET students still must be achieved.
As part of the fiscal strategy to close the gap towards the realization of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 target, the TVET branch has held consultative engagements with the South African Colleges Principals Organization (SAPCO) to consider various options to support accelerated access and growth of the sector. A Task Team comprising of senior managers and the leadership of SAPCO was formed and is currently working on the following potential expansion strategies:
- assessment of the available excess infrastructure (classrooms, workshops etc.) to cater for additional enrolments,
- assessment of the capacity of colleges to offer multimodal / hybrid teaching and learning i.e. distance learning,
- acceleration of initiatives for digitizing assessments and online digital content development, and
- assessment of the human resource (i.e. lecturers) capacity to cater for the growth of the sector.
In addition, the Department is aware that the traditional brick and mortar approach is not only costly in terms human resources and physical infrastructure, but it is associated with delays in relation to the timeframes attached to the development of physical infrastructure. This approach not only hampers the timelines in realizing NDP targets but is also time consuming. The Department is currently working on developing a digitization strategy and its first pilot phase will be funded through reprioritization from the current infrastructure budget. The Department is planning to submit the Budget for Infrastructure (BFI) proposal to National Treasury to fund the full phase. The pilot phase will take place during the 2023 academic year, while the full phase will be rolled-out during the 2024 academic year. It should also be noted that this project includes both TVET and CET colleges.
The Department is also mindful that the issue of expansion should not only be funding-focused, but that an integrated approach is also required both aimed at increasing the enrolment numbers and quality education. This integrated approach should include among other:
- Ensuring that there are costs and operational efficiencies regarding the utilization of current resources by colleges.
- Improving governance processes at colleges to attract external funding.
- Accelerating the curriculum transformation process.
- Institutionalizing skills levy funding for skills programmes offered by colleges.
- Strengthening relations with private colleges.
- Exploring opportunities evident from the gap created by Universities of Technologies, as several are currently operating as traditional universities.
13 March 2023 - NW197
De Villiers, Mr JN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)What are the details of the (a) destination and (b) total costs for (i) accommodation, (ii) travel and (iii) any other costs incurred for international travel of each (aa) Minister and (bb) Deputy Minister of his department since 1 June 2019; (2) what is the total cost incurred for domestic air travel for each (a) Minister and (b) Deputy Minister of his department since 1 June 2019?
Reply:
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
1. (aa) Minister
(a) |
(b) (i) |
(b) (ii) |
(b) (iii) |
Namibia |
R6800 |
R8770 |
R1919.00 |
Japan |
R16316 |
R103565 |
R16785 |
Germany |
R25300 |
R68362 |
R10656 |
USA |
R32,200.00 |
R78,195 |
R15,451.00 |
Italy, Czech Republic, and Hungary |
R24,080.00 |
R71,039 |
R19,703.00 |
Italy |
R10,560.00 |
R80,134 |
R14,175.00 |
France |
R13,980.00 |
R85,851 |
R15,841.00 |
Dubai |
R15,623.00 |
R92192.75 |
R18,812.00 |
USA |
R26,650.00 |
R217,502.4 |
R24,699.00 |
United Kingdom |
R18,473.00 |
R118338.4 |
R16,933.00 |
Portugal |
R9,460.00 |
R127,902.4 |
R7,263.00 |
France |
R10,300.00 |
R9,243.00 |
|
Indonesia |
R12,900.00 |
R85275.4 |
R11,479.00 |
Japan |
R14,700.00 |
R13,430.00 |
|
Senegal |
R8,300.00 |
R112161.4 |
R10,562.00 |
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland |
R13,750.00 |
R15,408.00 |
1. (bb) Deputy Minister
(a) |
(b) (i) |
(b) (ii) |
(b) (iii) |
Russia and India |
N/A |
N/A |
R35,759.00 |
Brazil |
N/A |
N/A |
R10,165.00 |
Australia |
N/A |
N/A |
R9,791.00 |
Ethiopia |
N/A |
N/A |
R3,935.00 |
Namibia |
N/A |
R10084.38 |
R2,349.00 |
Germany |
N/A |
R83068.4 |
R7,071.00 |
Canada |
N/A |
R151,326.00 |
R14,553.00 |
Germany and Switzerland |
N/A |
N/A |
R28,142.00 |
Germany |
R17,500.00 |
R100,873.4 |
R15,725.00 |
Australia |
R 13,737.00 |
2(a) R1 079 290.
2(b) R550 222
06 March 2023 - NW509
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether he will furnish Dr W J Boshoff with the details on progress with regard to erecting a fence around the terrain of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope which would enable SANParks to commence with management of the land surrounding the SKA radio telescopes purchased by the SA Radio Astronomy Observatory, as well as enable neighbouring stock farms to operate without the challenge of unmanaged land, including the proliferation of problem animals, adjacent to their own small-livestock operations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The upgrading of the existing fence surrounding the land acquired by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), which was recently declared as the Meerkat National Park, will enable SANParks to manage the land as an environmentally protected area and provide opportunities for multi-disciplinary research. It is in the best interests of all parties to commence with the upgrade of the fence as soon as possible, and SARAO has endeavoured to keep local stakeholders informed and explored mitigation measures in the interim.
2. SARAO was able to confirm funding for the Meerkat National Park Fencing (MNPF) project in December 2022. The funding was secured as part of the overall SKA funding support from the Department of Science and Innovation. The project team, in collaboration with SANParks, has prepared the required fencing specifications - which is approximately 223km long - and undertook a successful cost optimization workshop in early February 2023 to ensure value for money in the delivery of the project.
3. The tender documentation is currently being finalised and the tender will be advertised in early April through relevant procurement portals. The fence construction project is expected to last for about 30 months after the award of the contract. SARAO will continue to work with local stakeholders to address and mitigate risks during construction.
06 March 2023 - NW113
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
With reference to the upcoming Zimbabwean Exemption Permits deadline, which poses a potential obstacle to students who would like to further their studies and/or continue their current studies in the Republic, what steps has his department taken to ensure that there is continuous and purposeful integration of students into the domestic learning environment in alignment with his department’s internationalisation mission in universities?
Reply:
The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for determining the upcoming Zimbabwean Exemption Permits deadline for students who would like to further their studies and/or continue their current studies in the Republic. Students are allowed to apply for their study permits, the current permit deadline date is 30 June 2023.
The Department of Higher Education and Training has however, put in the necessary measures to ensure the enablement of internationalisation in the higher education space and ensure that there are no constraints hindering prospective international students to study in South Africa, within the allowed parameters. Structures that have been put in place include the overarching Policy Framework for Internalization of Higher Education guiding the mobility of student and staff in higher education.
Other measures that have been put in place to enable continuous and purposeful integration of students into the domestic learning environment in alignment with the Department’s internationalisation mission at local universities include the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Education and Training. This international agreement is designed to enable student and lecturer mobility within the SADC region. This agreement requires all member states to reserve at least 5% of admission for students from SADC national, other than their own. South Africa at this stage hosts the largest number of international students within the SADC region than any other member country.
06 March 2023 - NW488
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether, in view of the fact that education is a key catalyst of economic emancipation, and with open and distance education being designed to serve as a tool to make higher education accessible to everyone and everywhere (details furnished), his department has any plans in place to partner with higher education institutions to create open-access online short courses for South Africans, especially the youth, who are unable to afford formal education and do not qualify for funding; if not, why not; if so, what are the details of the plans?
Reply:
The Council on Higher Education (CHE) has Guides to Good Practice for the Quality Management of Short Courses. Universities and private higher education institutions are engaged in offering short courses that, where appropriate, could lead to part qualifications or qualifications. This is done to enable institutions to meet the rapidly increasing demand to equip both the young and mature members of the public with knowledge and skills.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers a suite of free online short courses that are hosted in partnership with Futurelearn, Getsmarter and Coursera. There are no entry requirements, a participant can choose to purchase a certificate upon completion.
The partnership with Coursera was launched in partnership with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Technologies so that free online courses are made available to young people.
The University of Johannesburg offers free fully online courses to members of the public.
The University of the Witwatersrand also] offers free online courses. These courses are on the edX platform. Like UCT the online courses are free, participants may purchase the certificates of completion. The Department of Higher Education and Training (the Department) has also adopted Massive Open Online Courses or offering of free online courses to increase access as per the HE ACT.
28 February 2023 - NW295
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
With reference to the continuously ballooning amount of historical debt in institutions of higher learning, (a) how far is the discussion with private banks about the possibility of a loan scheme which would be supported by the Government to guarantee student funding for their studies and (b) what are the relevant details and preempted nature of such agreements?
Reply:
a) The Department of Higher Education and Training has embarked on further consultations with the banking sector as well as the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) to explore options for a credit guarantee model before an application for a credit guarantee can be submitted to National Treasury by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
b) The first engagement took place on 21 February 2023 with officials from BASA and Nedbank outlining the data requirements that will inform the models for credit risk; interest rate models; government liability; payment terms etc, as required and will be followed with further bi-lateral engagements with the remaining banks.
COMPILER DETAILS
NAME AND SURNAME:
CONTACT:
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Director-General sign Parliamentary Question 295.
DR NKOSINATHI SISHI
DIRECTOR–GENERAL: HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
DATE:
PARLIAMENTARY REPLY 295 IS APPROVED / NOT APPROVED / AMENDED.
COMMENT/S
DR BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
DATE:
28 February 2023 - NW174
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
With reference to the account statement that shows an unpaid balance as at 1 February 2022 of Ms Otlametse Khonkhobe, who graduated from the Tshwane University of Technology in May 2022 but has not yet received her certificate to date due to the specified university claiming that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme has not paid all the fees as approved for her studies in 2021, (a) where did he get the record that the fees were paid and (b) why has the student not yet received her academic certificates after a year since graduation?
Reply:
a) Both Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) confirmed that NSFAS paid R80 394 towards the student’s account for the 2021 academic year. However, TUT submitted claims to NSFAS of R21 481,31 as part of the close out and historic debt project towards the student’s fee account as follows:
YEAR |
NSFAS TO PAY |
2018 |
R 511,51 |
2019 |
R 19 321,47 |
2020 |
R 801,49 |
2021 |
R 846,84 |
2022 |
- |
Total amount |
R 21 481,31 |
The years 2018, 2019 and 2020 are currently being reconciled as part of the close out and historic debt project. Universities have been given the close out files depicting the status of funding for their affected students to proceed and assist student where NSFAS has agreed or confirmed the students as NSFAS beneficiaries.
b) TUT indicated that the student graduated in May 2022 after receiving a letter confirming completion of her qualification, which is a minimum requirement for students with an outstanding debt. TUT practice is aligned with the USAf approved Guidelines for Issuing Public Universities Academic Records for students with outstanding debt. The TUT practice is that all students who have completed their studies receive a confirmation letter indicating that they have completed the qualification and will only obtain the certificate after their debt has been settled. All students who have completed their studies are also allowed to graduate.
COMPILER DETAILS
NAME AND SURNAME:
CONTACT:
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Director-General sign Parliamentary Question 174.
DR NKOSINATHI SISHI
DIRECTOR–GENERAL: HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
DATE:
PARLIAMENTARY REPLY 174 IS APPROVED / NOT APPROVED / AMENDED.
COMMENT/S
DR BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
DATE:
28 February 2023 - NW146
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)What are the reasons that there has not been any analysis that adequately determines what amount is required by students to qualify for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in various institutions, taking cognisance of the financial differences based on geographical area as renting a room in Mamelodi does not cost the same amount of money as renting in Hatfield; (2) whether his department intends to take any steps to resolve the financial difference suffered by the students who rely on financial assistance from the Government; if not, why not; if so, what steps; (3) what are the details of who must carry the extra financial costs of accommodation for students who find themselves in institutions and environments that require much higher than the capped accommodation fee from NSFAS?
Reply:
1. The most recent study by the World Bank/IFC 2021” Market Assessment: The Student Housing Landscape in South Africa” was used to estimate the NSFAS cap of R45,000.
According to the study student accommodation market in South Africa is categorised as follows.
i) The first, and lowest-income bracket, is the affordable and NSFAS student. accommodation market.
ii) The second market segment is the mid-student accommodation market. This market targets middle income students with an affordability range of between ZAR 3,000 – ZAR 4,500 per month. Such student accommodation typically provides larger sized bedrooms compared to the affordable and NSFAS market with auxiliary amenities and services such as student support services, entertainment areas and other social amenities and is often occupied by students who ‘top-up’ their NSFAS accommodation allowances.
iii) The final market segment is classified as the upper-end student accommodation market and is typically integrated into a Purpose-Built Student Accommodation development. Such rooms or units are marketed as a premium package which consists of larger rooms, private kitchen and bathroom amenities and higher quality finishes than standard rooms. These premium packages may also include the use of student services and other amenities which may be included in the room price. The price point of upper-end student housing between ZAR 5,000 – ZAR 8,000 per month but can be as high as over ZAR 14,000 in some exclusive nodes and developments.
Given the diversified market for student accommodation, NSFAS settled for the middle ground with is the second market segment based on affordability.
2. Yes, there is a process through NSFAS to unpack the cost structure of various student accommodation segments to understand what the accommodation rental includes. This will assist government to negotiate with the landlords and institutions the type of costs that government will consider and fund for the NSFAS funded students. This process will also avoid incidences of double dipping from other grants offered by the Department to institutions.
Additionally, NSFAS is developing a grading process to be able to cater for costs where there are services offered over and above the Minimum Norms and Standards for Students Housing.
3. Institutions are requested to allocate accommodation that is within the cap for NSFAS funded students. NSFAS will be engaging also with accommodation providers to consider accommodating NSFAS funded students within the cap amount of R45,000.
COMPILER DETAILS
NAME AND SURNAME:
CONTACT:
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Director-General sign Parliamentary Question 146.
DR NKOSINATHI SISHI
DIRECTOR–GENERAL: HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
DATE:
PARLIAMENTARY REPLY 146 IS APPROVED / NOT APPROVED / AMENDED.
COMMENT/S
DR BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
DATE:
28 February 2023 - NW314
Tambo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether, in view of continued reports and images of prospective students at institutions of higher learning sleeping outside in long lines awaiting placement at residences and within the post-secondary schooling system (details furnished), his department has a mechanism where those within institutions who practice the corrupt activity resulting in these situations are punished; if not, why not; if so, what (a) mechanism and (b) are the sanctions?
Reply:
In accordance with the Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997) as amended, universities are required to develop rules and policies that, amongst others, regulate provision of accommodation to students. Allocation of beds at universities should therefore be undertaken in accordance with university policies and processes.
Universities should, in accordance with their policies, place several students in both first year and continuing categories who have applied for accommodation spaces, in university owned/managed residences and where necessary in accredited private accommodation. Where necessary universities have also adopted a leasing approach. Some institutions (both universities and TVET colleges) have a challenge of accommodation, where the areas the campuses are located have no suitable accommodation that can be accredited or leased for placement of students. These institutions have applied for a deviation from the NSFAS Eligibility Criteria and Conditions for NSFAS funded students. The deviation, where approved, will allow students who need accommodation to reside in accommodation that is not yet accredited and assisted with allowances. This may explain why students are without accommodation.
However, universities have also indicated that some students do not apply for accommodation in advance but arrive at the institution and demand accommodation. Universities have prepared spaces for such emergencies and students are allocated temporary beds until their registration is finalized.
I have not received any official complaints about corrupt activities that involve allocation of accommodation to students. If any illegal activity is reported to the Department, we have a process in place to get reports from universities and ensure that matters such as these are dealt with adequately and those found guilty are punished.
COMPILER DETAILS
NAME AND SURNAME:
CONTACT:
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Director-General sign Parliamentary Question 314.
DR NKOSINATHI SISHI
DIRECTOR–GENERAL: HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
DATE:
PARLIAMENTARY REPLY 314 IS APPROVED / NOT APPROVED / AMENDED.
COMMENT/S
DR BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
DATE:
24 February 2023 - NW87
De Villiers, Mr JN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What are the details of the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year of manufacture, (d) cost and (e) purchase date of all the official vehicles purchased for (i) him, (ii) the former Minister, (iii) the Deputy Minister and the (iv) former Deputy Minister of his department since 1 June 2019?
Reply:
Minister |
Former Minister |
Deputy Minister |
Deputy Minister |
|
(a) |
(i) N/A |
(ii) N/A |
(iii) (a) BMW (b) BMW |
(ii) N/A |
(b) |
(i) N/A |
(i) N/A |
(ii) (a) X3 XDRIVE 20D (b) X3 XDRIVE 20D |
(i) N/A |
(c) |
(i) N/A |
(i) N/A |
(ii) (a) 2021 (b) 2021 |
(i) N/A |
(d) |
(i) N/A |
(i) N/A |
(ii) (a) R761 199.40 (b) R768 666.99 |
(i) N/A |
(e) |
(i) N/A |
(i) N/A |
(ii) (a)12/10/2021 (b)20/12/2021 |
(i) N/A |
24 February 2023 - NW45
Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 3520 on 30 September 2022, the amendment to the Language Policy Framework for Higher Education Institutions to recognise Afrikaans as an indigenous language has been duly published in the Government Gazette; if not, what are the reasons that the amendment has not been implemented despite his repeated undertakings to do so; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Language Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions (the Policy Framework) of 2020 does not discriminate against Afrikaans as one of our indigenous official languages. My department has consistently stated that the focus of the Policy Framework is on promotion of multilingualism and upliftment of the historically under-developed and previously disadvantaged indigenous languages as languages of communication and academia within our universities. The technicalities around the definition of ‘indigenous language’ as articulated in the Policy Framework has been duly acknowledged and are being addressed accordingly.
The objective of our very own policies is aligned with the Constitution, and we have championed equality of all official languages of the Republic. Furthermore, my department is mobilising sufficient resources to support the development of indigenous languages in universities. The consultative processes have been completed and the publication of the amended definition will be done in due course, most likely, in the first half of this year.
24 February 2023 - NW56
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
In the past six months, (a) what (i) overseas trips has he undertaken in his capacity as Minister or a representative of the Government and (ii) was the purpose of the specified trips and (b) has he found that the objectives were achieved?
Reply:
List of Minister’s trips in last 6 months (1 August 2022 until 31 January 2023)
(a)(i) |
(a)(ii) |
(b)(i) |
|
Date |
Country |
Purpose |
Achieved objectives |
31 August to 2 September 2022 |
Indonesia |
G20 Education Working Group and Minister’s Meetings |
Minister participated in the Education Minister's meeting held in Bali on 1September 2022. Ministers discussed the G20 education agenda under Indonesian Presidency namely, universal education, digital technology in education, solidarity and partnerships in education and future of work. The Ministers welcomed the Report and Compendium from the Education Working Group meeting on education strategies in 26 countries detailing more than 150 programs and best practices. The Minister held bilateral meetings with the i) UNESCO Assistant Director-general for Education, Ms Stefania Giannini to share updates regarding the Transformation Education Summit and South Africa’s participation thereof at this landmark event and updated each other on UNESCO work in the field of higher education. The Minister also met with the ii) Brazilian Minister of Education, HE Victor Godoy Beige and agreed on deepening cooperation with BRICS countries and agreed to renew the MOU focusing on skills development for green economy in the context of green energy and hydrogen research, exchange delegation of officials to visit each other's countries to study each other's systems and learn from each other. |
30 September to 8 October 2022 |
Japan |
The Minister undertook an official visit to Japan to participate in the 19th Annual Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum and bilateral engagements at the margins of the Forum. |
As part of Minister’s participation at the STS Forum, the Minister shared the platform with the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Kishida in the opening plenary session of the Forum where he delivered a speech on the topic: “The World in 2022 - What do we need from Science”. At the margins of the Forum, Minister attended the following courtesy bilateral meetings with:
These meetings provided an opportunity to strengthen STI cooperation particularly with Japan and with the EU, the Netherlands, and Iran. |
19 to 21 October 2022 |
Senegal |
Official visit, to Senegal to participate in a consultative and planning meeting on Panafrika’s Postgraduate University for Policy studies in Africa |
Participation in the PanAfrika Postgraduate University for Policy Studies in Africa consultative meeting The Minister participated in the consultative and planning meeting of the PanAfrika Postgraduate University for Policy Studies in Africa on 21 October 2022. The consultative meeting was arranged by the Southern Africa Political Economy Series (SAPES) Trust in partnership with the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA). The purpose of the consultative and planning meeting was to mobilise resources and support for the PanAfrika University. The SAPES Trust was seeking support from partners for a Planning Grant for the Inception Phase of the project. The consultative and planning meeting seeks to come up with an organisational design for the university to make it a success and sustainable institution. Minister agreed to support the establishment of the PanAfrika University, given the need to strengthen the social science and humanities research in the continent, which is critical in solving Africa’s pressing challenges and unlocking Africa’s potential. A meeting with Prof Moussa Balde, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Senegal The Minister was able to hold a Ministerial bilateral meeting with his Senegalese counterpart, Prof Balde, who is the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The meeting allowed the two ministers to review the achievements of the cooperation since the signing of the bilateral agreement and to identify areas of opportunities that the two countries can jointly pursue as a mutual response to the socio-economic development challenges of the two countries. Visit the Cheick Anta Diop University. Minister Nzimande also visited Cheick Anta Diop University, which is one of the key Universities in Senegal that has been playing a critical role in the human capital development element of some of the key bilateral programmes. The meeting allowed for the identification of exchange programmes for students and lectures, especially in the areas the University is strong. |
19 November 2022 |
United Kingdom |
The Minister travelled to the UK as part of the Presidential entourage, on the King’s invitation. Minister Nzimande also attended to bilateral consultations with the UK counterparts on the STI and higher education cooperation matters. The Minister further advanced cooperation on hydrogen with the University of Teesside during the signing of an MoU with Stellenbosch University. |
Significantly the visit saw the re-signing of the MoU on STI with the UK government. These cooperation efforts advanced our science diplomacy with one of our long standing, traditional and historic partners, the UK. |
24 February 2023 - NW145
Tambo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether his department conducted any inquiry into the recent allegations by Professor Sakhele Buhlungu, who has been a victim of an assassination attempt, regarding the fraudulent registration of 15 high-ranking politicians in postgraduate programmes at the University of Fort Hare; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether his department intends to conduct any such inquiry; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) Accordingly, the fraudulent registration of 15 high-ranking politicians in postgraduate programmes at the University of Fort Hare, which falls within the scope of matters to be investigated by the Special Investigating Unit SIU), will not be investigated by the Department. As per the Notice of the investigation (No.R.84) in the Government Gazette No 47199 of 5 August 2022 (attached), the SIU investigation will look into the maladministration in the affairs of the University’s Faculty of Public Administration in relation to the awarding of honours degrees; management of funds; and sourcing of public servants for study into various Faculty programmes by an individual for personal gain (Paragraph 2 in the Schedule).
(2) The Department will await the findings of the Special Investigating Unit.
24 February 2023 - NW115
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether his department has continued efforts to promote the integration of languages other than English to be considered as viable for usage as alternative languages of academia in institutions of higher learning; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department’s language policy for higher education has over the years consistently promoted multilingualism at universities. This is applicable from the 2002 Language Policy for Higher Education and the revised Language Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions published in 2020.
While these policies acknowledge the de facto dominance of English as the language of teaching and learning and research across universities and education, in general in South Africa, the policies require universities to adopt multilingual policies showing how official South African languages other than English are developed and promoted for wider usage within academia. The universities have language policies in place listing several indigenous languages they aim to develop for scholarship purposes. The selection of these languages is informed by their regional distribution – in other words, the prevalence of the language within a geographic area within which a university is operating. While government policies are clear on the imperative of multilingualism, the translation of these ideals into practice remains work in progress. The Department is working with the universities to see how best to speed up the scholarly development of indigenous languages to deliver the Constitutional mandate of ensuring parity of esteem between official South African languages.
24 February 2023 - NW114
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
With regard to the myriad issues affecting institutions of higher learning including the clear dysfunction of administration, mal-governance, fraud and corruption allegations within the institutions themselves, (a) how does his department intend to develop capable, well-educated and skilled citizens in line with their mandate in the midst of these ills, and to prevent the possible undermining of confidence in the Republic’s development trajectory and (b) what steps has his department taken to ensure that the legitimacy of higher learning institutions, as well as the qualifications that they issue, is not compromised, considering these factors?
Reply:
a) The Department of Higher Education and Training is responsible for the oversight of the higher education system, in line with the Higher Education Act. University Councils are the ultimate body responsible for the governance of institutions and must ensure that they govern effectively to prevent any instances of fraud, maladministration, and corruption. In a case where the Minister is concerned that matters are not being addressed adequately, the Act guides the circumstances under which the Minister can intervene. The Minister is also able to engage directly with university Councils where concerns have been raised directly with him. Councils of public higher education institutions complete an annual self-assessment scorecard in line with the Guidelines for Good Governance Practice and indicators for Councils of South African Public Higher Institutions. The Department also monitors governance through an analysis of the annual reports of the institutions and assesses the overall effectiveness of governance in the system in relation to several issues. The Department supports governance at institutions through also supporting training for university councils. At the current moment one institution is under administration (Mangosuthu University of Technology) and independent assessments are underway at the University of South Africa and Central University of Technology. The Department has a watching brief on all institutions where governance challenges may arise.
The Department has developed policies and procedures which colleges are required to comply with. College councils are also required to adopt their code of conducts and to ensure that they play a meaningful oversight role. For management and staff, there are disciplinary processes undertaken in terms of the Labour Relations Act in an event there are instances of maladministration, fraud, and corruption. For college council the Minister institutes an investigation in terms of section 46 (1) of the Continuing Education and Training Act and where allegations are proved to be correct, the council is dissolved, and the cases referred to state law agencies.
b) The Department has developed the examination regulations which colleges must comply with 100%. Instances of irregularity and/or non-compliance are investigated, and officials implicated are subjected to disciplinary processes. The Department’s examinations and assessment processes are subjected to the quality assurance bodies such as UMALUSI before results are issued. This institution ensures conducts robust review of the examination and assessment processes to ensure the credibility of examinations before resulting and certification. The Council on Higher Education (CHE) is responsible in terms of the Higher Education Act for quality assurance of the higher education system and for qualification accreditation through the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC).
03 January 2023 - NW4190
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What total number of SA Social Security scholarships were given towards the (a) R425 Nursing diploma programme, (b) R174 four-year Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and Midwifery, (c) R425 Nursing degree and (d) new postgraduate diploma in Mental Health Nursing? NW5256E
Reply:
Honourable Member, Nursing Education is still the competency of Department of Health. Kindly redirect this question to the Department of Health and the Department of Social Development.
03 January 2023 - NW4675
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1) What (a) is the total number of applications for admission that have been received by each university thus far, (b) number of new students will be accepted by each university and (c) will be the effect of the budget cuts be on the intake of students in various universities; (2) (a) what plans have been put in place to ensure that all students who want to study are admitted in the next academic year and (b) on what date will all closed colleges of higher learning opened in order to ease the burden on universities? NW5798E
Reply:
Find here: Reply
03 January 2023 - NW4318
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
NATIONAL AConsidering that COVID-19 has become a scapegoat for the little to no progress made by his department on issues relating to the duplication of funding, what are the (a) reasons that sector and education training authorities (SETAs) do not have to adhere to the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999, and (b) relevant details of the processes of awarding funding to students in SETAs in comparison to technical vocational education and training colleges? NW5434ESSEMBLY FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION 4318 DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18/11/2022 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 49 OF 2022 Mr S S Zondo (IFP) to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation: Considering that COVID-19 has become a scapegoat for the little to no progress made by his department on issues relating to the duplication of funding, what are the (a) reasons that sector and education training authorities (SETAs) do not have to adhere to the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999, and (b) relevant details of the processes of awarding funding to students in SETAs in comparison to technical vocational education and training colleges? NW5434EREPLY: (a) SETAs, as schedule 3A entities are not exempted from the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, Act No 1 of 1999 (the PFMA) and other related prescripts. Consequently, where non-compliance with the PFMA is brought to the Department, such matters are attended to, in compliance with the provisions of the PFMA and other applicable legislation. Amongst other things, intervention measures that are implemented by the Department entail directing all SETAs to develop and submit audit action plans to the Department in cases where the Auditor-General South Africa has made audit findings. The Department’s intervention in addressing non-compliance is not limited to the above as each case of non-compliance is handled based on its merit. Additionally, to strengthen governance and improve compliance with the PFMA by the entities, the Department also organises regular meetings with the Chief Financial Officers of the entities (including the SETA’s) to discuss, among other things, PFMA compliance issues. The last meeting was held on 18 November 2022 with the Chief Financial Officers from all entities. (b) All SETAs develop Sector Skills Plans, which amongst others identify scarce or critical skills or occupations in high demand in their sectors; to address the required skills or occupations, in their sectors, SETAs would identify the required learning programmes, which includes amongst others: providing the bursaries, subsequently Memorandum of Agreements will be entered with the institutions of higher learning. SETAs allocate funding to students in accordance to their grant regulations
Reply:
(a) SETAs, as schedule 3A entities are not exempted from the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, Act No 1 of 1999 (the PFMA) and other related prescripts. Consequently, where non-compliance with the PFMA is brought to the Department, such matters are attended to, in compliance with the provisions of the PFMA and other applicable legislation. Amongst other things, intervention measures that are implemented by the Department entail directing all SETAs to develop and submit audit action plans to the Department in cases where the Auditor-General South Africa has made audit findings. The Department’s intervention in addressing non-compliance is not limited to the above as each case of non-compliance is handled based on its merit. Additionally, to strengthen governance and improve compliance with the PFMA by the entities, the Department also organises regular meetings with the Chief Financial Officers of the entities (including the SETA’s) to discuss, among other things, PFMA compliance issues. The last meeting was held on 18 November 2022 with the Chief Financial Officers from all entities.
(b) All SETAs develop Sector Skills Plans, which amongst others identify scarce or critical skills or occupations in high demand in their sectors; to address the required skills or occupations, in their sectors, SETAs would identify the required learning programmes, which includes amongst others: providing the bursaries, subsequently Memorandum of Agreements will be entered with the institutions of higher learning. SETAs allocate funding to students in accordance to their grant regulations
03 January 2023 - NW4587
Tshwaku, Mr M to ask the Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What (a) total number of new enrolments will each (i) university and (ii) technical vocational education and training college be able to take in 2023 and (b) provisions has his department made for the excess number of students who may not be accommodated at these institutions of higher learning? NW5716E
Reply:
In the light of the pending and imminent announcement of matric results on January 19, 2023, this question can only be responded to in full once the matric exam results are announced and the department will convene a press conference to announce spaces available in universities and TVET colleges for the academic year 2023.
03 January 2023 - NW4567
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(a) Which steps of intervention have been taken to ensure that the Northern Cape Urban Technical and Vocational Education and Training College carries through the court ruling to uphold the law and protect the rights of workers and (b) by what date will he intervene and ensure that this suffices? NW5696E
Reply:
(a) The Labour Court case in question is in relation to the employees that were employed on a fixed-term contract by the College Council and were not on the persal system of Department of Higher Education and Training. The renewal of such contracts is subject to the extension of the specific project/programme that they were contracted for. In other instances, employees could be contracted to offer Ministerial approved programmes (Report190/191 or NCV) due to increased enrollment numbers.
This category of employees could be offered permanent employment should the enrollment numbers justify such growth. However, if enrollment numbers drop as it happened during the COVID-19 pandemic where several colleges experienced a drastic decline in their enrollments and as such it would have been impossible to offer any fixedterm contract during that period. Upon receiving this correspondence, I delegated senior officials in my department to investigate the matter with the college and the response is as follows:
1. The college confirmed officials mentioned in the Tshabile and 12 others case were indeed appointed by the Council of Northern Cape Urban TVET college on a fixedterm contracts basis.
2. The officials mentioned in the Tshabile and 12 others case decided to split into two (2) groups (one group led by Tshabile which is called Tshabile - Represented by Webber Wenzel Attorneys and the other group is led by Sibongile Madondo/ Khumalo - Represented by Gqadushe Attorneys).
3. Tshabile (Case No. JR388/22) filed in the Labour Court at Johannesburg on the 25 February 2022 - was reviewing and setting aside the Arbitration Award issued by ELRC (ELRC 623 - 20/21NC) dated 27 August 2021. 4. The group of Khumalo and others then approached the Labour Court in Gqebhera for the enforcement of the Award - Represented by Gqadushe Attorneys (Case No. P80/2022).
5. On the 09 November 2022 the College informed Gqadushe Attorneys of its intention to defend its position in this case through Mokhele Attorneys.
6. The College will be submitting the application to set aside the award at the Labour Court through Mokhele Attorneys. (b) The Department will await the outcome of the application that the college has lodged with the Labour Court before taking any further steps in relation to the court ruling.
14 December 2022 - NW4356
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether he will furnish Ms N I Tarabella Marchesi with an organogram of all the technical vocational education and training colleges; if so, on what date?
Reply:
Please find attached the organogram of 48 Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVET).
https://www.dst.gov.za/owncloud/remote.php/webdav/Fifty%20TVET%20Colleges%20Organogram.zip
Username : BabuleleB
Password: Science1
12 December 2022 - NW4319
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether, with reference to the recommendations made to the University of Stellenbosch in the Khampepe Report into allegations of racism at the specified university, his department has any plans in place to convert some of the specified recommendations into best practice guidelines for all universities; if not, why not; if so, how will the first-year welcoming programmes at universities be tailored to incorporate the considerations included in the specified report?
Reply:
The Department is studying the report of the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of Racism at Stellenbosch University (Khampepe Report) and its findings. The report will have a significant impact on Stellenbosch University and may well offer significant lessons to other South African universities. However, the Department does not prescribe specific strategies to the universities. Universities in South Africa are autonomous but accountable to the Department of Higher Education and Training. In this regard, each university should study the Commission’s report, its findings and recommendations and consider lessons to learn for effective changes.
The circumstances and environments of our institutions of higher learning are unique to each individual institution. Their individual histories; cultures and circumstances are not the same. Therefore, there is no one solution to a problem that could be applied across the sector in this regard. Each university is encouraged to interpret the recommendations and make them relevant to its campuses where necessary. This also applies to ‘first-year welcoming programmes’ which are designed according to the various circumstances at each campus and, also, taking into consideration the specific needs of the university and its students. Therefore, there can be no single prescription made to all the universities.
The Department has its own programmes in place which seek to monitor the transformation of the system, working together with the Council on Higher Education. Reports from the monitoring unit provide an opportunity to reflect on transformation issues in the system and how transformation can better be monitored in the public university system.
Moreover, the Department is implementing the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP), which is focused on advancing the transformation agenda in university education system in three critical areas: student development/success, staff development and programme/curriculum development. All universities are allocated an annual grant (the University Capacity Development Grant) and are required to use the grant to implement approved three-year project plans (2021–2023) which address the transformation imperatives of the UCDP in its three focus areas as identified above. Each university develops and implements projects and activities that are specific and unique to the University to address transformation needs. This is a resource that can be utilised by universities to support students holistically, through a range of student support initiatives that include academic support, psychosocial support and life skills. Universities will develop new UCDP plans to be implemented from 2024, the guidelines for the implementation of the UCDP (that come in the form of the Ministerial Statement on the Implementation of the University Capacity Development Programme) will endeavour to emphasise the guidelines.
12 December 2022 - NW4694
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether, considering his department’s reported concerns about matters of governance at the University of Cape Town (UCT), following widespread media reports about UCT's governance controversies, he will furnish Mr S S Zondo with an update and/or details on the (a) specified governance controversies and (b) expected report from the university’s Council; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister has received the Report from the University Council and it is under consideration by his Office. The Minister will after careful consideration, determine the action to take within the prescripts of the Higher Education Act.
12 December 2022 - NW4384
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(a) Which institutions of higher learning had ombudsman and (b) what are the details of investigative reports were presented to the various university councils between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2021?
Reply:
No. |
Institution/University |
Ombuds Office |
Response |
Report of Ombuds office |
1 |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
No Ombuds |
||
2 |
University of Cape Town |
Has Ombuds office |
The reports of the Ombud to Council have ordinarily been high-level reports on trends without detail that would compromise the confidentiality undertakings of the Ombud’s office. The terms of reference explicitly provide that the Office of the Ombud ‘shall not investigate, arbitrate, adjudicate or in any other way participate in any internal or external formal process or action… The mandate is that the ‘Office of the Ombud provides a neutral, informal, confidential and independent environment where members of the university community may raise complaints or concerns and may seek information and guidance about any alleged acts, omissions, rules or other matters relating to the functioning of the University. The Ombud’s report of 2019 (for the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019) deviated from the above terms of reference in that it included a compilation of untested and unproven allegations made by the Ombud in her personal capacity against the Vice Chancellor, the Executive in general and Deans. Council considered the matter on a confidential basis. |
The Ombud’s report of 2019 (for the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019) was submitted. |
3 |
Central University of Technology |
No Ombuds |
||
4 |
Durban University of Technology |
No Ombuds |
||
5 |
University of Fort Hare |
No Ombuds |
||
6 |
University of the Free State. |
No Ombuds |
||
7 |
University of Johannesburg. |
UJ currently does not have an Ombud |
No forensic investigation reports served at the Council for the period January 2019 to December 2021. However, updates on significant litigation cases serve at the Audit and Risk Committee of Council and Council frequently |
|
8 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
Position has been vacant since March 2022 |
No investigative reports were presented to Council for the years in question. |
|
9 |
University of Limpopo |
No Ombuds |
||
10 |
Mangosuthu University of Technology |
No Ombuds |
||
11 |
University of Mpumalanga |
No Ombuds |
||
12 |
Nelson Mandela University |
External Ombuds |
Nelson Mandela University had Ombuds during the period under review (i.e. 01 January 2019 – 31 December 2021). The Ombud is external to the University meaning not an employee of the University |
The following report was reported to the University Council under the period under review: (i) Investigation into irregular conduct in the University Catering Services in 2019. |
13 |
North-West University |
No Ombuds |
||
14 |
University of Pretoria |
No Ombuds |
||
15 |
Rhodes University |
Has Ombuds office |
The ombud has from 2021 submitted reports to the Audit and Risk Committee. |
|
16 |
Sefako Makgatho University |
No Ombuds |
||
17 |
Sol Plaatje University |
No Ombuds |
||
18 |
University of South Africa |
Has Ombuds office |
UNISA indicated that they are still working on a response which will follow once received. |
|
19 |
Stellenbosch University |
Has Ombuds office |
Ombuds Office engages with 1. Student matters: Issues and problems relating to academic matters, readmission, communication, bursaries, fees, supervisors, residences, disciplinary proceedings, and others. 2.Staff matters: Issues and problems relating to human resources, bullying, communication, benefits, leave, pension, salary, appointments, promotions, and others. |
Not clear if the university has received a report from the Ombuds Office. |
20 |
Tshwane University of Technology |
Has students Ombuds office |
The Tshwane University of Technology has an established office of the Student Ombudsman, participating in various internal structures of the University where matters that have a direct bearing to the welfare of students are being discussed, like the Student Services Council (SSC) and the Task Team for Student Academic Matters (TTSAM). The scope and mandate of the Student Ombudsman is governed by the Policy on the Ombudsman for Student Academic Complaints. The Student Ombudsman only mediates and adjudicates on complaints that are of an academic nature. The Student Ombudsman strictly adheres to a set procedure that the students must follow in lodging complaints, set as follows: 1. The student has to first attempt to resolve the complaint with the Lecturer concerned. 2. If after lodging the complaint with the Lecturer, the student is still aggrieved, they are at liberty to escalate the matter to the Lecturer’s Line Manager, the Head of the Department. 3. In the event that the student still does not find any joy after the two steps above, they can then refer the matter to the Executive Dean of the concerned Faculty or the Campus Rector in the case of the Distant Campuses. 4. In the event that the three steps above still don’t yield any fruit for the student, the can then refer the matter to the Student Ombudsman, who will then initiate the investigative process. |
The Student Ombudsman compiles reports on an annual basis and these reports serve at the institution’s SENATE, where all Deans of the seven faculties of the institution sit. Of particular importance in the report are the recommendations, which help the institution in averting possible reputational risk to the institution. Student Ombudsman Annual Reports are available for perusal should the need arise. |
21 |
Vaal University of Technology |
VUT established the office of the Ombud late last year |
No reports by 31 December. |
|
22 |
University of Venda |
No Ombuds |
||
23 |
Walter Sisulu University |
No Ombuds |
||
24 |
University of the Western Cape |
No Ombuds |
||
25 |
University of the Witwatersrand |
No Ombuds |
The University of the Witwatersrand does not have an Ombudsman; instead, we host an Integrity Hotline which allows for matters of concern related to fraud/whistleblowing to be reported. The Council Audit and Risk Committee are informed of any developments. No investigative reports were presented to Council during the period Jan 2019- 31 Dec 2021. |
|
26 |
University of Zululand |
No Ombuds |
02 December 2022 - NW4383
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What total number of Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges have their own student accommodation facilities?
Reply:
The Department has thirty-eight (38) Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges that have their own student accommodation facilities. The colleges are as follows:
TVET COLLEGES WITH STUDENT ACCOMMODATION |
|
PROVINCE |
COLLEGE NAME |
EASTERN CAPE |
Buffalo City TVET College |
Ingwe TVET College |
|
King Hintsa TVET College |
|
KSD TVET College |
|
Lovedale TVET College |
|
Port Elizabeth TVET College |
|
FREE STATE |
Flavius Mareka TVET College |
Maluti TVET College |
|
GAUTENG |
Central Johannesburg College |
Ekurhuleni East TVET College |
|
Tshwane North TVET |
|
Tshwane South TVET College |
|
South West Gauteng TVET College |
|
KWAZULU NATAL |
Elangeni TVET College |
Mnambithi TVET College |
|
Esayidi TVET College |
|
Mthashana TVET College |
|
Thekwini TVET College |
|
Umfolozi TVET |
|
Coastal KZN TVET College |
|
LIMPOPO |
Vhembe TVET College |
Sekhukhune TVET College |
|
Capricorn TVET College |
|
Waterberg TVET College |
|
MPUMALANGA |
Ehlanzeni TVET College |
Gert Sibande TVET College |
|
Nkangala TVET College |
|
NORTH WEST |
Orbit TVET College |
Taletso TVET College |
|
Vuselela TVET College |
|
NORTHERN CAPE |
Northern Cape Urban TVET College |
Northern Cape Rural TVET College |
|
WESTERN CAPE |
Boland College |
College of Cape Town |
|
False Bay TVET College |
|
West Coast College |
|
South Cape TVET College |
|
Northlink College |
02 December 2022 - NW4400
Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What is the (a) total number of staff employed and/or provided as departmental support in (i) his and (ii) the Deputy Minister’s private offices and (b)(i) job title and (ii) annual remuneration package of each specified person?
Reply:
a) What is the total number of staff employed and/or provided as departmental support in the office of the Minister?
The office of the Minister has 14 employees as of 1 November 2022. Of the 14 employed staff, 1 employee (Chief of Staff) is a secondment from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
(ii) What is the total number of staff employed and/or provided as departmental support in the office of the Deputy Minister?
The office of the Deputy Minister has 10 employees as of 1 November 2022. Of the 10 employed staff, 1 employee (Director: Technical Specialist) is held additional to the departmental establishment.
(b) (i) job title and (ii) annual remuneration package of each specified person in the office of the Minister:
|
Names and Surname |
Job Title |
Annual remuneration Package |
1 |
Ms Mokgadi Tena |
Chief of Staff (secondment) |
R1 308 051.00 |
2 |
Ms Nomfundo Seoka |
Administrative Secretary |
R1 105 383.00 |
3 |
Ms Siphokazi Shoba |
Parliamentary Liaison Officer |
R1 190 826.00 |
4 |
Mr Ishmael Mnisi |
Media Liaison Officer |
R1 263 900.00 |
5 |
Ms Esther Rammutla |
Private Secretary |
R1 105 383.00 |
6 |
Mr Babulele Bingwa |
Cabinet and Parliamentary Officer |
R766 584.00 |
7 |
Ms Kalipa Dazela |
Community Outreach, Media, and Digital Officer |
R766 584.00 |
8 |
Ms Silindile Mncwabe |
Assistant Private Secretary |
R393 711.00 |
9 |
Ms Thembi Mdepa |
Assistant Administrative Officer |
R331 188.00 |
10 |
Ms Zanele Mavimbela |
Receptionist |
R269 214.00 |
11 |
Mr Mpho Masalesa |
Registry Clerk |
R181 599.00 |
12 |
Mr Karabo Lephothe |
Messenger/Driver |
R151 884.00 |
13 |
Ms Thandiwe Masondo |
Household Aide |
R128 166.00 |
14 |
Ms Eunice Ntombela |
Household Aide |
R128 166.00 |
b) (i) job title and (ii) annual remuneration package of each specified person in the office of the Deputy Minister:
Names and Surname |
Job Title |
Annual remuneration Package |
|
1 |
Mr Bayanda Mzoneli |
Head of Office |
R1 495 641,00 |
2 |
Ms Florence Masebe |
Director: Technical Specialist |
R1 105 383.00 |
3 |
Ms Motshedisi Letuka |
Private Secretary to the DM |
R908 502.00 |
4 |
Mr Steve Mamphekgo |
Parliamentary Officer |
R766 584.00 |
5 |
Mr Mandla Tshabalala |
Community Outreach Officer |
R766 584.00 |
6 |
Mr Thulani Mayisela |
Senior Registry Clerk |
R269 214.00 |
7 |
Ms Keabaitse Mashaba |
Receptionist |
R269 214.00 |
8 |
Mr Stephens Mahlangu |
Messenger/Driver |
R151 884.00 |
9 |
Ms Manqoba Dube |
Household Aid |
R128 166.00 |
10 |
Ms Phumza Dlangamandla |
Household Aid |
R128 166.00 |
02 December 2022 - NW3851
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What (a) steps has he taken to recoup the R5 billion meant for youth skills development that has allegedly gone missing and (b) plans have been put in place to ensure that negligence and corruption of this nature no longer takes place?
Reply:
There are decisive steps which I took in addressing the detected malfeasance at the NSF. It must however be stated that the R5 billion quantum is not an accurate figure, the correct figure is much lesser than that.
At the time of the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) indicating that the AGSA audit process could not conclusively report on the NSF funded projects amounting to about R2.5 billion, I immediately placed the then Director-General and the Chief Executive Officer on precautionary suspensions.
Further to that I commissioned a forensic investigation on the financial affairs of the NSF to which NEXUS FORENSIC SERVICES was tasked.
The forensic report has since been received studied and presented to SCOPA and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee of Higher Education Science (PCHESI) and Innovation.
Critical consequence management action taken since the release of the report are:
1. DHET assisted by the State Attorney office has issued further precautionary suspension letters to internal official implicated by the forensic report with the intention of taking disciplinary actions.
2. A case of criminal investigation, as recommended in the forensic report has been opened with the South African Police Services.
3. Further to these interventions, and for the purpose of recouping the NSF funds from ill-gain, the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) has been brought on board. The results thereof will be civil action claims against all parties who corruptly benefitted from the NSF skills development funding system.
The forensic investigation, much as the AGSA also did point out, exposed the soft underbelly of the NSF business operating systems which may have contributed vastly to opportunistic malfeasance conducts.
I have since commissioned a Ministerial Task Team (MTT) to look at the reconfiguration of the NSF business operating model so that it becomes an effective, efficient, and economically efficient skills development entity.
The MTT has completed its task and has submitted a report to which the Director General of the DHET has been tasked to complete the processes of implementing the report by 31 July 2023. The report has been presented to PCHESI.