Higher Education and Training Minister, Buti Manamela, has called for an urgent, evidence-based account of concerns at Northern Cape Urban TVET College, warning that forensic investigations must not be delayed where they are warranted.
Addressing Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training during its consideration of the department’s 2025/2026 Annual Report, Manamela said the college’s situation required urgent attention, including consideration of whether a further independent investigation was necessary.
“I have also heard the concerns about Northern Cape Urban TVET College. We need an urgent, evidence-based account of the work already undertaken and the further independent investigation required.
“Where forensic investigation is warranted, it must proceed without avoidable delay. Learners, records, and public resources must be protected while these matters are addressed,” Manamela added.
The minister’s comments formed part of a broader warning that recurring weaknesses across the post-school education and training sector could no longer be allowed to continue without consequences.
The department must move beyond simply acknowledging findings raised by the Auditor-General of South Africa and ensure that agreed corrective measures are actually implemented.
"Corrective action must begin when weaknesses are identified, not when the next audit approaches. Where management has repeatedly been informed and agreed actions remain unimplemented, we must establish responsibility for that failure," Manamela continued.
Repeated findings, agreed corrective actions, and inadequate implementation have raised fundamental questions about accountability across the entire portfolio.
Accountability will extend directly to the department’s leadership, boards, councils, administrators, and chief executives, as well as decisions taken by the ministry.
“Accountability cannot apply only to people below us,” the minister said.
Manamela also singled out the Construction Education and Training Authority, stating that an institution under administration should demonstrate stronger governance rather than operate under a different standard of accountability. He further confirmed he would require a clear account of the implementation of forensic recommendations at the authority, particularly regarding disciplinary processes, procurement, and possible conflicts of interest.
While acknowledging improvements in some areas of departmental performance reporting and modest improvements in TVET college audit outcomes, Manamela noted that these gains did not offset persistent control weaknesses elsewhere.
Previous concerns around vacancies, information systems, certification, performance evidence, and consequence management remain firmly on the department’s oversight agenda.
Manamela and the Deputy Ministers will determine immediate corrective measures and longer-term reforms while overseeing their comprehensive implementation.
“For the public, the question is straightforward: what will change because these matters have been brought before Parliament?” he asked.
Students waiting for allowances, graduates waiting for certificates, and communities relying on functioning colleges need institutions that fulfill their responsibilities, rather than another explanation.
