Manamela optimistic about 2026 academic year

January 22, 2026 19

Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, says he is confident the 2026 academic year will be more stable, with ongoing monitoring to ensure the smooth functioning of institutions.

He also acknowledged that challenges remain and said the department is working to close gaps and provide additional support to students to improve their overall learning experience.

Crackdown on illegal private institutions

Manamela further also confirmed that the department is intensifying its crackdown on illegitimate private higher education institutions across South Africa.

While the department supports legitimate private institutions, Manamela warned that illegal operations continue to target unsuspecting students.

He urged prospective students to confirm that institutions are registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and accredited by the relevant qualifications authorities.

“They must show you a certificate. If they say they are training you to become a doctor they have to show you that they have the right to train you and if they can’t show you those certificates please move away from that building and inform us as the Department of Higher Education so that we are able to take further steps against those institutions,” Manamela said.

The minister condemned the mushrooming of illegal institutions, saying some reopen under different names or relocate shortly after being shut down, deliberately targeting unsuspecting students.

Manamela also advised students to rely on the department’s official communication channels for accurate information to avoid falling victim to scams.

Early Matric Results Could Ease University Admission

The minister said the department is in talks with Basic Education to explore releasing matric results earlier.

He believes the move could help alleviate pressure on first-time tertiary entrants who often wait anxiously for admission confirmation.

Manamela said the department aims to secure a formal decision on early results before the next matric cycle begins.

“It’s also unfair to the kids to get their results today and tomorrow they worry about whether they have space at University or TVET college or not because it also affects matric students who want to consider TVET colleges as an option. So we are going to be talking about that and we believe this will help us a lot,” Manamela said.

He also noted that although universities and colleges receive many qualifying applications, limited space means only some students can be accommodated. He added that the post-school system faces urgent capacity challenges, and the department is reorganising to meet growing demand.

Students Urged to Use Mental Health Support Services

Manamela urged students facing challenges at higher learning institutions to use the department’s mental health support services.

He raised concern over the growing number of student suicides and highlighted data from the department’s Higher Health study:

20.8% of first-year students experienced anxiety in 2021
13.6% experienced depression
30.6% reported suicidal thoughts
16.6% had made suicide plans
2.4% had attempted suicide

Manamela encouraged students to seek help through the Higher Health programme and suggested that the department may include the support line on student cards.

“If you feel like you need to talk to some one check with Higher Health. This is particularly for new students and obviously of course it caters for returning students as well. There is a sound proposal which was made which suggest that every university and TVET college must have at the back of every student card, that number for Higher Health 0800 36 36 36 to consult them on any mental health related issues and I’m sure if you present any other challenges they won’t send you away, ” Manamela advised.

Minister @ButiManamela
briefied the media on strategic plans for the post school education and training sector and readiness for the 2026 academic year https://t.co/d5tCQAnG9D #GovZAUpdates #PSET #DHET #HigherEducationMattersZA pic.twitter.com/4ccYseINzm

— HigherEducationZA (@HigherEduGovZA) January 22, 2026