Parliament, Thursday, 12 November 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Educational and Training, Mr Tebogo Letsie, notes the retirement of Dr Nkosinathi Sishi as the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Dr Sishi was appointed Director-General in 2021 and led the department under several ministers until his retirement. Mr Letsie said the committee is grateful for his sterling work and his understanding of the importance of accountability and the committee’s oversight role in post-school education.
“We are grateful to have worked with Dr Sishi as the department’s DG. We thank him for the diligent way he carried out his duties. His patience, respect, professionalism and knowledge of his portfolio were exceptional,” Mr Letsie noted.
Dr Sishi also helped steer the department through some of its most difficult periods, when only a dedicated and skilled administrator could provide direction. “Our committee meetings were robust as we pursued our constitutional and parliamentary mandate of oversight over the department. Dr Sishi was always ready to engage, find solutions and provide accountability and leadership, and he earned the respect of committee members as an outstanding professional,” Mr Letsie said.
The committee also notes the secondment of Ms Nadia Starr to the acting Director-General role. Ms Starr previously served as the CEO of the South African Qualifications Authority.
We wish Dr Sishi well in his future endeavours and thank him for his service in guiding future generations through the department, said Mr Letsie.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING, MR TEBOGO LETSIE.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Jabulani Majozi (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 083 358 5224
Email: jamajozi@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour