ATC180314: Report Of The Portfolio Committee On Higher Education And Training On Its Oversight Visit To The Eastern Cape, Dated 14 March 2018

Higher Education, Science and Innovation

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING ON ITS OVERSIGHT VISIT TO THE EASTERN CAPE, DATED 14 MARCH 2018
 

The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training having conducted an oversight visit to the post-school education and training institutions in the Eastern Cape on 23 – 26 January 2018, reports as follows.

1. Delegation list

1.1 Members of the Committee

Hon D Kekana (ANC), Hon R Mavunda (ANC), Hon S Mchunu (ANC), Hon C September: Chairperson (ANC), Hon M Wolmarans (ANC), Hon B Bozzoli (DA) and Hon H Bucwa (DA).

1.2 Support staff

Mr A Kabingesi: Committee Secretary, Ms M Modiba: Content Adviser, Mr L Ben: Committee Assistant and Ms F Lombard: Parliamentary Communications Officer.

2. Introduction and background

In pursuance of its constitutional oversight obligation, the Committee undertook an oversight visit to the Walter Sisulu University (WSU), King Sabatha Dalindyebo Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college, University of Fort Hare (UFH) and Buffalo City TVET college.

The objectives of the oversight visit were to:

• Assess the 2018 registration process;
• Assess the preparedness of the institutions in implementing the 2018 academic programmes;
• Assess the 2017 overall academic performance of students; and
• Undertake site visits to infrastructure projects, student accommodation and registration facilities.

 

In addition to the afore-mentioned objectives of the oversight visit, the Committee engaged with the relevant stakeholders of each institution which included: student representative council; labour unions and council.

3. Site visits and summary of the presentations

3.1. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

3.1.1. Site visits

(a) Zamukulungisa Campus

(i) Great Hall

The Zamukulungisa Campus is one of the three teaching sites of the University situated in Mthatha, which specialises in education and commerce related programmes. The campus used to be the former Transkei College of Education and it has 3 000 students registered in education and commerce programmes.

The Committee visited the Great hall where the registration of first-time entering and returning students took place. The campus-based registration process for first time entering students commenced on 22 January 2018, and registration for returning students was planned to commence on the of 29 January 2018. The University indicated that the registration process was running smoothly with no major hiccups or overcrowding.

The hall was used as a one-stop shop where there were different units providing services to students. The stations included: academic unit, which provided guidance on module selection; NSFAS and financial assistance and clearance; registration unit; student housing allocation unit and student card issuance unit.

(ii) Block M Student Residence

The Committee undertook a site visit to the Block M student residence. The Committee was informed that overcrowding and insufficient beds remained a serious challenge at this residence. The Zamukulungisa Campus had a total of 720 beds for 3 000 students. The Committee observed that there was maintenance work that had not been completed at this residence. Management indicated that the maintenance work was undertaken only when students were on vacation and it was difficult to get contractors to work during the December holidays. However, the maintenance work would be completed before students return for the 2018 academic year. The Committee was also informed about the huge maintenance backlog at the University and insufficient funding to address the challenges.

 

 

(b) Nelson Mandela Drive Campus

(i) Great Hall

At the Nelson Mandela Drive Campus, the Committee started the site visit with the Great Hall, where registration of the first entering students was underway. All the units were present in the Hall so that students could complete registration process and be issued with student cards and accommodation. The University informed the Committee that there were many enquiries on the week of the 15th January 2018. The University also noted that its online registration system was piloted in 2015 and it would be fully implemented in the 2019 academic year. 

(ii) Lecture rooms

The Committee visited the lecture rooms and observed that they were not in a good state, and needed major refurbishments. The University reported that the architecture of the buildings was poorly designed. The furniture in some of the lecture rooms was worn out and broken, and the roofs were leaking. The observation of the Committee was that the learning conditions of students at these lecture rooms seemed to be sub-standard.

The University indicated that it had a maintenance backlog estimated at R3.4 billion based on the 2014 estimations. The deteriorating infrastructure contributed to the de-accreditation of some of the institutions key academic deliveries such as the Bachelor of Social Work and the Bachelor of Law (LLB) programme. The University also reported theft of overhead projectors from the lecture halls as a major concern.

(iii) Decant Residence

The Decant Residence was one of the latest student residence to be built at the NMD campus, established in 2015. The estimated costs to build the residence amounted to R50 million and it had a capacity of 240 beds. The facilities at this residence were new, however, they were not properly maintained and were deteriorating at a faster rate. Fumigation was only implemented once a year and the building had lots of cockroaches and spiders. The University also reported lack of student recreational facilities at the Campus. There was only one tennis court and a stadium to cater for 9 000 students. The tennis court was not properly maintained.

(iv) Iphulo Residence

The Committee was shocked to discover that the residence had occupants who allocated themselves rooms without the knowledge of the residence manager.  The Committee was informed that most of the occupants were illegal and included mostly prospective students who were in the process of applying for admission for the 2018 academic year. The majority of the occupants were squatting in single rooms and up to three occupants shared a single room. Some of the occupants who interacted with members of the Committee indicated that they came from very far places in the Eastern Cape and could not afford to go back home without receiving a feedback about their admission status.

The Committee observed that there was no access control at the residence and this compounded the overcrowding situation at the residence.

The Committee discovered that the residence was in a very bad state which was not conducive for living and learning. The rooms were dirty with broken furniture, windows and door handles. There was no security at the residence and this resulted in many illegal activities such as, drinking and smoking of dagga within the residence premises. Some of the illegal occupants operated tuck shops inside the residence without the approval of the institution. It seemed that management was not aware about the presence of unregistered students and the extent of squatting in the residence rooms.

(v) Faculty of Health Sciences Building

The Faculty of Health Sciences building was a state of the art building which was recently completed in the 2017 academic year. The building was conveniently located next to the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital which made it easier for medical students to access their practical lessons. The building also hosted the meeting of the Portfolio Committee with management and other stakeholders of the University. The Committee was impressed about the state of the building and its modern facilities.

3.1.2. Student Representative Council

The SRC welcomed the opportunity to present to the Portfolio Committee the challenges that were affecting students at the University. The presentation mainly highlighted the challenges of students with regard to: 2018 registration; student accommodation, infrastructure and student funding.

The SRC expressed a concern about the delays associated with the 2018 registration process at University. The SRC indicated that the University had available spaces for 7 300 first time entering students. However, as at 23 January 2018, there were 4 700 new students registered, and the University was not providing updates to the new applicants on the status of their applications. Compounding the situation was that management informed the returning students that they had to pay 25 percent of their debt before they could be allowed to register. The SRC was concern about this directive since the majority of the students at the University came from very poor family households and were not in a position to pay their outstanding debts.

In relation to infrastructure and student housing, the SRC was extremely concerned about the state of student residences and other facilities especially at the Nelson Mandela Drive Campus. The SRC indicated that some of the student residences were hazardous and not meeting the DHET minimum norms and standards for student housing. Moreover, the safety and security of students at the NMD student residences was compromised due to the absence of access control. The SRC expressed a concern about the increase in student deaths at the University’s residences owing to violence and poor security. Management also terminated the security contract at the end of November 2017 and there was no clarity about the procurement of new security services for the 2018 academic year. The SRC indicated that it was not consulted by management on procurement of the University’s security services. The SRC also reported the lack of recreational facilities, dining halls as well as health services facilities for students. 

With regard to student funding, the SRC was extremely concerned about the delays by NSFAS in paying allowances due to students. The SRC indicated that the students who had claims that had not been paid by NSFAS were not allowed to register for the 2018 academic year. Moreover, the implementation of the new student-centred model had created lots of frustration amongst the students. Some of the students did not sign the loan agreement forms and schedule of particulars (LAFSOP) since they did not receive the communication or sms. Some students had unpaid claims from 2016 and were not assisted by NSFAS for two consecutive academic years. The SRC also reported that claims for the historic debt for some students who have signed debt acknowledgement forms have not been paid.

3.1.3 Labour Unions: The National Education and Health Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) and the National Tertiary Education Educators Union (NTEU)

Lack of or poor communication: The unions indicated that there was poor communication between management and the stakeholders at the University. The University was experiencing student protests on two campuses, however, the unions were not informed about the students’ complaints. The unions were only invited for engagement with management when the student protests were out of control, and by that time, most of the staff members would be out of reach.

The unions indicated that the mode of communication used by management to staff during strikes was emails only, and most of the staff members did not have access to emails when they were outside of campus precincts. The utilisation of bulk SMS services to communicate with staff members had been suggested by the unions to management; however, it was never implemented. Management had also failed to meet with the unions on several occasions to engage on important matters that affect staff members.

Quality issues: The unions indicated that the conditions of the lecture halls at the University were extremely bad (lack of air-conditioners, broken chairs, no plugs, inadequate lighting, and leaking roofs) and not conducive to effective teaching and learning and compromised the quality of education. This also contributed to the de-accreditation of the Bachelor of Social Work and LLB programmes, and may cost the University more of its programmes in the future.

Lack of transparency and accountability: The unions said that management failed to adhere to some of its policies with regard to the remuneration of the executive management and the consultation process regarding policy development was inconsistent. Management also failed to report timeously to the University community on progress of projects undertaken which were funded by the DHET.

Inefficiency of the senior management: The unions indicated that some of the members of the senior management were not decisive on critical matters which required urgent decision-making, thus causing matters that could have been contained at campus level to escalate, and at times taken to the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

Non-finalisation of the harmonisation process: The unions indicated that workers at the University still have different conditions of service that were inherited from the merger process in 2005. The harmonisation of conditions of service process had been very slow.

Lack of academic organogram: It was reported that the University did not have an academic organogram and staff members were offered voluntary severance packages before the structure could be developed and implemented.

3.1.4. Management

Prof R Midgley: Vice-Chancellor made the presentation. The VC gave a brief background of WSU and indicated that the University of Transkei, Border Technikon and Eastern Cape Technikon merged in June 2005 to establish the Walter Sisulu University. WSU had four campuses located in Queenstown, Buffalo City, Butterworth and Mthatha and the area covered 1 000 Kilometre radius in four district municipalities.

In so far as the student population is concerned, the VC said that the University had a student population of 30 791 students across all the four campuses with 2 500 employees (1 500 permanent) in 2017. The total student population was made up of 17 212 female students and 13 290 males. In relation to finances, the VC indicated that the University had an operating budget of R1.7 billion and R685 million of the total budget was allocated from government subsidy and R568 million was from student fees. The University produced 4 800 graduates in 2015 and this increased to 5 801 graduates in 2017.

With regard to the 2018 student registration/enrolment, the VC indicated that the total enrolment target for the 2018 first-time entering students was 7 300. However, the University received 43 471 applications for 2018, including walk-ins. The registration at the University was undertaken at seven venues on four campuses. The returning students and postgraduates registered online whilst the first-time entering undergraduate students would register manually. The VC said that the planning for the 2018 registration process was a success.

In relation to student accommodation, the VC said that the national norms for a rural based University was 30 percent of the student population being placed in student residences. However, the University’s target was to have 60 percent of its student population in residences, although the ideal target was 80 percent. Moreover, the construction of two new residences in Mthatha and Butterworth for approximately 250 additional beds will commence in 2018. The procurement of private residences went through the accreditation process with the SRC being involved in site inspections.

With regard to infrastructure, the VC indicated that the total institutional budget for repairs and maintenance in 2017 amounted to R13.8 million. This represented 0.27 percent of the 2013 built cost estimates and the internationally accepted norm for keeping buildings in good order is 1.8 percent.  The University had assets worth an estimated R5 billion as per assessment done in 2013.

The VC indicated that the key challenges of the University included but not limited to: poor student living and learning conditions; shortage of up to 18 000 beds which resulted in massive overcrowding; large maintenance backlog;  poor recreational facilities; inadequate safety and security of students and staff; violent student protests; divisional management model; poor performance management; transforming the institutional culture and reputational damage; de-accreditation of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Bachelor of Law (LLB) programmes; financial sustainability and administrative stability.

The VC emphasised that the University had an important role to contribute to society and some of its key successes included: good and stable council with committed members; good relations with stakeholders and improvement in staff morale; some strong academic programmes; improvements in pass rates; improving research culture; strong community engagements programmes; introduction of online registration in 2018; infrastructure developments and expansion of the Queenstown Campus.

3.2. King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) TVET College

3.2.1. Site visits

(i) Utility Hall

The Committee visited the Utility hall where the registration of students was undertaken. The registration process included; capturing of student data, issuance of student cards and allocation of financial assistance. The college reported that the 2018 registration process would be closed on 26 January 2018. However, the college was experiencing a challenge whereby students who were rejected at Walter Sisulu University would come to register at the college after closure of the registration date. Similarly, other students that were already registered at the college would immediately leave the college once they get confirmation of acceptance at WSU.

The college reported that it utilised its admission criteria for admission of students into various academic programmes and classes had already started on 15 January 2018 for other programmes. The college indicated that it experienced a challenge whereby students who passed Grade 12 would enroll for National Certificate Vocational NC(V), and later on change to enroll for Report 191 programmes due to lack of career guidance. This contributed to high dropout rate in the NC(V) Level 2 programmes.

(ii) Workshops

The Committee visited the workshops to assess their state in providing practical experience to students. During the time of the visit, the National Skills Fund (NSF) funded apprenticeship programme was underway. The college reported that the apprenticeship programme enrolled 90 learners who had completed their NC(V) and Report 191 programmes in plumbing, bricklaying, engineering and carpentry. The learners were enrolled for a period of 36 months and would be trained as artisans in various trades.

The college indicated that it collaborated with various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) who were providing guidelines for the training programmes. The Manufacturing, Engineering and Other Services SETA (MERSETA) was providing guidelines and modules for the training of motor mechanics and electricians. The Construction SETA was used in the civil engineering training programme.

The college indicated that the training programme offered six months of theoretical training and the other part involved practical training and workplace exposure. The six months theoretical training involved basic workshop behaviour, health and safety rules and other theory-related programmes. Towards the end of the programme, learners were offered pre-trade test by the college so that they could be ready for trade test assessment. The college aimed to assist all the 90 learners/apprentices to become qualified artisans.

The college indicated that it had partnerships with various companies within the OR Tambo District for student work placement. However, it experienced a challenge in placing learners into workplaces due to the limited presence of industry in the Mthatha area. The students that were placed into workplaces were offered practical work exposure in various trades. There were many RDP houses that were being built in the OR Tambo district, and some of the learners were conducting their practical learning at these sites. The college also collaborated with AB350 bus company for learners to be exposed to motor mechanics.

(iii) Electrical workshop

The Committee visited the electrical workshop where the practical training of NC(V) and Report 191 electrical engineering students was undertaken. The workshop had the latest electrical equipment that was donated by Eskom. The college was able to train eight (8) of its lecturers at the workshop to become qualified artisans.

(iv) Carpentry workshop

The college indicated that the workshop was utilised for the training of students enrolled in the carpentry programme. The learners were trained in making roof thrust, ceilings, tables and other carpentry work. The college procured its timber for the practical training of learners from hardware stores. The Committee advised the college management to explore working with the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Working for Water project to access timber from alien trees for practical training.

The college management informed the Committee about the challenges they experience with electricity supply at the campus. The college bought a generator, however, it was small and not able to supply power to all the workshops and computers labs. The college was in the process of procuring providers to install new generators. The Committee urged the college management to explore the use of solar energy. 

(v) Student residences

The Committee visited the “old boys” hostel which had 72 rooms. The Committee was informed that most of the students had not been allocated rooms for the 2018 academic year. However, the Committee discovered that there were students who had occupied some rooms without proof of registration.

The Committee also visited the new residence which had a capacity of accommodating an additional 1000 students. The college reported that the construction of the residences commenced in 2008. However, the construction was interrupted by mismanagement of funds and non-payment of service providers. The residence was unutilised until the National Skills Fund (NSF) intervened in 2017 and allocated R60 million for refurbishments. The refurbishments of the residence commenced in April 2017 and completion was expected by the end of April 2018. The new residence had rooms that could take up to four (4) beds and there was a TV room, ablution facilities and kitchenettes at each of the floor.

3.2.2. Student Representative Council

In relation to the 2018 registration process, the SRC expressed a concern about the capping of enrolment numbers at the backdrop of the Presidential announcement of fee free higher education for the poor and working class. The SRC indicated that this frustrated many prospective students who wanted access to post-school education and training opportunities. Students were concerned that management was not willing to explain how free education for poor students would be implemented.

The SRC indicated that the challenges experienced by students at the college included: inadequate industry at the OR Tambo District for work-integrated learning and many exiting level students were frustrated by the lack of employment opportunities; inadequate implementation of the code of conduct by the college; delays by NSFAS in the payment of outstanding allowances to students which contributed to high student drop-out and the delays in the issuance of outstanding certificates which affects student progression.

In relation to student accommodation, the SRC expressed a concern about the monthly rental fee of R500 charged to students by the college since the majority of them came from very poor family households which were surviving on social grants. The SRC further stated that the student residences were poorly maintained, although students paid monthly rental fees. They proposed that the monthly rental fee be reduced to R400 due to the poor standard of the residences.

3.2.3 Labour Unions

3.2.3.1. Public Service Association (PSA), National Parastatal and Tertiary Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) and South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU)

The three unions made a consolidated presentation. In relation to the 2018 registration, the unions were concerned about the poor applications system used by the college for admission of students. The unions indicated that the manual applications system was outdated and contributed to the disappearance of application forms. Furthermore, it created more work for staff who must later capture the student data into the system. The college had inadequate storage for student files and the registration team was under-staffed.

With regard to the 2017 academic performance, the unions were concerned about the delays in the release of results by the Department. The unions indicated that they were not in a position to comment fully on the performance of the college for the 2017 academic year as there were supplementary exams and pending results that were not finalised. The unions said that the leakage of examination papers caused frustrations, especially on lecturers and students since it delayed the release of results.

The unions indicated that the challenges experienced by staff included: insufficient classrooms, workshops, simulation rooms and furniture; insufficient toner and printers; inadequate working tools for lecturers; lack of electricity back-up system; shortage of parking for staff and lack of provision of water when there is no water.

3.2.3.2 National Education and Health Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU)

In relation to working condition, the union was concerned that the Mthatha Campus lecture theatres had no electricity and lecturers were expected to work under those abnormal conditions. Moreover, some of the lecturers did not have laptops as well as desktop computers. However, they were required to capture student marks and assessments.

The union said that the college experienced a challenge of inadequate infrastructure. Some of the campuses were situated in rural areas and did not have decent ablution facilities. At Ntabozuka Campus, the classrooms, computer laboratories and staff rooms did not have air conditioners and this affected teaching and learning.

With regard to staff shortage, the union said that there was a shortage of general assistants and administrative personnel. Some of the employees were doing work beyond their job description due to shortage of staff, and when vacant positions were advertised, they were not shortlisted.

The union expressed a concern about the communication channels used by the college management which were ineffective. The unions were not given feedback on key strategic decisions taken by management. The employees of the college were not aware about the strategic plan of the college.

The union indicated that employees at the college experienced challenges with their employment benefits since migration of colleges to the Department of Higher Education and Training. Employees were concerned about the delays in the finalization of their employment benefits by the Department.

3.2.4. Management

The presentation was made by the college principal, Mr C Ndodana. The Principal gave a brief background of the college by indicating that the KSD TVET college was located in the OR District Municipality. The college was strategically positioned to serve the most rural areas of the Eastern Cape, covering three districts, namely: OR Tambo; Amathole and Chris Hani District. The college served 28 percent of the Eastern Cape’s total population. The college was constituted of the following campuses: Libode; Mthatha; Mapuzi; Mngazi; Ngcobo; Ntabozuko and Zimbane. The KSD TVET college was established through the merger of three former technical colleges, namely: Mapuzi; Mthatha and Ngcobo in 2002. The central administration offices of the college were situated at the Mthatha Campus.

In relation to infrastructure, the Principal indicated that the outlying college campuses lacked adequate infrastructure facilities to provide quality technical and vocational programmes to equip young people from these areas to compete fairly in the job market. The Mthatha Campus had 152 students occupying its student residences and there were new hostels under construction which would add an additional 1000 beds.

With regard to the 2017 student academic performance, the Principal indicated that the overall college NC(V) pass rate was 76 percent and the certification rate stood at 36 percent. For the Report 191 Business studies, the progression rate was 74 percent and the certification rate was 47 percent. For Report 191 Engineering N1-N3, the progression rate was 56 percent and the certification rate was 36 percent. For Report 191 Engineering N4-N6, the progression rate was 60 percent and the certification rate stood at 39 percent. The college’s overall NC(V) certification rate was 36 percent, retention rate 87 percent, pass rate 75 percent and throughput rate 31 percent.

In relation to finances, the Principal indicated that the college had been receiving disclaimers since 2015 due to poor financial management. However, for the 2017 financial year, the college received a qualified audit opinion with findings. In this regard, management had taken some measures to address the findings and to ensure that they do not recur. The college had cash reserves which amounted to R7 million. However, the college projected an overspending on compensation of employees’ persal budget. The Principal indicated that the Department had deducted R944 000 from the last tranche as a claw back on the projected deficit. In addition to the persal deficit, the college had 19 vacant posts which cost at R6.4 million. These posts could not be filled due to the 63 percent threshold on compensation costs.

The Principal indicated that the provisional indicative allocation for 2017/18 from the Department amounted to R197 million (R113.4 million for compensation of employees, R41.3 million college transfer and R42.572 million as 20 percent NSFAS bursaries) leaving a deficit of R45 million. For the 2018 academic year, the college had a planned full-time equivalent (FTEs) of 5 781 students, of which 4 691 FTEs were funded and 1 098 remained unfunded. As a result, the college decided to maintain the 2017 enrolment numbers in order to decrease the number of unfunded students and the resultant deficit.

3.3. University of Fort Hare

3.3.1. Site visits

(i) Sport Complex

The University reported that the University’s Sport Complex was used as a registration facility for the 2018 academic year. For the first time in 2018, the University utilised an online registration system for students, which made registration easier and more efficient. The Committee was informed that approximately 300 students could register in just five (5) minutes. However, there were other academic programmes that were not yet online, and students were assisted to register manually for these programmes.

The registration facility had various sections which included: residence desk; international relations desk; financial aid desk (NSFAS and private sponsors); printing of student cards, ICT to assist with IT related challenges and Xerox printers support; basic computer literacy programme for first year entering students; and Gender-Base Violence desk. The University indicated that it had not experienced any challenges with the 2018 registration process. In dealing with walk-ins, the University reported that it established its own clearing house system whereby walk-ins would register and be put on the waiting list for available programmes. The University received 42 000 applications for the 2018 academic year, and it could only admit 2 404 new students. The University could only accept walk-ins in the Faculty of Agriculture and Commerce.

(ii) Student Centre

The University indicated that the student centre was a central gathering point for students where they could socialize and participate in other student activities. The student centre housed the SRC offices, student societies, and other facilities such as the tuck shop and bookstore.

(iii) Cricket South Africa (CSA) Centre of Excellence

The Committee was informed that the CSA Centre of Excellence was an investment by CSA to develop and expand the talent in cricket and the University was a chosen site to host the centre. The University indicated that it did not incur any financial loss by hosting the centre and the maintenance of the centre was the responsibility of CSA as well the staff working in the centre. CSA planned to invest R15 million to make further upgrades of the facility and add a conference and dining hall facility, and to expand the fields. The students that were part of the CSA programme had their own dedicated residences within the campus and others were enrolled in the nearby institutions.

(iv) Water reservoir

The Committee was informed that the bulk water reservoir was a back-up system used by the University to alleviate the challenge of water shortage in Alice. The reservoir could assist the University with a backup water supply for up to 72 hours in case there was no water supply from the municipality. The University invested R8.5 million into the bulk water reservoir project because water shortages were experienced due to the expansion of residential areas nearby the University and poor municipal water infrastructure. The University indicated that the underground infrastructure in the area remained a serious concern.

(v) Stag African Student Residence

The University indicated that the Stag African student housing project was aimed at alleviating the shortage of student accommodation at the University. The University aimed at constructing 17 student residence blocks that could take up to 2 406 beds. Five (5) student blocks had already been constructed and were in a very good state. The construction of the new residences adhered to the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Policy on the Minimum Norms and Standard for Student Housing. The project was interrupted by challenges with the tender processes, which were resolved by courts of law.  However, the University reached an agreement with Stag African to be a service provider to construct the remaining student residences until the project was completed.

The residence was fitted with a biometric access control system to prevent outsiders from entering the residence. The Committee was informed that students were against the biometric system because they wanted to bring in visitors overnight. Each residence block had a security and a resident warden who provided additional security to the residences. The residences were built with self-catering units since the University no longer provided meals to students in residences.

(vi) Beda Residence

The Committee was informed that the Beda Residence was one of the oldest residences at the University having been built in 1934. The Committee interacted with some students at the residence and they indicated that they were happy with the condition of the residence. The residence was fitted with self-catering kitchen bays at each floor and students were encouraged to keep the residence clean. Students were prohibited to cook in their rooms.

(vii) Staff Centre

The Committee was informed that the staff centre was the central building at the University and it was mainly used for hosting visitors, institutional functions and also used as the Vice-Chancellor’s dining hall. The University indicated that it experienced two weeks of intense student protests in 2017 and students vandalised and burnt the centre. The student protested for various demands which included: delays in the payment of NSFAS allowances; intermittent Wi-Fi connection, lack of water and other matters. The students also burnt another building which stored surveillance equipment. The University had submitted a claim of R5 million to the insurance to reconstruct the building.

3.3.2. Student Representative Council

The SRC indicated that it had 25 members of which 10 were based at the Alice Campus, 10 in East London and 5 (five) were institutional SRC members. The term of the SRC began on 01 May 2017 and would end on 30 April 2018.

With regard to the 2018 registration, the SRC commended the efforts by management in managing the registration process smoothly. Registration at the University started on the 15 January 2018 and was still in progress. The SRC was happy that all students were allowed to register without having to pay the minimum initial payment and walk-ins were accepted. As at 24 January 2018, the SRC indicated that were 5 111 students registered at the University, and students with historic debt were allowed to register and signed the acknowledgment of debt form.

In relation to student accommodation, the SRC was concerned that the University did not own any student residences in East London and some of the residences were not meeting the norms and standards for student housing as set by the Department. Moreover, the service rendered to students living in East London student residences was inadequate. The SRC indicated that the University had insufficient accommodation for the number of students registered at the Alice Campus. This resulted in student seeking alternative accommodation in the surrounding areas. The SRC was hoping that the completion of the new student residences would alleviate the challenge. Squatting was a serious concern at the Alice Campus owing to the shortage of student accommodation.

The SRC listed the following challenges of students at the University: delays by NSFAS in paying student debts and allowances due to them; burning of buildings during a student protest; late allocation of refund due to students; reduction of water supply in Alice; inadequate security; inadequate financial resources at the University and inadequate infrastructure.

 

 

 

3.3.3. Labour Unions

3.3.3.1 National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU)

NTEU indicated that it was officially launched on 1 September 2017 at the University and it had a diverse membership which included a sizeable pool of academics. The union had good relations with the SRC and the other union of institution (NEHAWU).

The union indicated that it fully supported the implementation of fee-free higher education for poor students. However, the lack of clarity at national level on how free education would be funded was a concern for the union. The union indicated that it raised concerns with the management about students with historic debt who were also coming from family households with a family income that was less than R350 000 per annum. The union appreciated the sensible manner in which management and the SRC managed the registration process for 2018. However, student accommodation remained a serious concern at the University. The union also encouraged management to allow walk-ins.

In relation to the state of the University, the union acknowledged that the challenges at the University outweighed its successes. There was a lack of urgency from management in addressing the challenges of the University. The University had an unprofessional organizational culture whereby workers came late to work with no accountability. The union also noted the limited government funding and absence of third stream income continued to disadvantage the University.

According to the union, the successes of the University included: recently built collaborative library; new institutional leadership; improved graduate output; iconic liberation credentials and the recently built student village; new water reservoir. The challenges include: limited funding; no third stream income; ageing infrastructure; inadequate campus security; leadership and governance weaknesses; lack of consequence management; weak legal affairs; general lack of urgency and perceived lack of discipline.

The union proposed that: government should assist in funding insourcing; biased funding model favouring historically disadvantaged institutions must be pursued; the Portfolio Committee should consider pursuing enacting a financial management legislation for universities; campus security should be improved; land donation for the East London Campus should be pursued by government to build a new student village for the University and there should be a balanced treatment of unions since there was no majority union at the University.

3.3.3.2 National Education and Health Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU)

The presentation by NEHAWU focused mainly on the challenges faced by the workers at the University. With regard to the relations with management, the union indicated that its relationship with management was complementary and confrontational. The union was represented in institutional decision-making structures such as council, senate and institutional forum (IF). The union was able to hold the university management accountable and responsible for its decision and actions. It also advocated for the promotion of culture of consultation and accountability on issues that affect the University and workers.

According to the union, the challenges faced by the University included: poor teaching and learning as well as research infrastructure facilities; lack of will to investigate allegations of corruption and fraud within the institution; lack of will to hold accountable all staff members; moratorium on appointment of foreign nationals; prolonged bargaining meetings; lack of accommodation for staff; absence of social facilities to support social life of staff and absence of medical facilities.

In relation to the conditions of service, the union was concerned about the lack of competitive salaries, which were not in line with the rest of other universities. This affected staff morale as employees felt less rewarded for their efforts. The bargaining processes at the University always delayed due to lack of capacity by management to manage the process. The performance management system of the University was poorly managed and implemented.

The union was concerned that the University implemented the cost to company salary package system which was not a favourable option among the employees as compared to basic salary plus benefits. The medical aid options at the University were limited to two options, namely Bonitas and Discovery Health. This limited the rights of employees to choose a medical aid of their choice. The pension fund options at the University were limited and did not make a separation between young academic employees who had life ahead of them and old employees looking forward to retirement.

The union recommended that: government should assist with resources for redress and capacitation; the relook at the policy and systems for funding higher education, especially for former historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs) and the Department should approve some of the scientific programmes/courses that would assist and attract more revenue and student base for the University.

3.3.4. Management

Prof S Buhlungu expressed his gratitude to the Portfolio Committee for visiting the University. He indicated that the University was in a much better position as compared to the last time it met with the Portfolio Committee due to the hard work and dedication that had been ongoing. In relation to the presentation, the VC said that management had prepared the presentation based on the Portfolio Committee’s correspondence.

In relation to student statistics, the VC indicated that the University had an actual headcount enrolment of 15 442 students based on the July 2017 statistics with African students being an overwhelming majority at 96 percent. The majority of the student population was undergraduate students at 11 721, followed by Masters students at 1 567.  The University had 789 PhD students, of which 425 were international students. The VC was concerned that the number of South African students and female students in the PhD programmes was low. In terms of gender distribution, female students made up 55 percent of the total enrolments while male were 44 percent. The University’s overall success rate for 2016 was 83 percent.

In relation to the 2018 registration, the VC said that the University received 42 000 applications for 2 444 available spaces for the first time entering students. Registration at the University began on 15 January 2018 and was progressing smoothly. In response to the Minister’s statement on free higher education, the University had waived the upfront registration fee for all first year students as they came from Quintiles 1 – 3 schools.

With regard to student accommodation, the VC emphasised the fact the University was situated in a rural area with limited off-campus or alternative accommodation. 56 percent of students at Alice Campus lived in student residence and 49 percent at the East London Campus. The University experienced a serious challenge of students squatting at residences due to the limited alternative accommodation option in Alice. The University did not own any of its residences in East London and this was costly.

The VC acknowledged that the safety and security of students was a major concern at both the Alice and East London Campuses. In 2017, the University had three (3) violence related deaths. The University did not have adequate on-campus facilities and activities. As a result, students sought entertainment in town, and this came at risk.

The VC gave a glimpse of the successes of the University which included: construction of a R8 million bulk water reservoir; R7 million campus fencing project in Alice; joint Research Chair with Stellenbosch University in meat science; the establishment of a Health Sciences Faculty; 104 PhD graduates in 2017; increased research output; mobile laboratories for mathematics and science support to schools; memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nelson Mandela Institute, Walter Sisulu University and Raymond Mhlaba Municipality.

The VC also listed challenges of the University which included: weak management structures; history of underfunding; poor maintenance of infrastructure; old habits and outdated policies; 90 percent of undergraduates are on financial aid; turning East London into a proper campus; large numbers of under-prepared students; risk of academic breeding; confronting problem of publication in predatory journals; ungovernability; poor vetting of employees; high vacancy rate and difficulties in attracting and retaining academic staff; high student to lecturer ration; irregular contracts and inadequate residence spaces.

3.4. Buffalo City TVET College

3.4.1. Site visits

(i) Belgravia House Student Residence

The Committee was informed that the Belgravia House was a female student residence which accommodated 300 students. The Committee was taken to the residence’s rooms, kitchen and ablution facilities. The Committee was informed that the residence met the DHET’s minimum norms and standards for student housing. However, the Committee was shocked by the unhygienic condition of the kitchen where students prepared their meals. The kitchen’s stoves were dirty including its surroundings. The Committee was concerned that the kitchen was not meeting the minimum health standards. The Committee learnt that the majority of rooms had not yet been allocated to students since registration was still in progress. The residence required major refurbishments, however, the college did not have funding for infrastructure refurbishments.

(ii) Gloucester House Student Residence

The Committee was informed that the Gloucester House was a male residence which was 70 years in existence. The Committee observed that the state of the residence was not good for living and learning. The Committee was taken to the residence’ kitchen, and it was shocked to observe that the plugs were broken and the kitchen was very small. The Committee was also concerned about the health and safety of students at this residence given the slow pace of maintenance or repair work on broken electricity connections. The college indicated that it had attempted to raise funding for maintenance of the residence without success. Furthermore, legislation did not allow colleges to establish foundations similar to what universities have.

The Committee learnt with shock to discover that one of the college’s student residence (Mc Jannet) adjacent Gloucester House had to be shut down due to the poor state of the building. A health and safety audit was done on the building and college needed R40 million to refurbish it.

3.4.2. Student Representative Council

The SRC began the presentation by expressing its gratitude to the Portfolio Committee for visiting the college. In relation to academics, the SRC was concerned that the programme offering in TVET colleges was not aligned to the national skills demand. The SRC proposed for the establishment of systems for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to be aligned to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). They advocated for the crediting of subjects like Maths, English and Life Orientation for students who enroll for the NC(V) programmes with grade 11 and 12 qualifications because the NC(V) levels are equivalent of the schooling system grades. The SRC also proposed the phasing out of some business studies programmes which are not responding to the country’s skills needs and the repositioning of the entire TVET sector to deliver a curriculum that is responsive to the country’s needs.

In relation to infrastructure, the SRC indicated that the college lacked a number of strategic facilities such as: additional classrooms; resource centres; workshops and residences. The SRC proposed that the first trench of the R50 billion from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) be allocated for infrastructure development in the TVET sector as recommended by the Heher Commission.

With regard to financial aid, the SRC welcomed the pronouncement of fee-free higher education by the President since more students in the TVET sector will qualify for financial assistance. However, the SRC was concerned about the lack of support from Treasury on the implementation of free education. The SRC was also concerned that the Minister of Higher Education and Training did not invite the South African Further Education and Training Students Association (SAFETSA) at the meeting with other student bodies on 26 January 2018. They felt the Minister was deliberately undermining the sector and they said they would respond to that.

In relation to governance, the SRC was concerned with inadequate financial support from the college for its activities. The SRC had submitted a programme of action with a budget estimate amounting to R1.3 million to enhance the academic environment of the college. However, management did not accept the request. They expressed a concern about the lack of provision of SRC budget in the Continuing Education and Training Act.

3.4.3. Labour Unions

3.4.3.1 South African Democratic Teacher Union (SADTU)

The union began the presentation by thanking the Portfolio Committee for visiting the college and also allowing the unions to participate in its meeting. The union indicated that the workers of the college had serious challenges which remained unresolved and were negatively impacting on the teaching and learning. The union was hopeful that the oversight visit of the Portfolio Committee to the college would help to resolve some of the issues that remained unresolved and bolster the culture of teaching and learning.

The union expressed a concern about the widening salary gap in the education sector. In support of this statement, the union indicated that the salary structure of TVET colleges consisted of a single salary scale with 221 notches and an additional 1 percent annual pay progress based on performance assessment. Furthermore, the salaries of TVET lecturers in comparison with that of Agricultural and Nursing college lecturers had shown unconditional wage gaps that were substantially larger, and the pay progression of 1 percent awarded to college lecturers was below by 0.5 percent when compared with other public servant’s pay progression.

In relation to the challenges affecting workers at the college, the union indicated that: the accuracy of the income differential analysis and audit results (IDAAR) was concerning since it contained incorrect staff notches and other discrepancies; the leakage of the IDAAR and other five documents in May 2016 through email violated the employees’ confidentiality rights as their salaries were made public. The union also expressed concerns about the merging of the human resource development, wellness and labour relations under one manager.

3.4.3.2 National Education and Health Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) and Public Service Association (PSA)

The unions presented a consolidated presentation that highlighted mainly the challenges of workers at the college. The unions raised concerns with regard to: incorrect salary scales of workers; salary top-ups that were not corrected which also impacted on workers benefits; delays in the filling of vacant and critical posts when an employee retires or resigns; HR delaying the appointment processes; shortage of staff; vacant posts that were being filled by external people; lack of support from the labour relations department which mainly favoured management over employees; inconsistent disciplinary measures and inadequate bursary allocation to employees.

The unions recommended that: general workers salary scales be rectified and made consistent across the board; the college should advertise and fill vacancies internally and place external adverts when a suitable candidate is not available; employees should receive more support from the labour relations department; the rotation policy should be drafted and approved and employees who leaked confidential information be disciplined.

3.5. Management

The presentation was made by the Principal, Mr D Singh. The Principal indicated that the BCC TVET college was established in 2002 as a result of a merger between three colleges situated in the Greater East London area, namely: East London College; border Technical College and John Knox Bokwe Career College. The college had three campuses and one skills centre which provides vocational and occupational training.

In providing an update on the 2018 registration, the Principal said that the registration process commenced on 09-10 January 2018 for returning students whilst the new students started to register on 11-12 January 2018. The mop-up registration which accommodated learners on the waiting list closed on 26 January 2018. In terms of enrolment numbers, the college had 2 232 students in the NC(V) programmes; 505 in Report 191 Business Studies N4 - N6; 440 in Report 191 Engineering Studies N1 – N3; 1 320 in Report 191 Business Studies (Part-Time) N4 - N6; and 325 in Skills and Occupational programmes.

With regard to student success and certification rates, the Principal indicated that the average certification rate for the NC(V) Level 2 - 4 was 36 percent in 2017, which was lower than the national norm. The average Report 191 Business Studies certification rate was 71 percent, whilst the average certification rate for Report 191 Engineering Studies was 43 percent. The Principal reported about the outstanding certificates as follows: NCV L2 – 4: 415, N4 – N6 915, Diplomas: 173 and National Senior Certificate: 04.

In relation to student housing, the Principal indicated that the college had a total of 347 beds. The MC Jannet residence which had a total of 30 beds was closed due to the poor state of the building. The Principal said that the college did not have money to refurbish the residence.

The challenges of the college include: low certification rates; lack of permanent CFO; lack of capacity in areas such as information technology, procurement, legal and infrastructure; administration of NSFAS bursaries and delays in the payment of allowances; lost teaching and learning time; inadequate funding from the DHET; limited decision making authority/ autonomy; difficulties in forming partnerships with public and private institutions and curriculum not aligned to industry needs.

4. Observations

The Committee conducted an oversight visit to assess the following:

• implementation of the fee-free higher education policy by universities and TVET Colleges;
• the 2018 academic year admissions and registration processes;
• the administration of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme;
• student performance in the 2017 academic year; and
• capacity of the institutions in terms of infrastructure, in particular, student accommodation and teaching and learning facilities.

 

The following formed part of the Committee’s key findings:

4.1. General findings:

4.1.1. Implementation of fee-free higher education policy

• The University stakeholders welcomed the announcement of the new policy on fee-free education for the poor and working class. However, the SRCs expressed concerns at the lack of clarity on how the policy is to be implemented by government.
• Students also expressed a concern about the confusion around the historic debt of NSFAS beneficiaries because government has not provided clarity on when funding will be made available to cater for the debt from 2016. At Walter Sisulu University, the Committee was informed that students were required to pay 25 percent of their total debt before they could register, which contradicted a resolution taken by the Department and university Registrars to allow students to sign a debt acknowledgement form and be registered. At Buffalo City TVET College, students were concerned that the pronouncement of the policy on fee-free higher education was not enjoying any financial endorsement by the National Treasury. They also noted that a circular from the Department of Higher Education and Training, dated 16 January 2018 urging the Colleges to consider resource constraints in their enrolment process. 
• The Committee noted a concern raised by students at all the institutions that though government has pronounced on fee-free higher education, institutions were stuck on the enrolment plans, which did not provide a room to increase enrolment numbers, given that the majority of students from the poor and working class households now qualify to study. Students recommended a review of the enrolment plans of the institutions.

4.1.2. Admissions and registration processes

• The Committee noted that systems were put in place to strengthen the admission and registration processes so as to cater for the walk-ins and students who did not apply for NSFAS funding in 2017. The institutions used the halls to accommodate all the services required by students during the registration process so as to ensure that the process was smooth.
• Walter Sisulu University reported on protest incidents that took place at the Butterworth and East London campuses, but management was able to resolve the issues with SRCs of the respective campuses.
• The Committee was concerned that the University of Fort Hare did not meet its target in the admission of first-time entering students despite the increased number of learners who passed Matric in the Eastern Cape province. The Committee noted that financial need is no longer a barrier to accessing expensive universities owing to the new policy on fee-free higher education. This might have contributed to the drop in enrolments at the University of Fort Hare.  

4.1.3. Administration of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme

• The Committee noted reports by universities and TVET Colleges that NSFAS continued to be a major cause of instability at the campuses. 
• The Committee expressed a concern about the reported NSFAS outstanding payments owed to universities and TVET Colleges for the 2017 academic year. For the 2017 academic year, NSFAS could not allocate R800 million out of the R2 billion allocation for TVET college bursary funding.
• The delay in the payment of the upfront payment to institutions was noted as a serious concern. However, NSFAS made an undertaking to pay the upfront funding by the 26 January 2018.
• The delays by NSFAS in paying outstanding claims due to students at Walter Sisulu University remained a serious concern. Some students were owed outstanding claims as far back as 2016. The Committee was extremely concerned about the blame shift between NSFAS and the University about this matter. The problem seemed to be the frequent change of regulations by NSFAS in the new student-centred model. The University in its written response to the Committee indicated that it was owed R105 million in outstanding claims by NSFAS and could not determine the figures for 2018 since registration was still underway.
• The University of Fort Hare in its written response to the Committee indicated that it was owed R184 million by NSFAS in outstanding claims for 2017 as at 6 February 2018.
• The KSD TVET college in its written response to the Committee indicated that NSFAS paid the R6 million that was owed for 2017.
• The BC TVET college in its written response to the Committee indicated that an amount of R1.4 million had still not been paid in respect of 2016 and the matter had been followed up with NSFAS on a regular basis, and all information requested by NSFAS had been submitted. For the 2017 academic year, a claim of R1.9 million had not been paid by NSFAS.

4.1.4. Infrastructure

• Inadequate infrastructure, in particular, teaching and learning facilities and student accommodation was seriously concerning. Lack of private accommodation closer to the rural institutions exacerbated the challenge.
• The Committee was concerned about reports of the overcrowded lecture halls at Walter Sisulu University, where some students were forced to stand outside the halls while lectures were offered.
• Lack of maintenance of the existing infrastructure at some institutions like Walter Sisulu University, King Sabatha Dalindyebo and Buffalo City TVET Colleges was noted as a serious concern. The Committee was concerned that the TVET sector did not receive infrastructure efficiency grant to expand or maintain.
• The Committee noted a concern expressed by Walter Sisulu University about water shortages at Butterworth Campus and Fort Hare University Alice Campus. This has forced these institutions to direct funding towards installing reservoirs and tanks to address the challenge.  

4.1.5. Students’ academic performance in the 2017 academic year

• One of the Committee’s objective was to assess the students’ academic performance for the 2017 academic year, the Committee noted that graduate numbers at Walter Sisulu University increased from 5 027 in 2016 to 5 735 in 2017. The success rate in the 2016 academic year was 80 percent. The overall success rate at the University of Fort Hare student success rate was 83 percent in the 2016 academic year.
• For the TVET colleges: King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET college’s overall success rate in NC(V) programme was 76 percent and 36 percent certification. For Report 191 programmes, the overall progression rate was 74 percent and certification was at 47 percent. Success rate at Buffalo City TVET college, the certification rate in the NC(V) programmes was 36 percent in 2017, while the certification rate in Report 191 Business Studies was 71 percent and 43 percent in the Engineering Studies.  Of concern to note was the lower certification rate in the NC(V) programmes at both the colleges.   

4.2. Specific findings per institution

4.2.1. Walter Sisulu University

• The University experienced a serious challenge of decaying infrastructure, especially at the Nelson Mandela Drive Campus. The poor maintenance of the University’s facilities compounded the situation. The state of some of the University’s student residences was shocking and students lived in uninhabitable conditions. The University faced a risk of losing more buildings if management did not develop a clear plan on how to restore its dilapidating infrastructure. The Committee was also shocked to learn that the infrastructure maintenance backlog of the University amounted to R3.4 billion based on 2014 estimates.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the poor residence management system at the University. Management did not have proper mechanisms in place to control overcrowding and access control to the residences. Management also seemed shocked like the Committee about the extent of illegal activities at some of the residences, in particular the Iphulo residence. The situation at this residence seemed to be out of control and it was not a place to live and learn. The University submitted a response to the Committee after the oversight visit which indicated that the illegal occupants had since been evicted and registered students were allocated the rooms at this residence. The spaza shop was also closed.
• The overall poor maintenance of the University, especially the NMD campus was shocking. Both the students and management seemed to be complacent about the poor state of the NMD campus. It seemed that students did not take pride in keeping their residences in good condition.
• The Committee expressed a concern with what seemed to be a lack of responsibility from the SRC in communicating with the student body to prevent vandalism of the University’s infrastructure. Some of the University’s buildings had been badly vandalised during the student protests.
• The Committee was shocked to learn that management seemed to accept the lawlessness at some of the University’s residences. Management also feared to introduce effective security measures at some residences without the buy-in of the SRC and students. Management feared that if they were to remove the squatting students, the students might burn the buildings. Of great concern was the reported plan by the University to legalise squatting, which would worsen the squalor living conditions.
• The Committee was extremely concerned about poor safety and security at the NMD Campus as well as the seven murders of students within the university precincts. The University indicated that the issue of safety and security had been tabled and considered at the last meeting of the Institutional Management Committee. Moreover, various intervention plans and task team had been established to address the issue and a comprehensive plan on the intervention strategy was being finalised.
• The absence of the SRC and the unions in some of the institution’s key decision-making structures was a concern. The structural design of the institution seemed to be the cause of disagreement among the University’s stakeholders. The Committee observed that there was a competition for resources among the four campuses of the University. This delayed the progress and growth of some of the smaller and more viable campuses, such as the Queenstown campus which received 125 hectares of land for expansion. However, there were no funds available to develop the campus.
• The divisional model of management which seemed not to be functioning properly was noted with serious concern.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the delays in the harmonisation of conditions of service of employees in the different campuses of the University. Since the merger of the University in 2005, employees still had their old employment benefits and this created discontent amongst the employees. The University indicated that a consultant was appointed to assist with this process and a new HR Director had been employed to steer the process. Moreover, the matter was also tabled as an item on the agenda of the Joint Bargaining Forum.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the polarized relations between management and the University stakeholders. The stakeholders indicated that management was autocratic in resolving the matters that affect workers and students.
• The University had pockets of excellence in some fields of study such as fine arts, medicine and accounting programmes. The University was also the third biggest employer in the Eastern Cape with an estimated budget of R1.7 billion.
• In relation to the erroneous payment of R14 million into a student account in June 2017, the University indicated that it received the forensic report from Intellimali and the report said nothing. The report could not identify the source of erroneous payment and the DHET had conducted its own investigation that would be released in February 2018. The implicated student failed half of her modules in 2017 and the University was not ready to institute a disciplinary hearing against her until all due processes had been followed.
• The Committee was grateful to learn that two employees who were involved in student accommodation irregularities had been dismissed and the investigations into other cases were ongoing.
• The de-accreditation of the Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Law and the slow pace in developing improvement plans was concerning as it would cause a reputation damage to the institution. The Committee also noted the review of the engineering programmes was to be undertaken by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and there were fears among students and unions that the programmes may lose accreditation. 

 

 

 

4.2.2. King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College

• The Committee commended the willingness of the College’s stakeholders to work together and forge a better relationship.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the R8 million of NSFAS funding that was not claimed by the college in 2017. The college indicated that it had submitted all the required student data to NSFAS. However, NSFAS was delaying to process the students’ claims. NSFAS indicated that some of the student data submitted by the college was incorrect hence the payments could not be processed. The delays in the release of students’ results by the Department also compounded the situation.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the college’s R40 million deficit owing to the serious underfunding from the Department. The college was unable to repair and maintain its infrastructure due to lack of dedicated infrastructure funding for TVET colleges. The deficit has resulted in the capping of student enrolment.
• The Committee commended the pass rates of students, especially in the Engineering programme. However, the throughput rate of students was concerning.
• The college had two Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), however, it received a qualified audit in 2017.

• The Committee expressed a concern about the delays by the Department in issuing student’s results. The delays in the release of outstanding results impacted adversely on the registration of returning students as they did not know the outcomes of the examinations, as well as on NSFAS in assessing the academic eligibility of the students who applied for funding. The Department reported that this was caused the non-submission of the Internal Continuous Assessment (ICASS) marks by the Colleges, and the batch of results was withheld by Umalusi due to exam irregularities.
• The involvement of the Departmental officials in the leakage of examination papers was noted with serious concern.

• The Committee expressed a concern about the delays in the filling of key vacancies by the college and the Department.

 

4.2.3. University of Fort Hare

• The Committee commended the progress made by the University in addressing some of the challenges and its improved financial position since the last engagement with the Committee in September 2016. A new management team was in place to stabilize the institution.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the high number of the University’s publications (25 percent) in predatory journals. The University indicated that the pressure among the academics to publish for promotional purposes and to get promotion as well as incentives contributed to this problem.
• The Committee was concerned about the high vacancy rate at the University. The University was operating without 45 percent of staff (both academic and support).
• The high number of students of the University in residences (56 percent) at the Alice Campus and 49 percent in East London was commended. However, the Committee expressed a serious concern that the University did not own any of its residences in East London.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the destruction of property and infrastructure by students during their protests. The Committee condemned the burning of the staff centre and other buildings by students in 2017. The University in its written response to the Committee indicated that the total damage to infrastructure as a result of the protests amounted to R8.9 million.
• The good working relationship between the University management and its stakeholders was commended.
• The Committee commended the state of cleanliness of the University’s student residences.
• The delays by NSFAS in paying allowances due to students were noted as a serious concern. Nevertheless, the University allowed students to register without paying registration fees and assisted them until NSFAS settled the outstanding claims. The challenge of the University was that NSFAS took too long to transfer the funds due to students and this compromised the financial operations of the University.
• The Committee noted a concern raised by the unions on the exclusion of the universities in the Public Finance Management Act (Act No. 29 of 1999) and lack of consequence management when there is mismanagement of funds.
• The low enrolment of South Africans and female students in the PhD programmes was noted with serious concern.
• The Committee noted a concern raised by unions of student suicide, which is becoming common in institutions of higher learning.
• Corruption by staff members at the University was noted with concern.

 

4.2.4. Buffalo City TVET college

• The Committee commended the college for its good academic performance given its limited infrastructure and resources.
• The challenge of the late payment of NSFAS allowances affected students at the college since they came from poor family households.
• The state of the residences visited by the Committee was concerning. The college indicated that it did not have funds for infrastructure maintenance.
• The College expressed a concern about lack of autonomy to establish foundations to raise funds which could be utilised for infrastructure development.
• The inadequate partnership between the college and nearby universities for articulation and other areas of common interest was concerning.
• The Committee was concerned about the low staff morale owing to disparities in salary scales of lecturers and this affected quality teaching and learning. It was reported that lecturers with same qualifications were paid different notches. The College reported that the lecturers affected were those on the Department’s persal system.
• The College expressed a concern about not having a permanent CFO and lack of capacity in areas such as IT, procurement, legal and infrastructure and the fact these posts are not provided for on the persal system of the college. They noted that these posts could only be created by the Minister. 

5. Summary

The oversight visit of the Committee focused mainly on assessing the 2018 registration process at universities and TVET colleges in the Eastern Cape as well as to check the state of readiness of the institutions for the 2018 academic year. The Committee was pleased with the smooth registration process at all the institutions it visited as well the institutions’ commitment to open more opportunities for students who were coming from poor family households and the walk-ins.

In relation to student funding, the overwhelming majority of students who enrolled at the institutions that were visited by the Committee came from poor family households. The Presidential pronouncement of fee-free higher education meant that more students from poor and working class family households would qualify for financial assistance. The general observation by the Committee was that the institutions responded positively to the Presidential pronouncement and students with historic debts were allowed to register on the basis that they sign an acknowledgement of debt form.

The Committee was concerned about complaints related to the roll-out of NSFAS new student centred model. The situation was even more challenging in the TVET sector since NSFAS could not allocate R800 million out of the R2 billion allocation for TVET college bursary funding in 2017. All the institutions visited complained about the delays by NSFAS in the payment of allowances due to students owing to the frequent changes in the rules/guidelines for administering the new student-centred model. In response, NSFAS accused the institutions of submitting incorrect student registration data and the non-signing of loan agreement forms. The Committee was concerned by what it seemed to be a lack of clear guidelines by NSFAS on the roll-out of the new student-centred model. The eligible NSFAS beneficiaries were the most disadvantaged by this misunderstanding and this contributed to the high drop-out rate.

Student housing was a serious challenge in the entire post-school education and training sector. However, the situation was even worse in the TVET sector since these institutions did not have a dedicated infrastructure efficiency grant similar to universities. The Committee was concerned that the colleges did not have funds to maintain and develop new infrastructure. The Committee was also seriously concerned about the inadequate maintenance plan by the institutions which contributed to the speedy deterioration of existing infrastructure. The shortage of student housing was raised by all the SRCs that met with the Committee.

The Committee was also pleased with the determination and commitment of the institutions in responding to some of the government’s key policy objectives. There were several pockets of excellence that were observed by the Committee during the oversight visit.  The core business of the post-school education and training institutions to create better opportunities for students to access the economy seemed to be in place.

6. Recommendations

The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training having conducted an oversight visit to post-school education and training institutions in the Eastern Cape, recommends that the Minister of Higher Education and Training consider the following:

 

 

6.1 Walters Sisulu University

• The University had not been able to harmonise employees’ conditions of service since its merger in 2005. The process had been delayed too long and it contributed to the high attrition of skilled personnel. The harmonisation of employees’ conditions of service should be fast tracked and the Department should assist with the necessary support needed by the University to finalise this process.
• The student residences at the Nelson Mandela Drive Campus were in a shocking state and not conducive for living and learning. The University was short of recreational facilities and its buildings needed major refurbishments. The Department should assist the University with the necessary support it needs to repair and maintain its infrastructure.
• The delays in the payment of allowances due to students by NSFAS remained a serious concern at the University. The Department should ensure that NSFAS resolves all the payment of outstanding claims for students and put mechanisms in place to ensure that the problem does not recur in the 2018 academic year.
• The student deaths and violence at the University’s residences was concerning. The University should prioritise the safety and security of students and install access control systems to prevent outsiders from invading the University’s premises.
• The relationship between the University’s stakeholders and management was characterised by mistrust. The University should explore the possibility of creating a multi-stakeholders forum to deal with internal disputes effectively.
• The overall maintenance and cleanliness of the University was concerning. The University should develop an effective maintenance plan to keep the University in a good state.
• The University should report to the Committee on progress made in the implementation of the oversight visit recommendations, and the oversight visit of the Committee over the University is ongoing.

 

6.2 King Sabatha Dalindyebo and Buffalo City TVET colleges

• TVET colleges did not have a dedicated infrastructure grant for the maintenance and development of infrastructure. The Department should fast track the process of having infrastructure grants for the TVET sector.
• The recurring delays in the release of student’s results had a negative impact on student progression including the payment of NSFAS allowances due to students. The Department should strengthen its internal control systems to prevent the leakage of examination papers.
•  The inadequate roll-out of the new student-centred model in the TVET sector was concerning. The Department should ensure that NSFAS clarifies its guidelines on the roll-out of the new student-centred model in TVET colleges.
• The Committee observed that there were inadequate partnerships between colleges and universities. The Department should assist TVET colleges in establishing more partnerships and memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with universities.
• TVET college’s employees were concerned about human resource challenges as a result of the function shift. The Department should assist colleges in correcting the human resource (HR) deficiencies as a result of the function shift.

 

6.3 University of Fort Hare

• The University did not own any of its residences in East London and this was very costly for the University. The Department should assist the University in getting land to expand its infrastructure in East London.
• NSFAS should fast track the payment of outstanding claims of due to students from 2017.
• The safety and security of students especially those that reside in residences should be prioritised. The University should consider the possibility of exploring partnerships with the local Community Policing Forum (CPF) in a bid to improve the safety of students nearby the University premises.
• The students at the Alice Campus complained about the lack of social activities within the campus. As a result, they went to town to socialize and their safety outside the campus was at risk. The University should consider having more social spaces or events within its campus so that students can socialize within its premises.

 

Report to be considered.