The 2024 academic year is commencing at institutions of higher learning around South Africa. More than a million students are expected to enrol in programmes at Universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges around the country.
Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science, and Innovation has praised the achievements of the 2023 higher education class and also congratulated the matric class of 2023.
The matric class of 2023 achieved a pass rate of 82.9%. Many of the learners who passed matric will enter the higher education sector in 2024.
Mkhatshwa has urged for timely assistance for first-time and returning tertiary students in the higher education sector.
In preparation for the new academic year, the committee held meetings with key stakeholders to assess readiness and address potential challenges. These meetings included engagements with Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), student unions and the TVET Governor's Council.
During these engagements, the stakeholders informed the committee of their readiness for 2024 and their plans for a smooth start to the academic year, including mitigation of any challenges. The committee noted the areas of concern they raised and urged them to work together, led by the DHET, to avert any possible disruptions.
Concerns were raised about issues faced by NSFAS in finalising matters from the previous year, and the committee emphasised the need for an urgent resolution to avoid disruptions in student registration for 2024. Thousands of students did not receive their NSFAS allowances.
The committee also sought the Ministerial Task Team Report on the Comprehensive Student Funding Model, especially regarding financial assistance for missing-middle students.
Minister Nzimande launched the Comprehensive Funding Mode in January which will see students who do not qualify for NSFAS bursaries supported by the government.
The committee on Higher Education also plans to engage with stakeholders affected by concerns related to allegations made against Minister Nzimande and NSFAS Board Chairperson Ernest Khosa.
The allegations against the minister and board chairperson are based on leaked audio recordings which suggest they received kickbacks for the awarding of a lucrative contract to pay NSFAS allowances.
Additionally, the committee will conduct oversight visits to institutions in the Eastern Cape to assess readiness for the new academic year, involving the Department of Higher Education and Training and NSFAS to monitor plan implementation and address concerns in the Higher Education Sector.
