The Department of Higher Education will enlist the help of the departments of Home Affairs and Employment and Labour, as well as Stats South Africa when it comes to determining accurate and comprehensive statistics on the employment of foreign nationals at universities. The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries was informed of this during a briefing from the department on the policy framework for internationalisation of South Africa’s universities.
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, said the policy framework on internationalisation will provide a standardised approach to the issue. “We need to ensure that institutions of higher education in South Africa prioritise the national interests,” she said.
Members of the committee raised concerns about the lack of clarity in the statistics provided about the number of foreign nationals working in the sector. Committee members invited the department to provide clear and updated statistics that will assist the committee make better input in the debate.
Members were concerned by how easy it is for some foreign nationals to fake qualifications. Committee Member Mr Patrick Sibande asked what the department’s role is in this matter, citing instances of fake qualifications at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape. In reply, the committee heard that this problem at Fort Hare has long been resolved, the staff member concerned dismissed and a Special Investigations Unit-led investigation undertaken.
The committee Chairperson, Mr Makhi Feni, wanted to know what disciplinary action can be followed when foreign nationals misrepresent their qualifications. He enquired whether the internationalisation policy will cover this issue.
Committee members where also concerned about the number of Black South African academics working in South Africa and committee member Ms Nicola du Plessis asked if DHET was doing anything to fast-track promising South African talent. “I believe in South Africa the issue is not lack of intellect but it is the lack of opportunity that besieges our country at the moment,” she said.
The DHET noted that studies have shown that Black South African academics leave academia due to the mundane nature of the work required of them and because they fail to progress due to non-transformative practices. Despite this, the DHET has supported a number of initiatives like the Next Generation of Academics Programme and the Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme, as well as sponsoring research grants.
Mr Feni cautioned the department not to delay looking into the matter of foreign nationals. “There is serious outcry that institutions have been taken over by foreigners. We see what is happening; when people rise we will label them xenophobic, when we’ve had time to correct these things. In terms of indigenous knowledge systems will depend on other people to teach us about our experiences.”
Mr Feni also encouraged the department to provide verified information and statistics so that committee members are provided with correct information with which to deliberate.
Sibongile Maputi
15 July 2025
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