Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Nobuhle Nkabane stated that her administration's primary objective is to develop a skilled and capable workforce while broadening the skills base of the country.
The minister believes this will support and increase the inclusive growth of the country. Nkabane presented the 2024/25 Higher Education and Training Budget Vote Speech at the Good Hope Chambers on Tuesday afternoon.
Goals Of The DHET
- Increase access to higher education
- Improve the quality, responsiveness, and efficiency of the Post-School Education and Training Systems
- Enhance skills development to maintain national competitiveness and address societal challenges
Budget
Total: R137.5 billion (average increase of 4.8%)
- Administration: R565 million
- Planning, Policy, and Strategy: R4.2 billion
- University Education: R91.7 billion
- TVET: R13.2 billion
- CET: R2.9 million
- Skills Levy: R25.5 billion
NSFAS
Minister Nkabane acknowledged inefficiencies within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. This includes money for tuition and registration fees as well as several allowances for food, accommodation and learning materials.
We are committed to resolving challenges related to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. We are taking proactive steps to alleviate these problems. It is our moral responsibility to resolve these challenges and other matters in the shortest period possible.
The minister pointed to the growth in NSFAS funding since 1991 demonstrating not only the need for higher education funding but also the demand from individuals to pursue educational goals.
NSFAS has grown from disbursing R21.4 million in 1991 to almost R50 billion in the current financial year, supporting 800,000 students, said Nkabane.
NSFAS supports children of the working class and the poorest of the poor seeking further studies in public universities and TVET Colleges. The relative efficiency of NSFAS in discharging its statutory responsibilities will remain the department’s constant concern.
Nkabane acknowledged it is not ideal that NSFAS is under administration for the second time in five years but is confident in the ongoing improvements.
We are turning around the tide; it is our commitment to root out corruption and maladministration in the NSFAS grant system.
The minister said funds have been committed to improving ICT infrastructure, including the loan system management. Some challenges have led to delays in the finalisation and labelling of the NSFAS annual reports.
NSFAS Administration
Nkabane highlighted the appointment of an administrator following the dissolution of the board at NSFAS. Freeman Nomvalo is tasked with governance, management, and administration of NSFAS for 12 months ending in March 2025.
Former Minister Blade Nzimande dissolved the NSFAS board citing its inability to ensure the financial aid scheme implemented its responsibilities. He warned that the non-payment of NSFAS allowances had put students at risk of hunger and possible eviction prompting urgent action.
The administrator will resolve data misalignment issues between NSFAS and institutions, finalise funding decisions, and oversee the opening of 2025 online application processes.
The department is working hard to ensure systems are ready for the influx of funding applications in 2025, scheduled to start in September this year. In this financial year, NSFAS received approximately 2 million applications, including 419,000 returning students and 297,209 first-time entry students.
Given this volume, efforts are being made to ensure NSFAS systems are ready.
Comprehensive Student Funding Model
The minister reminded stakeholders about the introduction of the comprehensive student funding model for missing middle students. R3.3 billion has been capitalised to support these students, with R1.1 billion from the national skills fund and R2.3 billion from SETA’s.
Over 31,000 students could benefit from NSFAS student loans.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
The minister addressed Gender-Based Violence, highlighting it as a pandemic the government is committed to fighting. R10.8 billion has been reprioritised within the budget to support GBV policy programmes, health, and wellness services in community education and training colleges.
