Nelson Mandela University lauded for collaboration with TVET colleges

From left, Deputy Vice-Chancellor People and Operations Luthando Jack, Acting Director-General at the DHET Thembisa Futshane,Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa and Prof Thandi Lewin, Deputy Director-General: Universities

This was at a recent oversight visit by the DHET to the University.

The event was attended by officials of the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Council members, University senior leadership, representatives of organised labour and the Student Representative Council.

Acting Director-General at the DHET Thembisa Futshane, said the “university was one of the first to allow NCV graduates into its space. I applaud you for your good work and (urge) you to continue by working with community colleges which are the babies of the sector.”

She said it “would be great to look at having a research chair (at the University) that looks at community colleges,” adding that the DHET visit was to support the institution at all levels. “We are not coming here as big brother.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa and Professor Heather Nel, Senior Director of Institutional Strategy provided an overview of University’s readiness for the 2026 academic year and the challenges it faces: Postgraduate funding, affordable student housing close to campus and safety and security, were among the main issues.

Prof Nel acknowledged the country-wide higher education sector challenges but said that the University focuses on controlling these issues as far as possible. She also referred to the University’s Vision 2030 in line with national guidelines and the University’s role in service of society.

Other challenges at Mandela University include concessions, transport, meal management and student housing maintenance issues, as well as Gender-Based Violence and infrastructure. Despite these hurdles Prof Nel said management had made progress on most of these issues.

Futshane emphasised country-wide pressures on Government for finance. For example, unemployed doctors, unheard of a number of years ago. She mentioned sustainable exit opportunities that could contribute to the challenges with postgraduate studies, as well as online learning as a more affordable option – balanced though with on-campus learning to ensure student life. 

Prof Thandi Lewin, Deputy Director-General: Universities, said the Department is working with NSFAS to analyse and work on the student debt and student housing issues, considering market costs. She also emphasised the importance of student and staff safety.

She said students who went beyond the NSFAS timespan for funding and have a module to complete their qualifications, can be assisted “with loans. There is a reluctance of people to take up loans.”

Prof Lewin said the student “debt issue is concerning”. The DHET is working with NSFAS and Universities South Africa (the association of vice-chancellors of South African universities) to “quantity the level and number of students who have debt. It is only when we have an understanding of this can we find ways of addressing student debt.”

She said the current enrolment plan for universities is not responding to the demands of the country. “How can we use technology to make access better to students?”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor People and Operations Luthando Jack emphasised the need to move forward, mentioning student housing and technology issues with online learning, as well as the importance of student life for well-rounded human beings. He also stressed youth employability and the importance of entrepreneurship.

NSFAS representatives mentioned working on solutions for unfunded postgraduate studies and the affordability of student housing, but that government intervention was needed.

Funding for safety and security, was also emphasised at the meeting with armed security needed 24-hours of the day, as well as innovative housing solutions for students living in town, to be closer to campus to perform better academically.

Jason Barkes represented organised labour and focused on the necessary upgrading of online systems to benefit both staff and students.