Parliament, Tuesday, 25 February 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has once again reiterated its call for the post-school education and training sectors to produce students with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive economic growth during its week long oversight in Gauteng.
The oversight started with a visit to the Tshwane South Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College. During the visit, the committee expressed serious concerns about Tshwane South’s continued use of outdated curriculum, particularly for the business studies programme.
Committee Chairperson Mr Tebogo Letsie said, “The Department of Higher Education and Training has been reviewing the curriculum for some time now. It is unacceptable that students’ futures are being compromised by an outdated system. The department’s delay in addressing this matter is tantamount to complicity in hindering the prospects of our youth.”
The committee also highlighted the high number of acting positions within the college, including the roles of regional manager, principal, deputy principal and registrar. Committee members said the delays in filling these positions remains a significant concern; they called for urgent action to ensure stability and effective leadership at the college.
The committee also raised alarm over the college’s financial management, noting that it has received qualified audit opinions for three consecutive financial years. This recurring issue underscores a failure to address the Auditor-General’s findings and points to systemic inefficiencies that require immediate intervention.
On the issue of student accommodation, the committee condemned unethical practices by some accommodation providers. Mr Letsie stated, “It is unacceptable for landlords to demand upfront payments from students, as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme is responsible for covering accommodation allowances. We are also deeply disturbed by reports of accommodation providers soliciting sexual favours from students in exchange for housing. Investigations must be launched to identify and hold these individuals accountable. We urge students to come forward and report such exploitative behaviour without fear.”
Members of the committee unanimously called for swift action to address these challenges, emphasising the need for curriculum modernisation, stable leadership, improved financial management and ethical practices in student accommodation. These measures are essential to ensure that the post-school education and training sector fulfils its mandate of producing skilled and empowered graduates capable of contributing to South Africa’s economic growth.
The committee will today visit the Gauteng Community College and Training in Wattville, Benoni.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION, MR TEBOGO LETSIE.
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