Pretoria:Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has advocated for a significant change in the way the government assesses the success of skills development programs.
According to South African Government News Agency, Manamela made his comments during a recent session with Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training. He emphasized the importance of tracking the pathways of learners beyond mere enrolment and completion, to determine whether they secure employment, pursue further education, start enterprises, or acquire skills that enhance their livelihoods.
Manamela argued that a learner's enrolment should not be equated with completion or employment and stressed that public investment should be evaluated based on the opportunities it creates rather than mere participation statistics. This perspective should guide reforms across Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), the National Skills Fund (NSF), and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
He highlighted the need for SETA reform to enhance employer participation, grant management, and learner progression. The National Skills Fund should balance its developmental role with effective project oversight and verified delivery. For TVET colleges, reforms must connect appropriate programs with capable lecturers, state-of-the-art facilities, and workplace opportunities, while ensuring community education remains integral and not secondary.
Regarding universities, Manamela stressed the importance of maintaining access and quality amid financial and governance challenges. For the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), he underscored the need for sustainable financing and efficient administration, with reliable systems for funding decisions, appeals, accommodation, and allowance payments.
As the new academic year approaches, Manamela called for practical assurances in funding decisions and registration systems to prevent students from bearing costs due to unresolved risks. He also demanded improved reporting on irregular expenditure, distinguishing between recoveries, investigations, and other financial adjustments.
To enhance implementation, Manamela plans to link Auditor-General recommendations with current findings and past commitments, ensuring accountability with clear deadlines and completion evidence. He stated that regular progress reviews and internal audits will be conducted to ensure effective implementation, keeping Parliament informed with complete and timely updates.