Pretoria:Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has committed to enhancing oversight and accountability within South Africa's post-school education and training (PSET) sector. He emphasized the need for action to address recurring weaknesses, as highlighted during a recent session with Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, concerning the department's 2025/26 Annual Report.

According to South African Government News Agency, Manamela stressed the importance of addressing issues identified by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) promptly. He highlighted the necessity for management to take responsibility if agreed corrective actions remain unimplemented. The Minister pointed out that repeated findings and inadequate implementation have raised questions about accountability within the department.

Manamela underscored the public's expectation for tangible changes following the presentation of these matters to Parliament, stressing that students, graduates, and communities require institutions that meet their responsibilities. While acknowledging some improvements in departmental performance and audit outcomes for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, he noted that these advancements do not compensate for ongoing weaknesses in other areas.

The Minister reiterated that previous concerns about vacancies, information systems, certification, performance evidence, and consequence management remain a priority. He has acknowledged AGSA's recommendations for stronger departmental oversight, clearer reforms, and improved governance scrutiny. Manamela assured that he, along with Deputy Ministers, will identify and implement necessary corrective measures and reforms.

Accountability, Manamela declared, will be enforced across all levels of leadership, including boards, councils, and executives, as well as decisions made by the Ministry itself. He highlighted that the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) requires closer scrutiny to ensure governance standards are met.

Concerns about the Northern Cape Urban TVET College were also addressed, with Manamela calling for urgent, evidence-based reporting on actions taken and any required independent investigations. He insisted that forensic investigations must proceed without delay to safeguard learners, records, and public resources.