Buti Manamela

Manamela optimistic about 2026 academic year

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 […]

January 22, 2026 19

News

Manamela urges VUT to safeguard 2026 academic year amid fake degree scandal

Higher Education Minister, Buti Manamela, has urged the Council of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) to implement strong measures to protect the integrity of the 2026 academic year amid the unfolding scandal over fraudulent qualifications. The institution is facing allegations of a criminal syndicate selling fake degrees and illegally registering foreign nationals. The council has since launched an independent forensic investigation to determine the scale of the scheme and […]

December 10, 2025 37

1

News

Maluleke’s appointment as acting NSFAS chair sparks political backlash

Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has come under fire for appointing Dr Mugwena Maluleke as the Acting Chairperson of the NSFAS Board. Maluleke, who currently serves as the General Secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU), replaces Karen Stander, who resigned citing racism, bullying, intimidation, and safety concerns. The Department says Dr Maluleke’s appointment aims to ensure stability as the Minister seeks a court review to […]

November 12, 2025 190 1

News

Education expert urges government to prioritize student welfare despite university autonomy

Education expert, Professor Wayne Hugo, believes that government should demonstrate compassion and concern for students at higher learning institutions regardless of their independence. He was responding to Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s, remarks that universities must independently manage their issues following violent protests and property destruction at several institutions recently. The institutions affected are the University of Fort Hare and the University of the Free State. The public has […]

October 17, 2025 37

News

Breakthrough in provisional registration dispute at UFS

The University of the Free State and the student leadership have reached an agreement on the contentious issue of provisional registration. Both parties have agreed that provisional registration will be phased out over the next two years, rather than being abruptly discontinued. The university says the phased approach will allow it time to assess the risks students face and provide the necessary support. The institution was plunged into chaos last week […]

October 16, 2025 36