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Thursday, 5 April 2018] 1
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
No 39—2018] FIFTH SESSION, FIFTH PARLIAMENT
PARLIAMENT
OF THE
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
ANNOUNCEMENTS,
TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
THURSDAY, 5 APRIL 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces 1. Referral of Bill to National House of Traditional Leaders ................... 2 2. Draft Bills submitted – Joint Rule 159 ................................................. 2 3. Establishment of Joint Rules Subcommittee ........................................ 2 4. Membership of Committees ................................................................. 3 National Assembly 1. Introduction of Bills.............................................................................. 4 2. Referral to Committees of papers tabled .............................................. 5 National Council of Provinces 1. Membership of Committees ................................................................. 9 TABLINGS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces 1. Speaker and Chairperson .................................................................... 10 2. Minister of Energy .............................................................................. 10 3. Minister of Justice and Correctional Services .................................... 10 4. Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform ............................. 10
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ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
5. Minister of Transport .......................................................................... 11 6. Minister of Environmental Affairs ..................................................... 11 National Assembly 1. Speaker ............................................................................................... 12 COMMITTEE REPORTS National Assembly 1. Higher Education and Training .......................................................... 16 2. Higher Education and Training .......................................................... 49
ANNOUNCEMENTS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces The Speaker and the Chairperson 1. Referral of Bill to National House of Traditional Leaders
(1) The Acting Secretary to Parliament has, in accordance with
section 18(1) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No. 41 of 2003), referred the Animals Protection Amendment Bill [B 4 – 2018] (National Assembly – sec 76) to the National House of Traditional Leaders, which must, within 30 days from the date of the referral (viz. 4 May 2018), make any comments it wishes to make.
2. Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(1) Customary Initiation Bill, 2018, submitted by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
3. Establishment of Joint Rules Subcommittee
(1) The Joint Rules Committee resolved in its meeting of 28 March
2018 to establish the Subcommittee on Report of the High Level Panel on the Assessment of Legislation and the Acceleration of Fundamental Change, with the following terms of reference: (a) The Subcommittee is established in terms of Joint Rule
56(1)(f).
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ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
(b) The composition and size of the subcommittee is as follows: the Assembly component to consist of 8 members (ANC 3; DA 2; EFF 1; IFP 1 and FF plus 1) and the Council component to consist of 5 members (ANC 3 and Opposition 2).
(c) The Subcommittee: (i) to make recommendations on the processing of the
key findings of the Report of the HLP;
(ii) may exercise relevant powers set out in Joint Rule 35; and
(iii) report to the Joint Rules Committee by 15 May
2018. 4. Membership of Committees
(1) The following members were appointed to the Subcommittee
on the Report of the High Level Panel on the Assessment of Legislation and the Acceleration of Fundamental Change (HLP) in accordance with the composition agreed to by the Joint Rules Committee on 28 March 2018:
National Assembly: ANC: Mr C T Frolick Mr M Coleman Ms P J Mnguni DA: Mr J Steenhuisen Mr M Waters EFF: Dr M Q Ndlozi IFP: Ms L van der Merwe FF+: Adv A Alberts National Council of Provinces: ANC: Mr A J Nyambi Mrs L L Zwane Mr M Mohapi
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DA: Ms C Labuschagne UDM: Mr L B Gaehler
(2) Mr A J Nyambi (ANC) and Mr C T Frolick (ANC) are appointed as co-chairpersons of the Subcommittee on the Report of the High Level Panel on the Assessment of Legislation and the Acceleration of Fundamental Change (HLP), in terms of Joint Rule 23(2)(a)(iii) by the co-Chairpersons of the Joint Rules Committee.
National Assembly The Speaker 1. Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Transport
(a) Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company
Amendment Bill [B 6 - 2018] (National Assembly – proposed sec 75) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette No 41120 of 15 September 2017.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Transport of the National Assembly, as well as referral to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160. In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification of the Bill may be submitted to the JTM. The Bill may only be classified after the expiry of at least three parliamentary working days since introduction.
(2) The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (a) Customary Initiation Bill [B 7 - 2018] (National
Assembly – proposed sec 76) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette No 41498 of 16 March 2018.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs of the National Assembly, as well as referral to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160.
Thursday, 5 April 2018] 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification of the Bill may be submitted to the JTM. The Bill may only be classified after the expiry of at least three parliamentary working days since introduction.
2. Referral to Committees of papers tabled
(1) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee
on Justice and Correctional Services for consideration and report:
(a) Annual Performance Plan of the Special Investigating
Unit (SIU) for 2018-19.
(b) Strategic Plan for 2018-19 and Annual Performance Plan of the Public Protector for 2018-19.
(c) Report dated 27 March 2018 on the Provisional
Suspension from office of Ms L B Freeman, Senior Magistrate, Mossel Bay, tabled in terms of section 13(3)(b) of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993).
(2) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee
on Police for consideration and report:
(a) Annual Performance Plan of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for 2018-19.
(b) Annual Performance Plan of the Civilian Secretariat for
Police for 2018-19.
(3) The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Police:
(a) Report of the Civilian Secretariat for Police on compliance
of the South African Police Service (SAPS) with the Domestic Violence Act for the period 01 April 2017 to 30 September 2017, tabled in terms of section 6 of the Civilian Secretariat for Police Act, 2011 (Act No 2 of 2011).
(4) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: (a) Annual Performance Plan of the Independent
Development Trust for 2018-19. (b) Annual Performance Plan of the Department of Public
Works for 2018-19.
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(c) Annual Performance Plan of the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE) for 2018-19.
(d) Annual Performance Plan of the Council for the Built
Environment (CBE) for 2018-19. (e) Strategic Plan of the Council for the Built Environment
for 2015-20. (f) Annual Performance Plan of the Construction Industry
Development Board (CIDB) for 2017-18 – 2019-20. (g) Annual Performance Plan of the Agrément South Africa
(ASA) for 2018-19.
(5) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises for consideration and report:
(a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Public Enterprises for
2014-15 – 2018-19. (b) Annual Performance Plan of the Department of Public
Enterprises for 2018-19.
(6) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry for consideration and report:
(a) Agreement Amending Annex 1 (Co-Operation on
Investment) of the SADC Protocol on Finance and Investment (FIP); including the Protocol on Finance and Investment, tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement Amending
Annex 1 (Co-Operation on Investment) of the SADC Protocol on Finance and Investment (FIP), including the Protocol on Finance and Investment.
(7) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee
on Trade and Industry: (a) Government Notice No 172, published in Government
Gazette No 41473, dated 02 March 2018: The proposed compulsory specification for polymer film for damp-proofing and waterproofing in buildings, in terms of the National Regulator for Compulsory Specification Act, 2008 (Act No 5 of 2008) as amended through Legal Metrology Act, 2014 (Act No 9 of 2014).
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ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
(b) Government Notice No 173, published in Government Gazette No 41473, dated 02 March 2018: Amendment to the compulsory specification for Hydraulic Brake and Clutch Fluid-VC8013, in terms of the National Regulator for Compulsory Specification Act, 2008 (Act No 5 of 2008) as amended through Legal Metrology Act, 2014 (Act No 9 of 2014).
(c) Government Notice No 179, published in Government
Gazette No 41472, dated 02 March 2018: Invitation for the public to comment on the prohibition on the use of the ZA Cap logo, in terms of the Merchandise Marks Act 1941, (Act No 17 of 1941).
(d) Government Notice No 180, published in Government
Gazette No 41472, dated 02 March 2018: Invitation for the public to comment on the prohibition on the use of the South African Airways Logo, in terms of the Merchandise Marks Act 1941, (Act No 17 of 1941).
(e) Government Notice No 187, published in Government
Gazette No 41472, dated 02 March 2018: Invitation for the public to comment on the prohibition on the use of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Logo, in terms of the Merchandise Marks Act 1941, (Act No 17 of 1941).
(8) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee
on Home Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Annual Performance Plan of the Independent Electoral Commission for 2018-19.
(b) Amended Strategic Plan of the Independent Electoral
Commission for 2014-15 – 2018-19. (c) Electoral Commission – Technical Indicator Descriptions
for 2018-19.
(9) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Annual Performance Plan of the Commission for the
Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) for 2018-19 – 2021-22.
(b) Annual Performance Plan of the Municipal Infrastructure
Support Agent for 2018-19.
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(10) The following paper is referred to the Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament for consideration:
(a) Monthly Financial Statements of Parliament – February
2018, tabled in terms of section 54(1) of the Financial Management of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, 2009 (Act No. 10 of 2009).
(11) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee
on Labour for consideration and report:
(a) Annual Performance Plan of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for 2018-19.
(b) Amended Strategic Plan of the National Economic
Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) for 2015-16 – 2019-20.
(c) Revised Strategic Plan of Productivity SA for 2014-15 –
2019-20. (d) Annual Performance Plan of Productivity SA for 2018-19. (e) Revised Strategic Plan of Productivity SA for 2014-15 –
2019-20. (f) Annual Performance Plan of Productivity SA for 2018-19.
(12) The following papers are referred to the Standing Committee
on Finance for consideration and report:
(a) Annual Performance Plan of the Financial Services Board (FSB) for 2018-19.
(b) Annual Performance Plan for 2018-19 and Strategic Plan
of the Financial Intelligence Centre for 2018-19 – 2022-23.
(c) Annual Performance Plan of the Government Technical
Advisory Centre for 2018-19. (d) Annual Performance Plan of the Pension Funds
Adjudicator for 2018 – 2019. (e) Strategic Plan (Corporate Plan) and Budget of the South
African Special Risk Insurance Association (SASRIA) for 2018 – 19.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
(f) Annual Performance Plan of the Office of the Tax Ombud for 2018-19.
(g) Annual Performance Plan of the Government Pensions
Administration Agency for 2018-19. (h) Annual Performance Plan of the South African Revenue
Service (SARS) for 2018-19. (i) Annual Performance Plan of the Office of the Ombud for
Financial Services Providers for 2018 - 19. (j) Annual Performance Plan of the Co-operative Banks
Development Agency for 2018-19. (k) Corporate Plan of the Public Investment Corporation for
2018-19.
(13) The following papers are referred to the Standing Committee on Finance for consideration and report, and to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts:
(a) Annual Performance Plan of the Independent Regulatory
Board for Auditors (IRBA) for 2018-19 – 2020-21.
(b) Annual Performance Plan of the Accounting Standards Board for 2018-19.
(14) The following paper is referred to the Joint Standing
Committee on Defence for consideration, and to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans:
(a) Letter from the President of the Republic, dated 26 March
2018, to the Speaker of the National Assembly, informing members of the Assembly of the employment of the South African National Defence Force in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
National Council of Provinces The Chairperson 1. Membership of Committees
(1) The following members have been nominated by their parties to
serve on the Ad Hoc Joint Committee on Parliament and Provincial Medical Aid Scheme:
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ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
Member Province Party
1. Hon. Ms Z V Ncitha Eastern Cape ANC 2. Hon. Mr J P Parkies Free State ANC 3. Hon. Mr E M Mlambo Gauteng ANC 4. Hon. Mr M Khawula KwaZulu-Natal IFP 5. Hon. Mrs M C Dikgale Limpopo ANC 6. Hon. Mr M T Mhlanga Mpumalanga ANC 7. Hon. Ms G G Oliphant Northern Cape ANC 8. Hon. Mrs T J Mokwele North West EFF 9. Hon. Mr J J Londt Western Cape DA
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces 1. The Speaker and the Chairperson
(a) Annual Performance Plan of the Financial and Fiscal
Commission (FFC) for 2018 – 2019. (b) Strategic Plan of the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC) for
2014 – 2019. (c) Annual Performance Plan of the Commission for Gender
Equality (CGE) for 2018 – 2019. (d) Strategic Plan of the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) for
2018 – 2023. 2. The Minister of Energy
(a) Annual Performance Plan of the Department of Energy for 2018/19.
3. The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a) Annual Performance Plan of the Department of Justice and
Constitutional Development for 2018/2019.
4. The Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform
(a) Annual Performance Plan of the Office of the Valuer-General for 2018/19.
(b) Strategic Plan of the Office of the Valuer-General for 2018/19 –
2022/23.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
5. The Minister of Transport (a) Annual Performance Plan of the South African National Roads
Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) for 2018/2019 – 2020/2021. (b) Annual Performance Plan of the South African Maritime Safety
Authority (SAMSA) for 2018/19. (c) Strategic Plan of the South African Maritime Safety Authority
for 2015 - 2020.
6. The Minister of Environmental Affairs
(a) Government Notice No 14, published in Government Gazette No 41380, dated 12 January 2018: Proposed regulations to exclude a waste stream or a portion of a waste stream from the definition of waste, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No 59 of 2008).
(b) Government Notice No 104, published in Government Gazette No 41434 dated 08 February 2018: Appointment of the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa as the Single Registration Authority, in terms of section 24H of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998).
(c) Government Notice No 86, published in Government Gazette No 41432 dated 09 February 2018: National guideline on minimum information Requirements for Preparing Environmental Impact Assessment for Mining Activities that Require Environmental Authorisation, in terms of section 24J of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998).
(d) Government Notice No 112, published in Government Gazette No 41445, dated 16 February 2018: Draft Alien and Invasive Species Regulations, in terms of section 97(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004), set out in the Schedule hereto.
(e) Government Notice No 113, published in Government Gazette No 41445, dated 16 February 2018: Procedure to be followed in applying for environmental authorisation for large scale electricity transmission and distribution development activities identified, in terms of section 24(2)(a) of the National Environmental Management: Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998).
(f) Government Notice No 114, published in Government Gazette No 41445, dated 16 February 2018: Provide for the procedure to be followed in applying for environmental authorisation for large scale wind and solar photovoltaic energy development activities identified, in terms of section 24(2)(a) of the National Environmental Management: Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998).
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(g) Government Notice No 115, published in Government Gazette No 41445, dated 16 February 2018: Draft amendments to the Alien and Invasive Species lists, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004).
(h) Government Notice No 116, published in Government Gazette No 41445, dated 16 February 2018: Draft Buffalo River Mouth Estuarine Management Plan, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 (Act No 24 of 2008).
National Assembly 1. The Speaker
(a) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in
Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as adopted by the House on 15 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
(b) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in
Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, as adopted by the House on 23 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development.
(c) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in
Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs, as adopted by the House on 23 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs.
(d) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in
Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Health, as adopted by the House on 9 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Health.
(e) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in
Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, as adopted by the House on 9 November 2017.
Thursday, 5 April 2018] 13
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training.
(f) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in
Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, as adopted by the House on 15 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs.
(g) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in
Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, as adopted by the House on 14 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation.
(h) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in
Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, as adopted by the House on 7 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services.
(i) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in
Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Labour, as adopted by the House on 31 October 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Labour.
(j) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in
Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources, as adopted by the House on 31 October 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources.
(k) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in
Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Police, as adopted by the House on 31 October 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Police.
(l) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, as adopted by the House on 29 November 2017.
14 [Thursday, 5 April 2018
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises.
(m) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration as well as Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, as adopted by the House on 15 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration as well as Performance Monitoring and Evaluation.
(n) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Rural Development and Land Reform, as adopted by the House on 7 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Rural Development and Land Reform.
(o) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology, as adopted by the House on 14 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology.
(p) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development, as adopted by the House on 15 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development.
(q) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation, as adopted by the House on 23 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation.
(r) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Tourism, as adopted by the House on 31 October 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism.
Thursday, 5 April 2018] 15
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
(s) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry, as adopted by the House on 14 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry.
(t) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation, as adopted by the House on 23 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation.
(u) Reply from the Minister of Finance to recommendations in Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of Portfolio Committee on Women in The Presidency, as adopted by the House on 23 November 2017.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Women in The Presidency.
(v) Policy on the appointment of special advisors to the Executive
Authority at the Public Protector, South Africa, submitted in terms of section 3 (11) (a)-(b) of the Public Protector Act, 1994 (Act No. 23 of 1994).
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services and the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration for consideration and report. The committees to confer and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services to report.
(w) Rules relating to investigations by the Public Protector
and matters incidental thereto, 2018, submitted in terms of section 7(11) of the Public Protector Act, 1994 (Act No. 23 of 1994). Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
COMMITTEE REPORTS National Assembly 1. REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON
HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING ON ITS OVERSIGHT VISIT TO GAUTENG, DATED 14 MARCH 2018
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training having
conducted an oversight visit to the post-school education and training
institutions in Gauteng on 30 January – 01 February 2018, reports as
follows.
1. Delegation list
1.1 Members of the Committee
Hon D Kekana (ANC), Hon J Kilian (ANC), Hon R Mavunda (ANC), Hon
S Mchunu (ANC), Hon C September: Chairperson (ANC), Hon B Bozzoli
(DA) and Hon A van der Westhuizen (DA).
1.2 Support staff
Mr A Kabingesi: Committee Secretary, Ms M Modiba: Content Adviser and
Mr L Ben: Committee Assistant.
2. Introduction
In pursuance of its constitutional oversight obligation, the Committee
undertook an oversight visit to the University of South Africa (UNISA),
University of Pretoria (UP) and University of Johannesburg (UJ).
The objectives of the oversight visit were to:
• Assess the 2018 registration process;
• Assess the preparedness of the institutions in implementing the 2018
academic programmes;
• Assess the 2017 overall academic performance of students; and
• Undertake site visits to infrastructure projects, student
accommodation and registration facilities.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
In addition to the afore-mentioned objectives of the oversight visit, the
Committee engaged with the relevant stakeholders of each institution which
included: student representative council; labour unions and council.
3. Summary of the presentations and site visits
3.1 University of South Africa
3.1.1 Management
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof M Makhanya and members of the executive
management made the presentation which highlighted the following. In
providing a background on salary negotiations with the unions and the
industrial action, the University indicated that management agreed on a final
offer of 6.5 percent salary increment to the unions. However, the unions
rejected the offer and declared a dispute on 8 December 2017. The matter
was referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration
(CCMA) on 17 January 2018 for conciliation. The strike by members of the
National Education and Health Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU)
commenced on 17 January 2018. Management made an offer of 7.2 percent
salary increment considering the financial position of the University.
NEHAWU demanded a 9 percent salary increment, but was willing to
consider a full 7.5 percent increment without conditions. Management
reached an agreement with NEHAWU on 24 January 2018 at a meeting
with the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training which ended
the strike.
In relation to the students’ demands and strike on 12 and 15 January 2018,
the University indicated that the Economic Freedom Fighters Student
Command (EFFSC) in the Gauteng region prevented both the staff and
students from entering the campus to work or register, and demanded that
management accept walk-ins’ applications for new students. Moreover,
students at the Sunnyside Campus were also prevented from registering by
the South African Student Congress (SASCO) since it had demanded
management’s attention. Management met with the EFFSC and SASCO
leadership and agreed to consider their demands which subsequently ended
the disruptions.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
With regard to the 2018 registration, the University indicated that eight (8)
days of registration were lost due to the strike by NEHAWU members and
two days were lost from student disruptions. However, the online
registration remained open during the disruptions. The University has
received 76 352 applications since the 15 January 2018.
With regard to the student population based on the October 2017 numbers,
the University had 69 648 first-time entering headcount enrolments, of
which 68.25 percent were females and 31.75 percent males. Of this number,
49.06 percent of the students were between the ages 18 – 24 and 25 percent
fell into the 25 – 29 year age group. The majority of the students at the
University were Africans, which constituted 77 percent of the total student
population, followed by Whites at 11.28 percent, Coloureds 5.62 percent
and Indians 4.81 percent. 43 percent of the student population were
employed students followed by 37 percent unemployed students looking for
work and 4 percent were students that were not economically active.
The majority of students at the University were registered at the College of
Education (79 350 in 2016). The first year dropout rate at the University
was relatively higher than the normal 24 percent of the higher education
sector. The College of Science, Engineering and Technology had a first
year dropout rate of 38 percent. A total of 32 480 students graduated in
2016. The University had a total of 33 305 NSFAS funded students in 2017.
3.1.2 National Student Representative Council (NSRC)
The NSRC began the presentation by thanking the Committee for visiting
the institution and also felt that the oversight visit had been long overdue
given the past impasses that had been consistent at the University. The
NSRC consisted of nine members out of the 99 total SRC members
nationally. The nine NSRC members were located at the main campus
(Muckleneuk Campus) and were elected into office in 2016. The NSRC was
represented in the Council, Senate and Institutional Forum of the University.
In relation to the 2018 registration, the NSRC indicated that the industrial
action impacted negatively on the 2018 registration process. The University
had up to eight (8) days of registration for 2018 instead of 21 days as at
30 January 2018 due to industrial action. The NSRC proposed for the
extension of the registration period beyond the 31 January 2018 closing date
to compensate for lost time.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS NO 39─2018
The NSRC indicated that the 2018 registration process was compounded by
inefficient information and communication technology (ICT) systems of the
University, which were unable to handle the high traffic volumes of online
applications. As a result, the University lost R300 million due to the failure
by management to introduce a new ICT infrastructure. They called for a
forensic investigation into the tribal ICT project.
The NSRC said that the ICT systems of the University were not integrated
and this affected the entire registration value chain. There were engineers
that had approached the University with proposals to fix its ICT systems.
However, they were not successful. The NSRC indicated that the
management of the University was reactionary and indecisive. They
expressed a concern about the University’s enrolment plan which was not
consulted with the NSRC, and indicated that the capping of enrolment was
against government plans to increase access to higher education.
In so far as the student profile of the University is concerned, the NSRC
indicated that the University was attracting a larger number of
undergraduate students from all over the country. As a result, these young
students came from all over country to register at the Pretoria Campus
without a place to stay. Therefore, the University should consider making
provision for student accommodation, especially for its young student
population.
With regard to the administration of NSFAS funding, the NSRC indicated
that students experienced serious challenges to access help from NSFAS
pertaining to their applications for financial assistance. The location of
NSFAS in Cape Town compounded the situation, since students were
forced to call the NSFAS call centre to make inquiries. The University had a
bottleneck of applications that were not yet processed by NSFAS, and this
also contributed to the late payment of sBux allowances. The NSRC
proposed that: the NSFAS call centre should be toll free; all the provinces
should have NSFAS offices; the payment of book allowances should be fast
tracked; the DHET should increase its subsidy to the University and
infrastructure grants should be allocated to the University.
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The NSRC expressed concerns about inadequate coordination and poor
management of the University. The NSRC elaborated that consequence
management at the University was inadequate. In supporting this statement,
the NSRC indicated that in 2017, there was a delay in the delivery
of learning materials to 244 students. As a result, the University lost
R24 million in the process. Many students dropped-out in 2017 due to this
difficulty. The NSRC proposed for the establishment of an independent
commission of inquiry to investigate financial mismanagement and a loss of
R24 million by the University. The NSRC also urged the Committee to
assist in ensuring that there is accountability in the use of public funds by
the University.
In so far as teaching and learning is concerned, the NSRC expressed a
concern about the inadequate student support services at the University. In
support of this statement, they indicated that there was a shortage of
lecturers to assist students with academic queries. Moreover, the absence of
a call centre compounded the situation. The University was struggling to
assist students to access teaching and learning materials and the student
lecturer ratio was very high. The University had a high number of staff in
acting positions, including the critical position of the Registrar.
The NSRC expressed a concern about the University’s whistleblower whom
they accused of being biased towards a certain race. In addition, they also
accused the University’s new Ombudsman of being ineffective and
favouring certain individuals within the University. The NSRC also
indicated that they had called for the Vice-Chancellor to be removed for not
dealing with student grievances effectively and not taking the SRC
seriously.
In relation to the media reports on freeloading SRC living the high life, the
NSRC indicated that they were amongst the poorest SRCs in the higher
education sector. In support of this statement, the NSRC indicated that the
University did not provide them with transport for their activities. The
blazers that were reported in the media to be R7 500 each were mischievous
reports meant to undermine the credibility of the NSRC. The NSRC
members received accommodation provided by the institution at R3 700 per
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month, including laptops and cellphones which would be returned to the
institutions at the end of the NSRC term of office. They also reported that
management was undermining the legitimacy of the NSRC and responded,
to unelected structures.
3.1.3 Academics and Professional Staff Union (APSA)
Ms S Malema made the presentation on behalf of APSA. She indicated that
the union advocated for the rights of the marginalised and disadvantaged
workers at higher education institutions. With regard to the union’s
relationship with management, Ms Malema described the relationship as
being complex and mysterious as well as unpredictable.
Ms Malema indicated that the union has been experiencing threats of being
de-recognised by management of the University, and this was detrimental to
the union’s finances since it had been paying for legal fees in its quest to
remain relevant and recognised by management. The union was served with
letters of interdict by management on 19 January 2018. However, it
contested the interdict and won the case in the labour court, and it would
continue to advocate for workers’ rights irrespective of the management’s
intimidation tactics.
The union expressed a concern about transformation at the University,
especially at senior management level. It indicated that the University did
not meet its employment equity plan targets. An example was made about
the promotions at the University, which favoured a selected few academics,
excluding equity candidates. The union called upon the University to assist
and develop young and emerging academics to get promoted to senior posts.
The union was against the hiring of external candidates to top positions
while internal staff remained stagnant. The union also indicated that many
black lecturers published in some journals which the University did not
recognize and this was disadvantaging most of the black academics when it
came to promotion. Furthermore, the union expressed a concern about the
lack of transformation in the publishing space.
The union welcomed the decision by Council to establish a task team that
provided guidance into the insourcing of cleaning and security staff that
were exploited by private service providers. However, the challenge of the
union is the integration of the insourced staff into the University so that they
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can enjoy similar benefits with other employees at the University. The union
expressed a concern about the remuneration of senior academics who held
professorate titles whilst being heavily indebted.
The union expressed a concern about inadequate transformation in the
procurement of service providers by the University. The union indicated
that the Purchasing Consortium Southern Africa (PURCO) enjoyed a
monopoly in the procurement of the University’s certain goods and services
at the expense of emerging service providers. The union noted that PURCO
was gatekeeping and not contributing to empowerment of black people.
Furthermore, the Council took a decision to decolonise the University but
there has not been feedback to staff members on the implementation of the
road map towards realizing the goal.
3.1.4 National Education and Health Allied Workers Union
(NEHAWU)
Mr S Makena presented on behalf of the union. He acknowledged that the
industrial action was led by NEHAWU and took eight (8) days and this
affected the 2018 registration process. He blamed the slow pace by
management to respond to the union’s demands, which forced workers to
down tools and force management to negotiate for a better salary increment.
As a result, the union reached an agreement with management to settle for a
7.5 percent salary increment on 26 January 2018 which ended the strike.
The union expressed concerns with regard to: procurement of inefficient
ICT systems by the university; purchasing of certain machines that were not
required by the institution; biased whistleblower; composition of council
with the majority of members from the corporate sector who had no
knowledge of the higher education sector; council not prioritising student
issues; council sitting for too many special meetings; inadequate oversight
role by council over management; two members of council implicated in the
state capture allegations; racism at the level of academic staff; unequal
remuneration of staff at the same level (Blacks were occupying the lowest
quintiles while Whites are on high quintiles). The union also reported that
the student lecturer ratio at the University was high.
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3.1.5 Council
The Council was represented by Prof Nkondo who expressed his gratitude
about the visit of the Committee to the University. He indicated that the
Council supported management in its quest to advance the University’s core
mandate of teaching and learning, and council was also updated about the
latest developments at the University. In 2016, Council and Senate agreed to
reposition the University’s direction to be responsive to latest developments
at the University. Council resolved that the University’s curriculum should
be reviewed since it was too westernized and should also be responsive to
the country’s cultural diversity. Prof Nkondo indicated that the promotion of
African languages into the institution’s curriculum is fundamental in
repositioning the University’s strategic direction.
Prof Nkondo indicated that the University belonged to a consortium of five
universities which had begun to elevate African languages to be used as
medium of instruction. He indicated that the University is planning to offer
degrees in African languages similar to what the University of KwaZulu-
Natal and the University of Limpopo had already been implementing.
Council was also planning to reposition the University to be responsive to
the call of radical economic transformation. Council welcomed the call for
free higher education for the poor and working class. However, it raised a
concern about the manner in which it was pronounced which was traumatic
to institutions as they were forced to re-plan and revise their budgets.
3.1.6 Site visits
3.1.6.1 Eskia Mphahlele Administration Hall
The Committee was taken to the Eskia Mphahlele Administration Hall
where the registration of first time entering and returning students took
place. The Committee observed very long queues of students who were
waiting to be assisted with their application and registration. The University
indicated that the closing date for 2018 applications was 30 September
2017. However, due to the Presidential pronouncement of fee-free higher
education on 16 December 2017, the University saw it fit to provide
additional opportunity for students who missed the cut off date in 2017. The
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registration process for 2018 was disturbed by the industrial action which
lasted for eight (8) days. The University indicated that it was processing
both the applications of students that did not apply previously as well their
registration simultaneously to accommodate walk-ins. This had contributed
to the long queues and the University was able to assist all the students who
were in the queues. The staff at the registration facility worked up until
20h00 in the evening in trying to help all the students who needed to be
registered.
The University had spaces for 20 000 new entrants for the 2018 academic
year mostly in degree programmes. However, not all the students that
applied for registration met the minimum entry requirements into degree
programmes. The students that did not meet the minimum entry
requirements into degree programmes were admitted into higher certificate
programmes. The registration for the 2018 academic year would close on
31 January 2018. The University would open for another phase of
registration in March for the second semester 2018.
The Committee was informed that students were required to pay a non-
refundable amount of R105 to apply to the institution. Moreover, students
were given up to the end of February to make a minimum payment of
33 percent of his/her total tuition fees. Students who qualified for NSFAS
were exempted from making this payment.
The registration facility was equipped with 195 computers which assisted
students with their application and registration. The registration of a single
student could take up to 20 minutes. The University’s online registration
system was functional. However, some students preferred to be assisted at
the registration facility instead of registering on their own. At the
registration facility, there were special advisors (experts trained in the
curriculum requirements) for each college and access and matriculation
exemptions services. Academic support was provided for the returning
students who enrolled in Bachelor of Law (LLB) because of new modules
which were introduced from 2018 academic year.
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3.1.6.2 Printing facility
The Committee visited the University’s in-house printing facility where the
printing of all study materials and examination papers took place. The
facility made use of lithographic pressers to print the study materials which
was more cost effective and efficient in printing large volumes of papers as
compared to digital printers. The University indicated that besides the
lithographic machines, they also had digital machines which printed less
copies than the lithographic machines. The facility was also equipped with
folding and binding machines for the study materials. The University had its
own technicians who were responsible for the maintenance of the machines,
and some of the machines were 15 – 20 years old. The Committee was also
informed that there were cameras installed in the building to record every
movement in the unit.
The facility had a dispatch unit which was responsible for storage and
dispatch of the learning material to all provinces as well as outside the
boarders of the country. The University made use of courier companies and
the post office to deliver learning material. The University paid R15 million
annually to the post office to distribute its learning materials. The University
hired students that assisted with the packing of learning materials into
parcels and they were paid for their services. The facility employed 300
people at the main campus and 230 at the Florida Campus.
3.1.6.3 Library
The Committee was informed that the University’s library had eight floors
and was the largest library in Africa. The University also had 14 libraries
across the regions, including one in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. The
Committee was informed that the first floor of the library hosted a variety of
textbooks and other academic collections. The second floor had a
digitisation machine worth R2 million and also hosted the learning materials
of national heritage, Unisa archives, past exam papers and copies of
dissertations. The third floor was responsible for handling of all the
students’ queries pertaining the library and its services.
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The Committee was informed that the library subscribed to 120 databases
and students were able to access online catalogues or journals anywhere
as long as they were registered with institution. The library also had
3.5 million books in the shelfs and 6 500 e-books available online. The
University experienced a challenge of some students owing library fines up
to R2000. However, negotiations were undertaken to ensure that the
students were not disadvantaged to access the library material. The
University recycled the old books and also donated some of them to needy
schools.
3.2 University of Pretoria
3.2.1 Management
Prof C de la Rey: Vice-Chancellor made the presentation with her senior
executives. In relation to the University facts based on the 2017 figures, the
University had 9 Faculties and a Business School (Gordon Institute of
Business Science). The total student enrolment at the University for 2017
was 53 024 and this number excluded the distance learning students who
were approximately 10 000. In terms of student demographics, 59.8 percent
of the total student population was made up of black students and the
majority of students at the University were enrolled in the scarce skills
programmes. The majority of students at the University were females who
constituted 56.8 percent of the student population and males were
43.2 percent at undergraduate level. At postgraduate level, females
constituted 52.3 percent of the student body while males were 47.7 percent.
The University enrolled 24 760 students in scarce skills programmes in
2016 and it produced 5 142 graduates in this field. The University had the
higher number of masters graduates in 2016, 1 811 as compared to other
universities. The University also produced the second highest number of
doctoral graduates in 2016, 302.
The University had six campuses, namely: Groenkloof; Hatfield; Hillcrest;
Illovo; Mamelodi; Onderstepoort and Prinshof. The total staff complement
of the University was 5 323 workers including staff on fixed-term contract.
55.5 percent of staff were black and 26.8 percent were academics.
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With regard to the University’s research footprint, the University produced
11.3 percent of all South African publications and employed 10 percent of
National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researchers. There were 15 NRF
A-rated researchers at the University and it produced 3.24 research outputs
units per capita in 2016, the highest output per capita in South Africa.
The transformation goals of the University include: ensuring access for a
diverse student body; ensuring realization of employment equity goals;
enhancing research capacity and productivity of black and women
academics and cultivating an inclusive institutional culture. Some of the
transformation milestones include: rea bua dialogue series; lekgotla process;
new language policy; independent transformation panel and institutional
transformation committee.
In relation to the administration of NSFAS funding, there were 3 101 new
first year students that were assisted to register without paying the initial fee
and 484 senior undergraduate students. The number of returning students
without NSFAS financial assistance that were assisted to register were
5 485. NSFAS delayed in confirming students who qualified for funding
and this caused anxiety among students during the registration period. The
fee-free higher education announcement without aligned processes and
systems in place was a challenge for the University. Compounding the
situation was confusing communication from the DHET and NSFAS. The
outstanding remittance due to the University amounted to R52 million.
In relation to student housing, the University had a total of 34 student
residences with a capacity of 10 011 beds. Black students were the majority
at the residences at 78.6 percent as compared to 21.4 percent whites. The
University had limited capacity to meet the growing demand for student
housing. All the residences had IT laboratories and easily accessible WiFi.
With regard to student academic performance, only 40 percent of students
completed their degrees within regulation time based on the 2012 cohort
and 67 percent completed their degrees on the fifth year. The throughput
analysis for a 4 year undergraduate programme for the 2011 cohort was
36 percent. The average drop-out rates for 3-year undergraduate
programmes was 21 percent, which was relatively lower than the 24 percent
average for the sector
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3.2.2 Student Representative Council
The presentation was made by the SRC President, Mr K Moloto. He
indicated that the SRC had 19 members made up of 11 members from the
Democratic Alliance (DA), three (3) from the Economic Freedom Fighters
(EFF) and five (5) other independent members. The SRC came into office in
September 2017.
Mr Moloto said that the challenges of students at the University include:
lack of affordable food for students especially those living in student
residences and students normally exhaust their food allowance funds by
September of each academic year; the mental health illness was an ongoing
concern for students; shortage of student accommodation remained a serious
concern for students. Moreover, the University was unable to meet the
growing demand for student housing, and the private accommodation in the
Hatfield area was unaffordable for many students; the delays by NSFAS in
paying allowances due to students remained a serious concern; the growing
number of students with historic debt was concerning and the historic debt
at the University was estimated at R300 million; the missing middle
students were struggling to cope with their academic work due to
insufficient funding from the University to carry their debt; the policy
uncertainty on the implementation of fee-free higher education was a
serious concern for students; the SRC did not have adequate funding to
implement its activities due to budgetary constraints.
The SRC lauded the manner in which the 2018 registration was undertaken.
They noted that both the management and the SRC team worked together
very well to ensure that prospective students were assisted accordingly. The
SRC operated a help desk service to provide information to students who
applied as well as the walk-ins.
The SRC proposed that the Committee should consider the possibility of
negotiating with the provincial government to provide social housing for
poor students; the Department should provide clarity on the implementation
of free higher education for the poor; food grants should be provided to
higher education institutions and the historic debt should be cleared.
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3.2.3 National Education and Health Allied Workers Union
(NEHAWU)
Ms K Mathekga: Shop steward made the presentation on behalf NEHAWU.
She indicated that the union represented 16 percent of the total staff
complement at the University. The union had 12 shop stewards in all major
constituencies/campuses as well branch office bearers. The union was not
represented in the institutional transformation committee, skills
development committee and employment equity forum.
The union’s achievements include: revival of its branch; advocating a
demand for a benchmarking exercise for mid-point salary adjustments;
additional health providers; reduction of employee cases and continuously
protecting workers’ rights in the University.
The union’s challenges include: non-representation in key University
committees and forums such as the institutional forum (IF); lack of
consultation from management on key decisions affecting staff; lack of
interest from academic staff to participate in the labour movement;
intimidation of staff especially at lower levels; slow rate of transformation
as it relates to representation of black academics, women and people living
with disabilities at middle and senior management and tender processes
favouring previously advantaged companies. Moreover, the union reported
that management had frozen some position indicating financial pressures.
They advocated for an establishment of a single national bargaining council
for the entire higher education sector
3.2.4 University of Pretoria Workers Union
Mr C Hatting: Secretary and full time representative of the union made the
presentation on behalf of the union. He indicated that the union was
established in 1996 when the employees of the University felt they were not
fairly treated when the amalgamation of various tertiary institutions started.
Mr Hatting said that the union’s members were employees in all categories
at the University and there was no barrier to join the union as long as a
member was an employee of the University. The union was represented in
the Employment Equity Committee, Institutional Forum, the University’s
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bargaining forum and the Skills Development Forum. He alluded that the
University had good policies in place to structure the relations between
employee and employers and the role of the union was to monitor the
implementation of those policies. Furthermore, the union was not radical
and it was not its role to act in that manner. Mr Hatting indicated that it
would take a major incident or event to get academics in this union to
embark on industrial action.
Mr Hatting indicated that the two big challenges of the union were: to
convince management and the executive that the unions were not a threat
and there were a lot of common ground to find solutions to challenges
facing the University and the apathy of employees to the unions. The key
achievement of the union was to subscribe to the agreements reached with
the University management.
3.2.5. Academics and Professional Staff Association (APSA)
The union did not raise major concerns. They indicated that they were
accepted at the University on 30 January 2018. They requested that there
should be a development of a policy to provide for the unions to support the
struggles of students as the student supported the workers when they fought
for insourcing.
3.2.6 Site visits Hillcrest Campus
3.2.6.1 Registration facilities
The Committee visited the registration facilities which were situated at the
Hillcrest Campus to assess the 2018 registration process. The Committee
was informed that the applications for the 2018 academic year were opened
in March 2017. The University sent emails for provisional acceptance to
students, including student numbers. However, registration at the campus
commenced on 10 January 2018 up until 29 January 2018. The University’s
online registration system assisted significantly for the 2018 registration
process since 90 percent of the applications were completed online. The
students who came to apply at the registration facilities wanted to get
clarification about other aspects of their registration.
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The Committee was taken to the different sections of the registration
facilities. The enrolment contract section was where students signed a
contract which set a basis for acceptance of disciplinary code and academic
performance. The University had a disability section which catered for
students with various special needs. The NSFAS section dealt with all the
queries of students pertaining to their applications for NSFAS funding. The
facility had an international affairs section which took care of all the needs
of the international students. Some of the international students came to
University without study visas and the University was able to provide
assistance required for them attain the relevant documentation.
The Committee observed that the registration value chain of the University
was well organized with sufficient personnel to help students with their
inquiries. There were no queues at the facilities since the registration
process had been closed already. The University indicated that it was not in
a position to accept walk-ins. However, they were referred to the DHET
clearing house or encouraged to apply when the new registration period for
2019 opens in March 2018. The University had a five-year enrolment plan
with the Department which must be adhered to, otherwise it won’t be able to
fund the unplanned students.
The University had 60 computers for self-help registration and for students
to log into the portal to register modules. The University’s portal was easily
accessible to students from any device and they could view their registration
status. The IT support personnel was on site during the registration period to
assist with any IT related challenges. The students were issued with a
student card once they completed the registration process. The student card
could be issued within five minutes and the University had issued 10 600
student cards since the beginning of the registration period.
3.2.6.2 Tuks Monate Dining Hall
The Committee was informed that the Tuks Monate dining hall was a state
of the art building that was refurbished and re-opened in 2014. The
refurbishment project was a joint initiative between the University and the
Department. The Department contributed 50 percent of the total cost of the
project and remainder was covered by the University. The University took a
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decision to centralise the dining hall which made it easier to adhere to the
food safety regulations. The dining hall catered for 2002 students living in
the residences.
The Committee observed that the dining was very clean and a good space
for students to enjoy their meals. The University indicated students
complained about the expensive food prices at the dining hall in comparison
to the nearby food outlets. As a result, students preferred to eat starch and
other fast food which were not very healthy. The University also indicated
that it provided students with an upfront food allowance of R14 400 so that
they do not starve whilst waiting for their allowances to be paid by NSFAS
or other bursaries. However, some of the students depleted their food
allowances quickly through reckless spending such as buying food for
friends. The University was able to track the spending patterns of students
and provide the transaction history to the parents or bursars.
3.5.6.3 House Maroela Student Residence
The Committee was taken to one of the old student residence at the Hillcrest
Campus which had 236 beds. The Committee was informed that the
residence would be celebrating its 50th birthday of its existence during 2018.
Furthermore, it was also due for refurbishments in 2018 and its occupants
would be moved to alternative accommodation whilst the renovations were
underway. The University had a 15-year timeline for refurbishments of each
residence.
The Committee was informed that the residence had a house committee
which looked after the affairs of the students at the residence. The
University placed more emphasis on academic excellence for students
residing in residences. There were various student support programmes that
were implemented to ensure that students succeed in their studies. The
residences also competed for the best performing residence which also
encouraged students to study hard.
The University indicated that students had to pass their studies in order to be
re-admitted in the residences. The new students were encouraged to limit
partaking in many social activities until they settle in their studies. The
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students were also required to adhere to the code of conduct of the
residence. In relation to racial integration, the students indicated that there
were no incidents of racial discrimination experienced by students and they
got along very well.
3.5.6.4 Tuks Village
The Tuks Village was a state of the art student residences established in
2008 with 640 beds in different residence blocks. The Committee was taken
to the village centre which was the main recreational facility at the village.
The centre was a social space for students to interact, read and watch variety
of sports. The centre provided students with an environment where they
could feel welcomed at the village irrespective of their backgrounds. The
village centre contributed to a quality living and learning space which had
book shelves, televisions and Timbuktu lounge for intellectual space.
The Committee was informed that there were no initiation practices for new
students and all the activities at the village were voluntary. Students were
encouraged to contribute R70 for the maintenance of the village centre,
However, this contribution was not compulsory. The Committee observed
that the residence rooms and its surrounding were very clean and well
maintained.
3.3 University of Johannesburg
3.3.1 Management
The presentation on the administration of NSFAS bursaries was made Ms N
Mamorare: Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Finance and highlighted the
following: The University experienced an increase in the number of NSFAS
funded students over the past five (5) years from 8 151 students in 2013 to
20 053 in 2018. The growth in the student numbers included the University’s
investment of R156 million for students funding over the same period.
Ms Mamorare said that the University started a fundraising campaign to
assist the missing middle students. She indicated that the University’s SRC
Trust Fund had been allocated R58 million since 2014 to pay registration
fees for academically deserving students not funded by NSFAS.
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Furthermore, the University had raised R355 million since 2014 through the
support from students, staff, sector education and training authorities
(SETAs), private sector and foundations. The University took a huge
financial risk in 2018 by unblocking 12 000 returning students who were not
yet funded by NSFAS.
Ms Mamorare indicated that the challenges of the University with NSFAS
include: poor administration at NSFAS; ineffective roll-out of the student-
centred model; IT systems that were not integrated; delays in funding
outcomes; historic debt for NSFAS funded students and senior students that
were not funded; highly indebted students and poor response from students
in signing NSFAS loan agreement forms.
Prof A Parekh: DVC Academic made the presentation on student success
and throughput. She indicated that the success rates for the 2017 academic
year were not yet available since the data was being processed. The 2016
undergraduate success rate for 2016 was 84.2 percent. In terms of gender,
female undergraduate students were performing better than their male
counterparts at 88.2 percent in comparison to 82.2 percent male in 2016.
The student throughput rate for 3-year undergraduate programme was
37 percent in 2014 and 58 percent for honours degrees. The dropout rate in
undergraduate programmes was 16 percent in 2016. The University
produced 12 770 graduates in 2016.
Prof K Burger: Registrar made the presentation on registration. She
indicated that the applications for the 2018 academic year closed at the end
of September 2017 for undergraduate programmes. Ms Burger said that the
University received 115 000 undergraduate applications for 10 500 spaces.
The final selection of qualifying students was undertaken after the release of
the grade 12 results. The online registration system opened on 8 January
2018 and close to 35 000 (83 percent) of undergraduate students registered
through this system.
3.3.2 Student Representative Council
Mr C Kekana: President made the presentation. Mr Kekana said that the
delays by NSFAS in the payment of allowances was the biggest challenge
of students at the University. He indicated that the University enrolled
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students from poor family households who did not have means to afford
higher education studies. The students were confused about the guidelines
of the new student centred model and the need to sign loan agreement
forms. As a result, some of the students were owed outstanding claims as far
back as 2015.
In relation to the 2018 registration, Mr Kekana said that the registration for
new students commenced smoothly. However, some of the returning
students who were funded by NSFAS in 2017 were unable to register since
NSFAS had not paid for their 2018 academic year. These students were also
losing spaces at their residences since the institution cannot register them.
The financial aid offices of the University were unable to resolve the
challenges of students with NSFAS. Students were advised to call NSFAS
to resolve their queries.
The SRC proposed that the University extends the 2018 registration beyond
the 02 February 2018 to allow students with NSFAS challenges to register.
The SRC also called for a meeting with NSFAS to address all the challenges
experienced by students with the new student centred model.
3.3.4 National Education and Health Allied Workers Union
(NEHAWU)
The presentation was made by Mr L Modibedi: Branch Secretary. He
indicated that the union represented 1 400 staff members at the University
which was 32 percent of the staff complement. In relation to insourcing, Mr
Modibedi indicated that the University insourced workers from gardening
services, cleaners and security. However, the workers that were insourced
were not remunerated at the similar level with other low level staff at the
University and the union was advocating for fair remuneration of these
workers.
The union expressed a concern about the total cost to company
remuneration package offered by the University. The union indicated that
employees were forced to contribute to the medical aid expenses from their
salaries. The minimum contribution for the Discovery Medical Aid was
R780 for a principal member and workers had many beneficiaries to add in
their medical aid leaving them with very little amount to cover for other
expenses. The union proposed that the University should subsidise the
medical expenses for workers.
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The union expressed a concern about the slow pace of transformation at the
University. It indicated that the University did not have a Transformation
Committee. The union gave an example of other departments at the
University which were predominantly white, such as the central admissions
and finance departments. In addition, the union said that the engineering
faculty was dominated by foreign nationals at the expense of young and
emerging black academics. There were also gaps in the remuneration of
male and female workers doing the same job.
The union indicated that the University did not provide sufficient support to
workers with special needs. A partially sighted staff member had to resign
due to frustrations and lack of support from management. In relation to staff
discipline, the union indicated that the staff members at the lower level of
institution were easily dismissed, whilst senior managers’ disciplinary
processes took much longer.
The union welcomed the dismissal of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for
Finance who was accused of defrauding the University R25 million. The
union indicated that it laid criminal charges against the former DVC. The
union requested the Committee to assist in getting information on the
management of the University finances, especially the third stream income,
since management refused to furnish the union with these documents. The
union also called upon the Committee to assist with the establishment of a
central bargaining forum for the higher education sector.
3.3.5 Site visits
3.3.5.1 Registration facility
The Committee visited the temporary registration facility which was
situated opposite the entrance of the Kingsway Campus. The Committee
was informed that the University commenced with registration of new and
returning students on 08 January 2018 and the long queues were as a result
of walk-ins. The University indicated that 97 percent of new applicants
applied online and the IT system was able to accommodate the high volume
of new applicants. The online registration took a maximum of 15 minutes.
There were no queues at the registration facility during the site visit of the
Committee as registration was nearing its closing date.
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3.3.5.2 Cornerstone Residence
The Committee was informed that the Cornerstone Residence was formerly
known as Dromedaries. However, due to the renaming process, a number of
buildings at the University had been renamed as part of transformation. The
residence had 232 beds and accommodated male students, especially
undergraduates.
The Committee observed that the residence was old, however, it was
conducive for living and learning. There were minor refurbishments
required especially at the residence’s bathrooms. Students were not allowed
to cook inside their rooms since there were kitchens in each floor. The
University did not have a dining hall for students. The University had a
student centre with many cafes and restaurants were students could buy
their meals through Fundi card
The University did not allow students to bring alcohol inside the residence.
However, students requested management to apply for a liquor licence so
that alcohol can be sold on campus. Students complained that they were
being robbed at night and it was very risky to drink outside the campus. The
University indicated that it would consult on the matter.
3.3.5.3 Mošate Heights Residence
Mošate Heights residence was a female residence with 274 students.
However, during the site visit of the Committee there were 205 students as
the residence since registration was still underway. The Committee
observed that there were shower doors that laid outside the residence
premises. The University indicated that the renovations at residence started
in December 2017 when students were on vacation. However, the project
delayed and contractors were finalising the outstanding work which would
take a week to complete.
Students complained that they did not feel safe in using the showers without
doors. An example was given of a construction worker who peeped through
the window whilst a female student was using the shower. The Committee
expressed its concern about the delays in the maintenance work which also
compromised the safety of students. The Committee visited the rooms and
observed that students had covered the smoke detectors with plastics. They
indicated that the smoke from the hair dryer triggered the smoke alarm.
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4. Observations
The Committee conducted an oversight visit to assess the implementation of
the Presidential pronouncement of fee-free higher education by universities
and TVET Colleges; to assess the 2018 academic year admissions and
registration processes; to assess the administration of NSFAS funding; to
assess student performance in the 2017 academic year; to assess progress
made with regard to transformation; and the capacity of the institutions in
terms of infrastructure, in particular, student accommodation and teaching
and learning facilities.
The Committee having undertaken an oversight visit to Gauteng, made the
following observations:
4.1 2018 Registration
4.1.1 The Committee observed that the 2018 registration process at the
University of Pretoria commenced smoothly and over 90 percent of the new
applicants registered through the University’s online registration system.
The University had efficient systems in place to assist students with their
queries. However, the main concern raised by students was the lack of
accommodation to house students coming from other provinces.
4.1.2 At the University of Johannesburg, the Committee observed that the
2018 registration process also commenced smoothly with over 80 percent of
new applicants using the University’s online registration system. However,
the main challenge of the University was the delays by NSFAS to pay for
the registration of returning students. As a result, the University took a huge
financial risk by unblocking 12 000 returning students whilst waiting for
NSFAS to settle their outstanding debts.
4.1.3 The Committee was extremely concerned about the long queues it
observed during its site visit at UNISA. The queues were abnormal for a
long distance / non-contact institution, which predominantly utilises its
online system to register students. The Committee was informed that the
long queues were exacerbated by the eight (8) days lost at the beginning of
registration period due to industrial action. Furthermore, the inability of the
University’s ICT infrastructure to accommodate the high volumes of online
applications and registration simultaneously compounded the situation.
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Nevertheless, the University was positive that it would assist all the students
that qualified to register regardless of its difficulties.
4.1.4 Unisa in its written response to the Committee indicated that the
closing date for registration had to be extended twice in response to the staff
strike, and the fact that the number of students who applied during the
applications window in 2018 exceeded all expectations. A total of 92 863
applications were received, of which 8 740 were incomplete. The University
undertook to apply enrolment management to limit possible negative effects
that extreme oversubscription would have on the operations of the
University. The University also undertook to be more disciplined in keeping
to cut-off dates and not allowing exceptions.
4.2 Roll-out of the NSFAS student-centred model
4.2.1 The general observation of the Committee is that there are challenges
pertaining to the roll out of the NSFAS student-centred model in
universities. Compounding the situation is the inability of NSFAS to
speedily resolve student queries since the new model is centralised and all
queries have to be directed to the head office in Cape Town. This created
frustrations amongst students whom some of them were owed outstanding
claims of 2017. As a result, they experienced challenges in registering for
the 2018 academic due to unsettled debts. The Committee also noted that all
the Universities were owed outstanding payment for 2017 by NSFAS.
4.2.2 Unisa in its written response to the Committee indicated that it was
owed R116 million by NSFAS for 2017. Moreover, the University has been
owed outstanding payments by NSFAS dating back from 2012 to 2016 and
that amount was R59.3 million. The total payment received from NSFAS
for 2018 without remittances amounted to R60 million.
4.2.3 The University of Pretoria in its written response to the Committee
indicated that NSFAS owed the University R50 million for 2017. Moreover,
the University was requested in 2017 to indicate all the Quantile 1,2,3
students, South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant recipients,
students on appeal and students who were still unfunded. According to
NSFAS, there were still 237 applications that were being processed and not
finalised. The impact of this was that at year-end 2017, R9.5 million was
owed by these students to the University.
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4.2.4 The University of Johannesburg in its written response to the
Committee indicated that an amount of R54 million was owed by NSFAS
for the 2017 academic year. An upfront payment of R170 million had been
received with respect to the 2018 funding.
4.3 Implementation of fee-free higher education
4.3.1 The Committee noted that the Universities welcomed the Presidential
pronouncement of fee-free higher education. However, they were concerned
about the timing in which the pronouncement was made. The students
expressed their concerns about the confusing messages that were
communicated by the Department and NSFAS with regard the
implementation of this pronouncement.
4.4. Student housing
4.4.1 The general observation of the Committee is that universities were
unable to meet the growing demand for affordable and decent student
accommodation. Compounding the situation was the lack of affordable off-
campus residential properties in urbanised cities such as Johannesburg
making it difficult for students coming from other provinces. Likewise, the
universities alluded that they had limited resources to build more residences
due inadequate infrastructure grants from the DHET.
4.4.2 The University of Pretoria in its written response to the Committee
indicated that it had sufficient land on which to build new residences, but
lacked funds to do so. The provincial land and vacant buildings that were
located far away from the University campuses created logistical challenges
for students who may be accommodated there, especially in terms of
commuting to and from the University.
4.5. Infrastructure development
4.5.1 The Universities have indicated a serious challenge with the
maintenance backlog. This was mainly caused by insufficient funds to
address the challenge.
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4.6 Academic performance
4.6.1 The Committee expressed a concern about the overall undergraduate
throughput rates which were low and dropout rates which were high. Of
great concern to note was the high dropout rate at UNISA which was higher
than the national norm. The Universities undertook to put measures in place
to ensure that students were able to complete their programmes within the
regulation time so that they can exit the system with their qualifications.
4.7 A single national bargaining forum for higher education
4.7.1 The unions made a plea to the Committee to have a single national
bargaining forum for the higher education sector. NEHAWU at the
University of Johannesburg indicated that the majority of Vice-Chancellors
were not keen to such a forum.
4.8 Harmonisation of conditions of service of insourced workers
4.8.1 Unions at all the three Universities indicated that the Universities have
insourced the workers who previously worked for private companies.
However, the conditions of services were not harmonized.
4.9 Transformation
4.9.1 Unions at all the institutions complained about the slow pace of
transformation and inadequate representation of blacks, women and people
with disabilities at the senior management level. At the University of
Johannesburg, unions complained about the appointment foreign nationals
at the expense of the South African Blacks. Both students and unions raised
a concern about the lack of transformation in the procurement of goods and
services in the Universities, where previously advantaged companies were
procured to provide services at the expense of black empowerment.
4.10 Other observations
4.10.1 University of South Africa (UNISA)
4.10.1.1 The Committee expressed a concern about the delays in the
delivery of study materials by UNISA to 244 students and some of them had
dropped-out of the system. It emerged that the University had inadequate
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capacity and 72 vacant positions in the study materials section. The
University in its written response to the Committee indicated that a variety
of measures impacted on the academic programme in the first semester of
2017, which included; inadequate forecasting data and stock planning
capacity, and unprecedented growth in the number of students in specific
modules. The late submission of study material content from lecturers,
challenges with the ICT systems, incorrect student addresses and
fragmentation of processes compounded the situation.
4.10.1.2 The Committee expressed concerns about the alleged racism at the
University. The Committee welcomed the plan by the South African Human
Rights Commission to investigate the allegations at UNISA and also urged
the University to provide feedback.
4.10.1.3 The relationship between the University stakeholders and
management at UNISA was noted as a concern. The Committee also
expressed a concern about the inadequate communication that existed at the
institution which contributed to instabilities.
4.10.1.4 The Committee condemned the locking of staff members inside a
building by angry students at the UNISA’s Durban Campus due to
challenges with the 2018 registration process.
4.101.5 The Committee commended the open distance learning system of
the University, but raised concerns about the lack of response by staff
members to student queries and unavailability of staff to answer telephone
enquiries. It was concerning that even turn-around time of 48 hours to
respond to queries was not adhered to. The Committee urged the unions to
ensure their members are attending to students needs and are accessible on
their emails and telephonically.
4.10.1.6 The reported shortfall of R600 million in the subsidy and its impact
to the University was noted as a concern.
4.10.1.7 The Committee expressed a concern about the inability of the
University’s inadequate ICT systems. The University in its written response
to the Committee acknowledged that it experienced a high volume of
applications combined with high levels of transactions and concurrent
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requests, which led to abnormally high traffic levels which caused a
degradation in system performance. However, the University’s vision for
ICT systems is to make myUnisa less dependent on the student system for
teaching functions and locate myUnisa on a scalable platform that can
respond to varying levels of demand without the constraints and limitation
of the current infrastructure environment.
4.10.1.8 The Committee noted the concerns raised by the University
stakeholders about its relationship with PURCO. The University indicated
that PURCO members included all South African universities including
TVET colleges. PURCO also focused on providing maximum benefits for
its members through collaborative purchasing and professional support.
Moreover, the University’s engagement with PURCO formed a small part
of its supply chain management.
4.10.2. University of Pretoria
4.10.2.1 The Committee expressed a concern about the declining income
from investments as well as diminishing surplus at the University of Pretoria.
The University acknowledged that it was experiencing financial constraints
similar to other higher education institutions and this also contributed to the
freezing of administrative posts. Moreover, the University indicated that it
had financial reserves that could keep the University operations ongoing for a
period of one (1) year three months in case of emergency.
4.10.2.2 The University of Pretoria had a very good infrastructure
maintenance plan for its student residences and the overall infrastructure of
the University. The University’s infrastructure was found to be in a very
good condition and well maintained. The Committee expressed a view that
other historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs) could learn from the
University’s management and maintenance of infrastructure.
4.10.2.3 The Committee was concerned about the disconnect between
middle and the executive management.
4.10.2.4 The Committee noted a request from students for social housing.
The students indicated that the City of Tshwane introduced affordable
housing for poor people and that can be done for students.
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4.10.2.5 The Committee expressed a concern about the alleged exclusive
residences at the University. In its written response to the Committee, the
University indicated that it was committed to transformation and was
against all forms of discrimination. While the numbers for 2018 had not
been finalised, 67.86 percent of students who had already been admitted to
residences were black and 56 percent were undergraduates and 97 percent
postgraduates. However, the percentages varied per campus.
4.10.3 University of Johannesburg
4.10.3.1 The Committee expressed a concern pertaining to the request by
students at the University of Johannesburg for the institution to apply for a
liquor licence at one of the male residence since universities are spaces for
teaching and learning. The University in its written response to the
Committee indicated that its student centres had service providers licensed
to sell alcohol to students within specific times, especially on Fridays
(14:00 – 22:00) and Saturdays (10:00 – 13:00).
4.10.3.2 The Committee enquired about widespread media reports pertaining
the siphoning of R25 million from the University of Johannesburg (UJ)
accounts and this happened over a period of three years. The University
indicated that the corruption scandal involved the DVC for Finance,
Chairperson of Convocation who did business without declaring his interests
and the Chairperson of Council. The fraudulent activities happened in the
commercialisation space of the University. The University had established
Photovoltaic Technology Intellectual Property (PTiP), a Stellenbosch based
company with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to develop solar
panels. An additional company was established and its directors were UJ
managers who channeled money from the UJ company to their own
company. The University undertook a forensic investigation into the matter
and the report was concluded. The Chairperson of Council subsequently
resigned and the DVC for Finance was dismissed. The University was in the
process of laying criminal charges against the individuals and aimed at
recouping some of the money lost by the institution.
4.10.3.3 The Committee was concerned about the internal control systems
of the institution which could not detect the fraudulent activities which took
place over a period of three years. The Committee enquired about the
strengthening of the internal controls and the recouping of the money. The
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University undertook to improve its internal control systems to prevent this
incident from recurring. One of the measures to strengthen internal control
was to have annual reports of commercialisation tabled to Council. The
Committee requested that progress reports on the investigations and
disciplinary outcomes to be forwarded to Parliament.
4.10.3.4 The Committee expressed a concern about the delays in the
completion of the renovation of residences and the safety of students during
the renovation process. The University indicated that the maintenance work
took longer than scheduled, however, the contractor undertook to complete
the outstanding work in a week’s time.
4.10.3.5 The Committee noted a plea by the University to have a national
tracking system which would trace mobility of learners from the primary to
post-school education and training and to the world of work. The envisaged
system would provide relevant and reliable information for planning and
policy frameworks.
4.10.3.6. The Committee was concerned about low admission numbers of
students with NC(V) and Report 191 qualifications.
4.10.3.7 The allegations of irregularities in the remuneration of staff at
similar job level was noted as a concern by the Committee. The University
in its written response to the Committee indicated that the remuneration
policy of the institution ensured fair and equitable remuneration practices.
Moreover, individual remuneration was also affected by the years of service
that the employee had, the skills set that the employee brought to the
position and the knowledge (qualification) of the employee.
5. Summary
In summary, the 2018 academic year has commenced smoothly at the
institutions visited by the Committee except for the disruptions at UNISA as
a result of industrial action which lasted for eight (8) days. In so far as the
2018 registration process is concerned, the Committee commended the
institutions for the systems in place to register the first-time entering and
returning students including walk-ins for the 2018 academic year. However,
UNISA was the only institution that experienced difficulties with the 2018
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registration process due to its ICT systems which was unable to
accommodate the high volumes of applications. The Committee was also
pleased that over 80 percent of the new applicants at the institutions visited
was done through online registration, and there were no reported cases of
stampedes or fatalities during the registration period.
Notwithstanding the important role that NSFAS plays in offering access to
higher education for academically deserving poor students, the Committee
received complaints from the student representative councils (SRCs)
regarding the roll-out of NSFAS student-centred model. The complaints
were related to the delays by NSFAS in the payment of allowances to
eligible students and the impact this had on teaching and learning.
Moreover, the students expressed their frustrations about the poor
communication between NSFAS and the institutions which created
confusion. The Committee expressed the view that NSFAS should work
closely with the institutions to resolve the systemic challenges so that
institutions can be paid all the outstanding claims to prevent academic
exclusions of academically deserving students.
In so far as student accommodation is concerned, the Committee found that
the provision of student accommodation far exceeded the supply, with just
under 30 percent of the full time contact students enrolled at UJ and UP
housed in the university’s student accommodation or residences. Moreover,
the students at UNISA also demanded the University to make provision for
student accommodation given the high number of undergraduate students
who register at the institution. Meanwhile, UNISA was adamant that it is a
distance learning institution which predominantly offers courses/
programmes that are available online and there is no need to make provision
for student housing.
In relation to the overall student performance, the undergraduate success
rate of students was averaging above 80 percent, which is the national norm
for higher education. However, the completion of undergraduate
programmes within the minimum time (3 years) still remains a major
concern for universities. Moreover, the dropout rate of undergraduate
students also remains a challenge. It is apparent that whilst many students
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are passing their programmes, the number of those completing on time
remains low. The Committee expressed a view that universities should
improve their student support services to minimise the bottlenecks within
the system.
6. Recommendations
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training having
conducted an oversight visit to the University of South Africa (UNISA),
University of Pretoria (UP) and University of Johannesburg (UJ),
recommends that the Minister of Higher Education and Training consider
the following:
6.1 Registration 2018
6.1.1 Notwithstanding the successful 2018 registration process at UP and
UJ, the Committee was concerned about the long queues of students that
were awaiting to register at UNISA due to the failure of the online
registration system to cater for the high volumes of new applicants and the
impact of the industrial action. The Committee recommends that UNISA
resolve the ICT related challenges to enable more eligible students to
register for the 2018 academic year.
6.2 Roll out of the NSFAS student-centred model
6.2.1 The Committee received complaints pertaining the roll-out of NSFAS
student-centred model. The complaints were related to the delays by
NSFAS in the payment of allowances due to eligible students. The
Committee recommends that the information technology (IT) systems of
universities should be integrated with NSFAS IT systems. Moreover,
NSFAS should improve its capacity so that it can speedily resolve student
queries.
6.2.2 NSFAS should develop clear guidelines pertaining the roll out of the
student centred model and communicate more effectively with the
institutions to prevent confusion. Moreover, the universities should embark
on an advocacy campaign to promote the importance of signing loan
agreement forms and schedule of particulars (LAFSOP) by students so that
their claims can be processed timeously.
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6.3 Academic performance
6.3.1 The low throughput rate of students in undergraduate programmes and
the high dropout rate remains a challenge in higher education. The
Committee recommends that universities enhance their student support
systems to improve the retention and throughput rates of undergraduate
students.
6.4 Student housing
6.4.1 The shortage of decent, accessible, affordable and safe student
accommodation remains a challenge in higher education. The Committee
will confer with the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements to discuss a
way forward in the provision of student housing in higher education.
6.5 Transformation
6.5.1 The Committee noted the progress that has been made in transforming
the student body at UP and UJ. Notwithstanding the high number of black
African students at these institutions, the number of black academics
remains a concern. The Committee recommends that more support be given
to develop and retain young and emerging black academics.
6.6 Other recommendations
6.6.1 Establishment of a national bargaining forum for higher education:
The Committee noted the proposal by the unions for the establishment of a
bargaining forum for higher education. The Committee will confer with the
Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration to find a way
forward on this matter.
6.6.2 Allegations of mismanagement and corruption: There were reported
cases of mismanagement and corruption at UNISA and UJ. The Committee
recommends that the institutions continuously submit updated reports on the
developments with the investigations pertaining to corruption and
mismanagement.
6.6.3 The Committee continues to do oversight over UNISA and the
University should brief the Committee on progress made in implementing
the Committee’s oversight visit recommendations.
Report to be considered.
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2. REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING ON ITS OVERSIGHT VISIT TO THE EASTERN CAPE, DATED 14 MARCH 2018
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training having
conducted an oversight visit to the post-school education and training
institutions in the Eastern Cape on 23 – 26 January 2018, reports as follows.
1. Delegation list
1.1 Members of the Committee
Hon D Kekana (ANC), Hon R Mavunda (ANC), Hon S Mchunu (ANC),
Hon C September: Chairperson (ANC), Hon M Wolmarans (ANC), Hon B
Bozzoli (DA) and Hon H Bucwa (DA).
1.2 Support staff
Mr A Kabingesi: Committee Secretary, Ms M Modiba: Content Adviser, Mr
L Ben: Committee Assistant and Ms F Lombard: Parliamentary
Communications Officer.
2. Introduction and background
In pursuance of its constitutional oversight obligation, the Committee
undertook an oversight visit to the Walter Sisulu University (WSU), King
Sabatha Dalindyebo Technical and Vocational Education and Training
(TVET) college, University of Fort Hare (UFH) and Buffalo City TVET
college.
The objectives of the oversight visit were to:
• Assess the 2018 registration process;
• Assess the preparedness of the institutions in implementing the 2018
academic programmes;
• Assess the 2017 overall academic performance of students; and
• Undertake site visits to infrastructure projects, student
accommodation and registration facilities.
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In addition to the afore-mentioned objectives of the oversight visit, the
Committee engaged with the relevant stakeholders of each institution which
included: student representative council; labour unions and council.
3. Site visits and summary of the presentations
3.1. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
3.1.1. Site visits
(a) Zamukulungisa Campus
(i) Great Hall
The Zamukulungisa Campus is one of the three teaching sites of the
University situated in Mthatha, which specialises in education and
commerce related programmes. The campus used to be the former Transkei
College of Education and it has 3 000 students registered in education and
commerce programmes.
The Committee visited the Great hall where the registration of first-time
entering and returning students took place. The campus-based registration
process for first time entering students commenced on 22 January 2018, and
registration for returning students was planned to commence on the of
29 January 2018. The University indicated that the registration process was
running smoothly with no major hiccups or overcrowding.
The hall was used as a one-stop shop where there were different units
providing services to students. The stations included: academic unit, which
provided guidance on module selection; NSFAS and financial assistance
and clearance; registration unit; student housing allocation unit and student
card issuance unit.
(ii) Block M Student Residence
The Committee undertook a site visit to the Block M student residence. The
Committee was informed that overcrowding and insufficient beds remained
a serious challenge at this residence. The Zamukulungisa Campus had a
total of 720 beds for 3 000 students. The Committee observed that there was
maintenance work that had not been completed at this residence.
Management indicated that the maintenance work was undertaken only
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when students were on vacation and it was difficult to get contractors to
work during the December holidays. However, the maintenance work would
be completed before students return for the 2018 academic year. The
Committee was also informed about the huge maintenance backlog at the
University and insufficient funding to address the challenges.
(b) Nelson Mandela Drive Campus
(i) Great Hall
At the Nelson Mandela Drive Campus, the Committee started the site visit
with the Great Hall, where registration of the first entering students was
underway. All the units were present in the Hall so that students could
complete registration process and be issued with student cards and
accommodation. The University informed the Committee that there were
many enquiries on the week of the 15th January 2018. The University also
noted that its online registration system was piloted in 2015 and it would be
fully implemented in the 2019 academic year.
(ii) Lecture rooms
The Committee visited the lecture rooms and observed that they were not in
a good state, and needed major refurbishments. The University reported that
the architecture of the buildings was poorly designed. The furniture in some
of the lecture rooms was worn out and broken, and the roofs were leaking.
The observation of the Committee was that the learning conditions of
students at these lecture rooms seemed to be sub-standard.
The University indicated that it had a maintenance backlog estimated at
R3.4 billion based on the 2014 estimations. The deteriorating infrastructure
contributed to the de-accreditation of some of the institutions key academic
deliveries such as the Bachelor of Social Work and the Bachelor of Law
(LLB) programme. The University also reported theft of overhead
projectors from the lecture halls as a major concern.
(iii) Decant Residence
The Decant Residence was one of the latest student residence to be built at
the NMD campus, established in 2015. The estimated costs to build the
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residence amounted to R50 million and it had a capacity of 240 beds. The
facilities at this residence were new, however, they were not properly
maintained and were deteriorating at a faster rate. Fumigation was only
implemented once a year and the building had lots of cockroaches and
spiders. The University also reported lack of student recreational facilities at
the Campus. There was only one tennis court and a stadium to cater for
9 000 students. The tennis court was not properly maintained.
(iv) Iphulo Residence
The Committee was shocked to discover that the residence had occupants
who allocated themselves rooms without the knowledge of the residence
manager. The Committee was informed that most of the occupants were
illegal and included mostly prospective students who were in the process of
applying for admission for the 2018 academic year. The majority of the
occupants were squatting in single rooms and up to three occupants shared a
single room. Some of the occupants who interacted with members of the
Committee indicated that they came from very far places in the Eastern
Cape and could not afford to go back home without receiving a feedback
about their admission status.
The Committee observed that there was no access control at the residence
and this compounded the overcrowding situation at the residence.
The Committee discovered that the residence was in a very bad state which
was not conducive for living and learning. The rooms were dirty with
broken furniture, windows and door handles. There was no security at the
residence and this resulted in many illegal activities such as, drinking and
smoking of dagga within the residence premises. Some of the illegal
occupants operated tuck shops inside the residence without the approval of
the institution. It seemed that management was not aware about the presence
of unregistered students and the extent of squatting in the residence rooms.
(v) Faculty of Health Sciences Building
The Faculty of Health Sciences building was a state of the art building
which was recently completed in the 2017 academic year. The building was
conveniently located next to the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital which
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made it easier for medical students to access their practical lessons. The
building also hosted the meeting of the Portfolio Committee with
management and other stakeholders of the University. The Committee was
impressed about the state of the building and its modern facilities.
3.1.2. Student Representative Council
The SRC welcomed the opportunity to present to the Portfolio Committee the
challenges that were affecting students at the University. The presentation
mainly highlighted the challenges of students with regard to: 2018
registration; student accommodation, infrastructure and student funding.
The SRC expressed a concern about the delays associated with the 2018
registration process at University. The SRC indicated that the University had
available spaces for 7 300 first time entering students. However, as at
23 January 2018, there were 4 700 new students registered, and the
University was not providing updates to the new applicants on the status of
their applications. Compounding the situation was that management informed
the returning students that they had to pay 25 percent of their debt before they
could be allowed to register. The SRC was concern about this directive since
the majority of the students at the University came from very poor family
households and were not in a position to pay their outstanding debts.
In relation to infrastructure and student housing, the SRC was extremely
concerned about the state of student residences and other facilities
especially at the Nelson Mandela Drive Campus. The SRC indicated that
some of the student residences were hazardous and not meeting the DHET
minimum norms and standards for student housing. Moreover, the safety
and security of students at the NMD student residences was compromised
due to the absence of access control. The SRC expressed a concern about
the increase in student deaths at the University’s residences owing to
violence and poor security. Management also terminated the security
contract at the end of November 2017 and there was no clarity about the
procurement of new security services for the 2018 academic year. The SRC
indicated that it was not consulted by management on procurement of the
University’s security services. The SRC also reported the lack of
recreational facilities, dining halls as well as health services facilities for
students.
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With regard to student funding, the SRC was extremely concerned about the
delays by NSFAS in paying allowances due to students. The SRC indicated
that the students who had claims that had not been paid by NSFAS were not
allowed to register for the 2018 academic year. Moreover, the
implementation of the new student-centred model had created lots of
frustration amongst the students. Some of the students did not sign the loan
agreement forms and schedule of particulars (LAFSOP) since they did not
receive the communication or sms. Some students had unpaid claims from
2016 and were not assisted by NSFAS for two consecutive academic years.
The SRC also reported that claims for the historic debt for some students
who have signed debt acknowledgement forms have not been paid.
3.1.3 Labour Unions: The National Education and Health Allied
Workers Union (NEHAWU) and the National Tertiary Education
Educators Union (NTEU)
Lack of or poor communication: The unions indicated that there was poor
communication between management and the stakeholders at the
University. The University was experiencing student protests on two
campuses, however, the unions were not informed about the students’
complaints. The unions were only invited for engagement with management
when the student protests were out of control, and by that time, most of the
staff members would be out of reach.
The unions indicated that the mode of communication used by management
to staff during strikes was emails only, and most of the staff members did
not have access to emails when they were outside of campus precincts. The
utilisation of bulk SMS services to communicate with staff members had
been suggested by the unions to management; however, it was never
implemented. Management had also failed to meet with the unions on
several occasions to engage on important matters that affect staff members.
Quality issues: The unions indicated that the conditions of the lecture halls
at the University were extremely bad (lack of air-conditioners, broken
chairs, no plugs, inadequate lighting, and leaking roofs) and not conducive
to effective teaching and learning and compromised the quality of
education. This also contributed to the de-accreditation of the Bachelor of
Social Work and LLB programmes, and may cost the University more of its
programmes in the future.
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Lack of transparency and accountability: The unions said that
management failed to adhere to some of its policies with regard to the
remuneration of the executive management and the consultation process
regarding policy development was inconsistent. Management also failed to
report timeously to the University community on progress of projects
undertaken which were funded by the DHET.
Inefficiency of the senior management: The unions indicated that some of
the members of the senior management were not decisive on critical matters
which required urgent decision-making, thus causing matters that could
have been contained at campus level to escalate, and at times taken to the
Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
Non-finalisation of the harmonisation process: The unions indicated that
workers at the University still have different conditions of service that were
inherited from the merger process in 2005. The harmonisation of conditions
of service process had been very slow.
Lack of academic organogram: It was reported that the University did not
have an academic organogram and staff members were offered voluntary
severance packages before the structure could be developed and
implemented.
3.1.4. Management
Prof R Midgley: Vice-Chancellor made the presentation. The VC gave a
brief background of WSU and indicated that the University of Transkei,
Border Technikon and Eastern Cape Technikon merged in June 2005 to
establish the Walter Sisulu University. WSU had four campuses located in
Queenstown, Buffalo City, Butterworth and Mthatha and the area covered
1 000 Kilometre radius in four district municipalities.
In so far as the student population is concerned, the VC said that the
University had a student population of 30 791 students across all the four
campuses with 2 500 employees (1 500 permanent) in 2017. The total
student population was made up of 17 212 female students and 13 290
males. In relation to finances, the VC indicated that the University had an
operating budget of R1.7 billion and R685 million of the total budget was
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allocated from government subsidy and R568 million was from student fees.
The University produced 4 800 graduates in 2015 and this increased to
5 801 graduates in 2017.
With regard to the 2018 student registration/enrolment, the VC indicated
that the total enrolment target for the 2018 first-time entering students was
7 300. However, the University received 43 471 applications for 2018,
including walk-ins. The registration at the University was undertaken at
seven venues on four campuses. The returning students and postgraduates
registered online whilst the first-time entering undergraduate students would
register manually. The VC said that the planning for the 2018 registration
process was a success.
In relation to student accommodation, the VC said that the national norms
for a rural based University was 30 percent of the student population being
placed in student residences. However, the University’s target was to have
60 percent of its student population in residences, although the ideal target
was 80 percent. Moreover, the construction of two new residences in
Mthatha and Butterworth for approximately 250 additional beds will
commence in 2018. The procurement of private residences went through the
accreditation process with the SRC being involved in site inspections.
With regard to infrastructure, the VC indicated that the total institutional
budget for repairs and maintenance in 2017 amounted to R13.8 million.
This represented 0.27 percent of the 2013 built cost estimates and the
internationally accepted norm for keeping buildings in good order is
1.8 percent. The University had assets worth an estimated R5 billion as per
assessment done in 2013.
The VC indicated that the key challenges of the University included but not
limited to: poor student living and learning conditions; shortage of up to
18 000 beds which resulted in massive overcrowding; large maintenance
backlog; poor recreational facilities; inadequate safety and security of
students and staff; violent student protests; divisional management model;
poor performance management; transforming the institutional culture and
reputational damage; de-accreditation of the Bachelor of Social Work
(BSW) and Bachelor of Law (LLB) programmes; financial sustainability
and administrative stability.
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The VC emphasised that the University had an important role to contribute
to society and some of its key successes included: good and stable council
with committed members; good relations with stakeholders and
improvement in staff morale; some strong academic programmes;
improvements in pass rates; improving research culture; strong community
engagements programmes; introduction of online registration in 2018;
infrastructure developments and expansion of the Queenstown Campus.
3.2. King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) TVET College
3.2.1. Site visits
(i) Utility Hall
The Committee visited the Utility hall where the registration of students was
undertaken. The registration process included; capturing of student data,
issuance of student cards and allocation of financial assistance. The college
reported that the 2018 registration process would be closed on 26 January
2018. However, the college was experiencing a challenge whereby students
who were rejected at Walter Sisulu University would come to register at the
college after closure of the registration date. Similarly, other students that
were already registered at the college would immediately leave the college
once they get confirmation of acceptance at WSU.
The college reported that it utilised its admission criteria for admission of
students into various academic programmes and classes had already started
on 15 January 2018 for other programmes. The college indicated that it
experienced a challenge whereby students who passed Grade 12 would
enroll for National Certificate Vocational NC(V), and later on change to
enroll for Report 191 programmes due to lack of career guidance. This
contributed to high dropout rate in the NC(V) Level 2 programmes.
(ii) Workshops
The Committee visited the workshops to assess their state in providing
practical experience to students. During the time of the visit, the National
Skills Fund (NSF) funded apprenticeship programme was underway. The
college reported that the apprenticeship programme enrolled 90 learners
who had completed their NC(V) and Report 191 programmes in plumbing,
bricklaying, engineering and carpentry. The learners were enrolled for a
period of 36 months and would be trained as artisans in various trades.
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The college indicated that it collaborated with various Sector Education and
Training Authorities (SETAs) who were providing guidelines for the
training programmes. The Manufacturing, Engineering and Other Services
SETA (MERSETA) was providing guidelines and modules for the training
of motor mechanics and electricians. The Construction SETA was used in
the civil engineering training programme.
The college indicated that the training programme offered six months of
theoretical training and the other part involved practical training and
workplace exposure. The six months theoretical training involved basic
workshop behaviour, health and safety rules and other theory-related
programmes. Towards the end of the programme, learners were offered pre-
trade test by the college so that they could be ready for trade test
assessment. The college aimed to assist all the 90 learners/apprentices to
become qualified artisans.
The college indicated that it had partnerships with various companies within
the OR Tambo District for student work placement. However, it
experienced a challenge in placing learners into workplaces due to the
limited presence of industry in the Mthatha area. The students that were
placed into workplaces were offered practical work exposure in various
trades. There were many RDP houses that were being built in the OR
Tambo district, and some of the learners were conducting their practical
learning at these sites. The college also collaborated with AB350 bus
company for learners to be exposed to motor mechanics.
(iii) Electrical workshop
The Committee visited the electrical workshop where the practical training
of NC(V) and Report 191 electrical engineering students was undertaken.
The workshop had the latest electrical equipment that was donated by
Eskom. The college was able to train eight (8) of its lecturers at the
workshop to become qualified artisans.
(iv) Carpentry workshop
The college indicated that the workshop was utilised for the training of
students enrolled in the carpentry programme. The learners were trained in
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making roof thrust, ceilings, tables and other carpentry work. The college
procured its timber for the practical training of learners from hardware
stores. The Committee advised the college management to explore working
with the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Working for Water project
to access timber from alien trees for practical training.
The college management informed the Committee about the challenges they
experience with electricity supply at the campus. The college bought a
generator, however, it was small and not able to supply power to all the
workshops and computers labs. The college was in the process of procuring
providers to install new generators. The Committee urged the college
management to explore the use of solar energy.
(v) Student residences
The Committee visited the “old boys” hostel which had 72 rooms. The
Committee was informed that most of the students had not been allocated
rooms for the 2018 academic year. However, the Committee discovered that
there were students who had occupied some rooms without proof of
registration.
The Committee also visited the new residence which had a capacity of
accommodating an additional 1000 students. The college reported that the
construction of the residences commenced in 2008. However, the
construction was interrupted by mismanagement of funds and non-payment
of service providers. The residence was unutilised until the National Skills
Fund (NSF) intervened in 2017 and allocated R60 million for
refurbishments. The refurbishments of the residence commenced in April
2017 and completion was expected by the end of April 2018. The new
residence had rooms that could take up to four (4) beds and there was a TV
room, ablution facilities and kitchenettes at each of the floor.
3.2.2. Student Representative Council
In relation to the 2018 registration process, the SRC expressed a concern
about the capping of enrolment numbers at the backdrop of the Presidential
announcement of fee free higher education for the poor and working class.
The SRC indicated that this frustrated many prospective students who
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wanted access to post-school education and training opportunities. Students
were concerned that management was not willing to explain how free
education for poor students would be implemented.
The SRC indicated that the challenges experienced by students at the
college included: inadequate industry at the OR Tambo District for work-
integrated learning and many exiting level students were frustrated by the
lack of employment opportunities; inadequate implementation of the code
of conduct by the college; delays by NSFAS in the payment of outstanding
allowances to students which contributed to high student drop-out and the
delays in the issuance of outstanding certificates which affects student
progression.
In relation to student accommodation, the SRC expressed a concern about
the monthly rental fee of R500 charged to students by the college since the
majority of them came from very poor family households which were
surviving on social grants. The SRC further stated that the student
residences were poorly maintained, although students paid monthly rental
fees. They proposed that the monthly rental fee be reduced to R400 due to
the poor standard of the residences.
3.2.3 Labour Unions
3.2.3.1. Public Service Association (PSA), National Parastatal and
Tertiary Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) and South African
Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU)
The three unions made a consolidated presentation. In relation to the 2018
registration, the unions were concerned about the poor applications system
used by the college for admission of students. The unions indicated that
the manual applications system was outdated and contributed to the
disappearance of application forms. Furthermore, it created more work for
staff who must later capture the student data into the system. The college
had inadequate storage for student files and the registration team was
under-staffed.
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With regard to the 2017 academic performance, the unions were concerned
about the delays in the release of results by the Department. The unions
indicated that they were not in a position to comment fully on the
performance of the college for the 2017 academic year as there were
supplementary exams and pending results that were not finalised. The
unions said that the leakage of examination papers caused frustrations,
especially on lecturers and students since it delayed the release of results.
The unions indicated that the challenges experienced by staff included:
insufficient classrooms, workshops, simulation rooms and furniture;
insufficient toner and printers; inadequate working tools for lecturers; lack
of electricity back-up system; shortage of parking for staff and lack of
provision of water when there is no water.
3.2.3.2 National Education and Health Allied Workers Union
(NEHAWU)
In relation to working condition, the union was concerned that the Mthatha
Campus lecture theatres had no electricity and lecturers were expected to
work under those abnormal conditions. Moreover, some of the lecturers did
not have laptops as well as desktop computers. However, they were required
to capture student marks and assessments.
The union said that the college experienced a challenge of inadequate
infrastructure. Some of the campuses were situated in rural areas and did not
have decent ablution facilities. At Ntabozuka Campus, the classrooms,
computer laboratories and staff rooms did not have air conditioners and this
affected teaching and learning.
With regard to staff shortage, the union said that there was a shortage of
general assistants and administrative personnel. Some of the employees
were doing work beyond their job description due to shortage of staff, and
when vacant positions were advertised, they were not shortlisted.
The union expressed a concern about the communication channels used by
the college management which were ineffective. The unions were not given
feedback on key strategic decisions taken by management. The employees
of the college were not aware about the strategic plan of the college.
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The union indicated that employees at the college experienced challenges
with their employment benefits since migration of colleges to the
Department of Higher Education and Training. Employees were concerned
about the delays in the finalization of their employment benefits by the
Department.
3.2.4. Management
The presentation was made by the college principal, Mr C Ndodana. The
Principal gave a brief background of the college by indicating that the KSD
TVET college was located in the OR District Municipality. The college was
strategically positioned to serve the most rural areas of the Eastern Cape,
covering three districts, namely: OR Tambo; Amathole and Chris Hani
District. The college served 28 percent of the Eastern Cape’s total
population. The college was constituted of the following campuses: Libode;
Mthatha; Mapuzi; Mngazi; Ngcobo; Ntabozuko and Zimbane. The KSD
TVET college was established through the merger of three former technical
colleges, namely: Mapuzi; Mthatha and Ngcobo in 2002. The central
administration offices of the college were situated at the Mthatha Campus.
In relation to infrastructure, the Principal indicated that the outlying college
campuses lacked adequate infrastructure facilities to provide quality
technical and vocational programmes to equip young people from these
areas to compete fairly in the job market. The Mthatha Campus had 152
students occupying its student residences and there were new hostels under
construction which would add an additional 1000 beds.
With regard to the 2017 student academic performance, the Principal
indicated that the overall college NC(V) pass rate was 76 percent and the
certification rate stood at 36 percent. For the Report 191 Business studies,
the progression rate was 74 percent and the certification rate was 47 percent.
For Report 191 Engineering N1-N3, the progression rate was 56 percent and
the certification rate was 36 percent. For Report 191 Engineering N4-N6,
the progression rate was 60 percent and the certification rate stood at
39 percent. The college’s overall NC(V) certification rate was 36 percent,
retention rate 87 percent, pass rate 75 percent and throughput rate
31 percent.
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In relation to finances, the Principal indicated that the college had been
receiving disclaimers since 2015 due to poor financial management.
However, for the 2017 financial year, the college received a qualified audit
opinion with findings. In this regard, management had taken some measures
to address the findings and to ensure that they do not recur. The college had
cash reserves which amounted to R7 million. However, the college
projected an overspending on compensation of employees’ persal budget.
The Principal indicated that the Department had deducted R944 000 from
the last tranche as a claw back on the projected deficit. In addition to the
persal deficit, the college had 19 vacant posts which cost at R6.4 million.
These posts could not be filled due to the 63 percent threshold on
compensation costs.
The Principal indicated that the provisional indicative allocation for 2017/18
from the Department amounted to R197 million (R113.4 million for
compensation of employees, R41.3 million college transfer and R42.572
million as 20 percent NSFAS bursaries) leaving a deficit of R45 million.
For the 2018 academic year, the college had a planned full-time equivalent
(FTEs) of 5 781 students, of which 4 691 FTEs were funded and 1 098
remained unfunded. As a result, the college decided to maintain the 2017
enrolment numbers in order to decrease the number of unfunded students
and the resultant deficit.
3.3. University of Fort Hare
3.3.1. Site visits
(i) Sport Complex
The University reported that the University’s Sport Complex was used as a
registration facility for the 2018 academic year. For the first time in 2018,
the University utilised an online registration system for students, which
made registration easier and more efficient. The Committee was informed
that approximately 300 students could register in just five (5) minutes.
However, there were other academic programmes that were not yet online,
and students were assisted to register manually for these programmes.
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The registration facility had various sections which included: residence
desk; international relations desk; financial aid desk (NSFAS and private
sponsors); printing of student cards, ICT to assist with IT related challenges
and Xerox printers support; basic computer literacy programme for first
year entering students; and Gender-Base Violence desk. The University
indicated that it had not experienced any challenges with the 2018
registration process. In dealing with walk-ins, the University reported that it
established its own clearing house system whereby walk-ins would register
and be put on the waiting list for available programmes. The University
received 42 000 applications for the 2018 academic year, and it could only
admit 2 404 new students. The University could only accept walk-ins in the
Faculty of Agriculture and Commerce.
(ii) Student Centre
The University indicated that the student centre was a central gathering
point for students where they could socialize and participate in other student
activities. The student centre housed the SRC offices, student societies, and
other facilities such as the tuck shop and bookstore.
(iii) Cricket South Africa (CSA) Centre of Excellence
The Committee was informed that the CSA Centre of Excellence was an
investment by CSA to develop and expand the talent in cricket and the
University was a chosen site to host the centre. The University indicated
that it did not incur any financial loss by hosting the centre and the
maintenance of the centre was the responsibility of CSA as well the staff
working in the centre. CSA planned to invest R15 million to make further
upgrades of the facility and add a conference and dining hall facility, and to
expand the fields. The students that were part of the CSA programme had
their own dedicated residences within the campus and others were enrolled
in the nearby institutions.
(iv) Water reservoir
The Committee was informed that the bulk water reservoir was a back-up
system used by the University to alleviate the challenge of water shortage in
Alice. The reservoir could assist the University with a backup water supply
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for up to 72 hours in case there was no water supply from the municipality.
The University invested R8.5 million into the bulk water reservoir project
because water shortages were experienced due to the expansion of
residential areas nearby the University and poor municipal water
infrastructure. The University indicated that the underground infrastructure
in the area remained a serious concern.
(v) Stag African Student Residence
The University indicated that the Stag African student housing project was
aimed at alleviating the shortage of student accommodation at the
University. The University aimed at constructing 17 student residence
blocks that could take up to 2 406 beds. Five (5) student blocks had already
been constructed and were in a very good state. The construction of the new
residences adhered to the Department of Higher Education and Training’s
Policy on the Minimum Norms and Standard for Student Housing. The
project was interrupted by challenges with the tender processes, which were
resolved by courts of law. However, the University reached an agreement
with Stag African to be a service provider to construct the remaining student
residences until the project was completed.
The residence was fitted with a biometric access control system to prevent
outsiders from entering the residence. The Committee was informed that
students were against the biometric system because they wanted to bring in
visitors overnight. Each residence block had a security and a resident
warden who provided additional security to the residences. The residences
were built with self-catering units since the University no longer provided
meals to students in residences.
(vi) Beda Residence
The Committee was informed that the Beda Residence was one of the oldest
residences at the University having been built in 1934. The Committee
interacted with some students at the residence and they indicated that they
were happy with the condition of the residence. The residence was fitted
with self-catering kitchen bays at each floor and students were encouraged
to keep the residence clean. Students were prohibited to cook in their rooms.
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(vii) Staff Centre
The Committee was informed that the staff centre was the central building
at the University and it was mainly used for hosting visitors, institutional
functions and also used as the Vice-Chancellor’s dining hall. The University
indicated that it experienced two weeks of intense student protests in 2017
and students vandalised and burnt the centre. The student protested for
various demands which included: delays in the payment of NSFAS
allowances; intermittent Wi-Fi connection, lack of water and other matters.
The students also burnt another building which stored surveillance
equipment. The University had submitted a claim of R5 million to the
insurance to reconstruct the building.
3.3.2. Student Representative Council
The SRC indicated that it had 25 members of which 10 were based at the
Alice Campus, 10 in East London and 5 (five) were institutional SRC
members. The term of the SRC began on 01 May 2017 and would end on 30
April 2018.
With regard to the 2018 registration, the SRC commended the efforts by
management in managing the registration process smoothly. Registration at
the University started on the 15 January 2018 and was still in progress. The
SRC was happy that all students were allowed to register without having to
pay the minimum initial payment and walk-ins were accepted. As at
24 January 2018, the SRC indicated that were 5 111 students registered at
the University, and students with historic debt were allowed to register and
signed the acknowledgment of debt form.
In relation to student accommodation, the SRC was concerned that the
University did not own any student residences in East London and some of
the residences were not meeting the norms and standards for student
housing as set by the Department. Moreover, the service rendered to
students living in East London student residences was inadequate. The SRC
indicated that the University had insufficient accommodation for the
number of students registered at the Alice Campus. This resulted in student
seeking alternative accommodation in the surrounding areas. The SRC was
hoping that the completion of the new student residences would alleviate the
challenge. Squatting was a serious concern at the Alice Campus owing to
the shortage of student accommodation.
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The SRC listed the following challenges of students at the University:
delays by NSFAS in paying student debts and allowances due to them;
burning of buildings during a student protest; late allocation of refund due to
students; reduction of water supply in Alice; inadequate security; inadequate
financial resources at the University and inadequate infrastructure.
3.3.3. Labour Unions
3.3.3.1 National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU)
NTEU indicated that it was officially launched on 1 September 2017 at the
University and it had a diverse membership which included a sizeable pool
of academics. The union had good relations with the SRC and the other
union of institution (NEHAWU).
The union indicated that it fully supported the implementation of fee-free
higher education for poor students. However, the lack of clarity at national
level on how free education would be funded was a concern for the union.
The union indicated that it raised concerns with the management about
students with historic debt who were also coming from family households
with a family income that was less than R350 000 per annum. The union
appreciated the sensible manner in which management and the SRC
managed the registration process for 2018. However, student
accommodation remained a serious concern at the University. The union
also encouraged management to allow walk-ins.
In relation to the state of the University, the union acknowledged that the
challenges at the University outweighed its successes. There was a lack of
urgency from management in addressing the challenges of the University.
The University had an unprofessional organizational culture whereby
workers came late to work with no accountability. The union also noted the
limited government funding and absence of third stream income continued
to disadvantage the University.
According to the union, the successes of the University included: recently
built collaborative library; new institutional leadership; improved graduate
output; iconic liberation credentials and the recently built student village;
new water reservoir. The challenges include: limited funding; no third
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stream income; ageing infrastructure; inadequate campus security;
leadership and governance weaknesses; lack of consequence management;
weak legal affairs; general lack of urgency and perceived lack of discipline.
The union proposed that: government should assist in funding insourcing;
biased funding model favouring historically disadvantaged institutions must
be pursued; the Portfolio Committee should consider pursuing enacting a
financial management legislation for universities; campus security should be
improved; land donation for the East London Campus should be pursued by
government to build a new student village for the University and there
should be a balanced treatment of unions since there was no majority union
at the University.
3.3.3.2 National Education and Health Allied Workers Union
(NEHAWU)
The presentation by NEHAWU focused mainly on the challenges faced by
the workers at the University. With regard to the relations with
management, the union indicated that its relationship with management was
complementary and confrontational. The union was represented in
institutional decision-making structures such as council, senate and
institutional forum (IF). The union was able to hold the university
management accountable and responsible for its decision and actions. It also
advocated for the promotion of culture of consultation and accountability on
issues that affect the University and workers.
According to the union, the challenges faced by the University included:
poor teaching and learning as well as research infrastructure facilities; lack
of will to investigate allegations of corruption and fraud within the
institution; lack of will to hold accountable all staff members; moratorium
on appointment of foreign nationals; prolonged bargaining meetings; lack of
accommodation for staff; absence of social facilities to support social life of
staff and absence of medical facilities.
In relation to the conditions of service, the union was concerned about the
lack of competitive salaries, which were not in line with the rest of other
universities. This affected staff morale as employees felt less rewarded for
their efforts. The bargaining processes at the University always delayed due
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to lack of capacity by management to manage the process. The performance
management system of the University was poorly managed and
implemented.
The union was concerned that the University implemented the cost to
company salary package system which was not a favourable option among
the employees as compared to basic salary plus benefits. The medical aid
options at the University were limited to two options, namely Bonitas and
Discovery Health. This limited the rights of employees to choose a medical
aid of their choice. The pension fund options at the University were limited
and did not make a separation between young academic employees who had
life ahead of them and old employees looking forward to retirement.
The union recommended that: government should assist with resources for
redress and capacitation; the relook at the policy and systems for funding
higher education, especially for former historically disadvantaged
institutions (HDIs) and the Department should approve some of the
scientific programmes/courses that would assist and attract more revenue
and student base for the University.
3.3.4. Management
Prof S Buhlungu expressed his gratitude to the Portfolio Committee for
visiting the University. He indicated that the University was in a much
better position as compared to the last time it met with the Portfolio
Committee due to the hard work and dedication that had been ongoing. In
relation to the presentation, the VC said that management had prepared the
presentation based on the Portfolio Committee’s correspondence.
In relation to student statistics, the VC indicated that the University had an
actual headcount enrolment of 15 442 students based on the July 2017
statistics with African students being an overwhelming majority at
96 percent. The majority of the student population was undergraduate
students at 11 721, followed by Masters students at 1 567. The University
had 789 PhD students, of which 425 were international students. The VC
was concerned that the number of South African students and female
students in the PhD programmes was low. In terms of gender distribution,
female students made up 55 percent of the total enrolments while male were
44 percent. The University’s overall success rate for 2016 was 83 percent.
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In relation to the 2018 registration, the VC said that the University received
42 000 applications for 2 444 available spaces for the first time entering
students. Registration at the University began on 15 January 2018 and was
progressing smoothly. In response to the Minister’s statement on free higher
education, the University had waived the upfront registration fee for all first
year students as they came from Quintiles 1 – 3 schools.
With regard to student accommodation, the VC emphasised the fact the
University was situated in a rural area with limited off-campus or alternative
accommodation. 56 percent of students at Alice Campus lived in student
residence and 49 percent at the East London Campus. The University
experienced a serious challenge of students squatting at residences due to
the limited alternative accommodation option in Alice. The University did
not own any of its residences in East London and this was costly.
The VC acknowledged that the safety and security of students was a major
concern at both the Alice and East London Campuses. In 2017, the
University had three (3) violence related deaths. The University did not
have adequate on-campus facilities and activities. As a result, students
sought entertainment in town, and this came at risk.
The VC gave a glimpse of the successes of the University which included:
construction of a R8 million bulk water reservoir; R7 million campus
fencing project in Alice; joint Research Chair with Stellenbosch University
in meat science; the establishment of a Health Sciences Faculty; 104 PhD
graduates in 2017; increased research output; mobile laboratories for
mathematics and science support to schools; memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with Nelson Mandela Institute, Walter Sisulu University and
Raymond Mhlaba Municipality.
The VC also listed challenges of the University which included: weak
management structures; history of underfunding; poor maintenance of
infrastructure; old habits and outdated policies; 90 percent of
undergraduates are on financial aid; turning East London into a proper
campus; large numbers of under-prepared students; risk of academic
breeding; confronting problem of publication in predatory journals;
ungovernability; poor vetting of employees; high vacancy rate and
difficulties in attracting and retaining academic staff; high student to
lecturer ration; irregular contracts and inadequate residence spaces.
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3.4. Buffalo City TVET College
3.4.1. Site visits
(i) Belgravia House Student Residence
The Committee was informed that the Belgravia House was a female
student residence which accommodated 300 students. The Committee was
taken to the residence’s rooms, kitchen and ablution facilities. The
Committee was informed that the residence met the DHET’s minimum
norms and standards for student housing. However, the Committee was
shocked by the unhygienic condition of the kitchen where students prepared
their meals. The kitchen’s stoves were dirty including its surroundings. The
Committee was concerned that the kitchen was not meeting the minimum
health standards. The Committee learnt that the majority of rooms had not
yet been allocated to students since registration was still in progress. The
residence required major refurbishments, however, the college did not have
funding for infrastructure refurbishments.
(ii) Gloucester House Student Residence
The Committee was informed that the Gloucester House was a male
residence which was 70 years in existence. The Committee observed that
the state of the residence was not good for living and learning. The
Committee was taken to the residence’ kitchen, and it was shocked to
observe that the plugs were broken and the kitchen was very small. The
Committee was also concerned about the health and safety of students at
this residence given the slow pace of maintenance or repair work on broken
electricity connections. The college indicated that it had attempted to raise
funding for maintenance of the residence without success. Furthermore,
legislation did not allow colleges to establish foundations similar to what
universities have.
The Committee learnt with shock to discover that one of the college’s
student residence (Mc Jannet) adjacent Gloucester House had to be shut
down due to the poor state of the building. A health and safety audit was
done on the building and college needed R40 million to refurbish it.
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3.4.2. Student Representative Council
The SRC began the presentation by expressing its gratitude to the Portfolio
Committee for visiting the college. In relation to academics, the SRC was
concerned that the programme offering in TVET colleges was not aligned to
the national skills demand. The SRC proposed for the establishment of
systems for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to be aligned to the
National Qualifications Framework (NQF). They advocated for the
crediting of subjects like Maths, English and Life Orientation for students
who enroll for the NC(V) programmes with grade 11 and 12 qualifications
because the NC(V) levels are equivalent of the schooling system grades.
The SRC also proposed the phasing out of some business studies
programmes which are not responding to the country’s skills needs and the
repositioning of the entire TVET sector to deliver a curriculum that is
responsive to the country’s needs.
In relation to infrastructure, the SRC indicated that the college lacked a
number of strategic facilities such as: additional classrooms; resource
centres; workshops and residences. The SRC proposed that the first trench
of the R50 billion from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) be
allocated for infrastructure development in the TVET sector as
recommended by the Heher Commission.
With regard to financial aid, the SRC welcomed the pronouncement of fee-
free higher education by the President since more students in the TVET
sector will qualify for financial assistance. However, the SRC was
concerned about the lack of support from Treasury on the implementation of
free education. The SRC was also concerned that the Minister of Higher
Education and Training did not invite the South African Further Education
and Training Students Association (SAFETSA) at the meeting with other
student bodies on 26 January 2018. They felt the Minister was deliberately
undermining the sector and they said they would respond to that.
In relation to governance, the SRC was concerned with inadequate financial
support from the college for its activities. The SRC had submitted a
programme of action with a budget estimate amounting to R1.3 million to
enhance the academic environment of the college. However, management
did not accept the request. They expressed a concern about the lack of
provision of SRC budget in the Continuing Education and Training Act.
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3.4.3. Labour Unions
3.4.3.1 South African Democratic Teacher Union (SADTU)
The union began the presentation by thanking the Portfolio Committee for
visiting the college and also allowing the unions to participate in its
meeting. The union indicated that the workers of the college had serious
challenges which remained unresolved and were negatively impacting on
the teaching and learning. The union was hopeful that the oversight visit of
the Portfolio Committee to the college would help to resolve some of the
issues that remained unresolved and bolster the culture of teaching and
learning.
The union expressed a concern about the widening salary gap in the
education sector. In support of this statement, the union indicated that the
salary structure of TVET colleges consisted of a single salary scale with 221
notches and an additional 1 percent annual pay progress based on
performance assessment. Furthermore, the salaries of TVET lecturers in
comparison with that of Agricultural and Nursing college lecturers had
shown unconditional wage gaps that were substantially larger, and the pay
progression of 1 percent awarded to college lecturers was below by
0.5 percent when compared with other public servant’s pay progression.
In relation to the challenges affecting workers at the college, the union
indicated that: the accuracy of the income differential analysis and audit
results (IDAAR) was concerning since it contained incorrect staff notches
and other discrepancies; the leakage of the IDAAR and other five
documents in May 2016 through email violated the employees’
confidentiality rights as their salaries were made public. The union also
expressed concerns about the merging of the human resource development,
wellness and labour relations under one manager.
3.4.3.2 National Education and Health Allied Workers Union
(NEHAWU) and Public Service Association (PSA)
The unions presented a consolidated presentation that highlighted mainly the
challenges of workers at the college. The unions raised concerns with regard
to: incorrect salary scales of workers; salary top-ups that were not corrected
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which also impacted on workers benefits; delays in the filling of vacant and
critical posts when an employee retires or resigns; HR delaying the
appointment processes; shortage of staff; vacant posts that were being filled
by external people; lack of support from the labour relations department
which mainly favoured management over employees; inconsistent
disciplinary measures and inadequate bursary allocation to employees.
The unions recommended that: general workers salary scales be rectified
and made consistent across the board; the college should advertise and fill
vacancies internally and place external adverts when a suitable candidate is
not available; employees should receive more support from the labour
relations department; the rotation policy should be drafted and approved and
employees who leaked confidential information be disciplined.
3.5. Management
The presentation was made by the Principal, Mr D Singh. The Principal
indicated that the BCC TVET college was established in 2002 as a result of
a merger between three colleges situated in the Greater East London area,
namely: East London College; border Technical College and John Knox
Bokwe Career College. The college had three campuses and one skills
centre which provides vocational and occupational training.
In providing an update on the 2018 registration, the Principal said that the
registration process commenced on 09-10 January 2018 for returning
students whilst the new students started to register on 11-12 January 2018.
The mop-up registration which accommodated learners on the waiting list
closed on 26 January 2018. In terms of enrolment numbers, the college had
2 232 students in the NC(V) programmes; 505 in Report 191 Business
Studies N4 - N6; 440 in Report 191 Engineering Studies N1 – N3; 1 320 in
Report 191 Business Studies (Part-Time) N4 - N6; and 325 in Skills and
Occupational programmes.
With regard to student success and certification rates, the Principal indicated
that the average certification rate for the NC(V) Level 2 - 4 was 36 percent
in 2017, which was lower than the national norm. The average Report 191
Business Studies certification rate was 71 percent, whilst the average
certification rate for Report 191 Engineering Studies was 43 percent. The
Principal reported about the outstanding certificates as follows: NCV L2 –
4: 415, N4 – N6 915, Diplomas: 173 and National Senior Certificate: 04.
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In relation to student housing, the Principal indicated that the college had a
total of 347 beds. The MC Jannet residence which had a total of 30 beds
was closed due to the poor state of the building. The Principal said that the
college did not have money to refurbish the residence.
The challenges of the college include: low certification rates; lack of
permanent CFO; lack of capacity in areas such as information technology,
procurement, legal and infrastructure; administration of NSFAS bursaries
and delays in the payment of allowances; lost teaching and learning time;
inadequate funding from the DHET; limited decision making authority/
autonomy; difficulties in forming partnerships with public and private
institutions and curriculum not aligned to industry needs.
4. Observations
The Committee conducted an oversight visit to assess the following:
• implementation of the fee-free higher education policy by
universities and TVET Colleges;
• the 2018 academic year admissions and registration processes;
• the administration of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme;
• student performance in the 2017 academic year; and
• capacity of the institutions in terms of infrastructure, in particular,
student accommodation and teaching and learning facilities.
The following formed part of the Committee’s key findings:
4.1. General findings:
4.1.1. Implementation of fee-free higher education policy
• The University stakeholders welcomed the announcement of the new
policy on fee-free education for the poor and working class.
However, the SRCs expressed concerns at the lack of clarity on how
the policy is to be implemented by government.
• Students also expressed a concern about the confusion around the
historic debt of NSFAS beneficiaries because government has not
provided clarity on when funding will be made available to cater for
the debt from 2016. At Walter Sisulu University, the Committee was
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informed that students were required to pay 25 percent of their total
debt before they could register, which contradicted a resolution
taken by the Department and university Registrars to allow students
to sign a debt acknowledgement form and be registered. At Buffalo
City TVET College, students were concerned that the pronounce-
ment of the policy on fee-free higher education was not enjoying any
financial endorsement by the National Treasury. They also noted
that a circular from the Department of Higher Education and
Training, dated 16 January 2018 urging the Colleges to consider
resource constraints in their enrolment process.
• The Committee noted a concern raised by students at all the
institutions that though government has pronounced on fee-free
higher education, institutions were stuck on the enrolment plans,
which did not provide a room to increase enrolment numbers, given
that the majority of students from the poor and working class
households now qualify to study. Students recommended a review of
the enrolment plans of the institutions.
4.1.2. Admissions and registration processes
• The Committee noted that systems were put in place to strengthen
the admission and registration processes so as to cater for the walk-
ins and students who did not apply for NSFAS funding in 2017. The
institutions used the halls to accommodate all the services required
by students during the registration process so as to ensure that the
process was smooth.
• Walter Sisulu University reported on protest incidents that took
place at the Butterworth and East London campuses, but
management was able to resolve the issues with SRCs of the
respective campuses.
• The Committee was concerned that the University of Fort Hare did
not meet its target in the admission of first-time entering students
despite the increased number of learners who passed Matric in the
Eastern Cape province. The Committee noted that financial need is
no longer a barrier to accessing expensive universities owing to the
new policy on fee-free higher education. This might have
contributed to the drop in enrolments at the University of Fort Hare.
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4.1.3. Administration of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme
• The Committee noted reports by universities and TVET Colleges
that NSFAS continued to be a major cause of instability at the
campuses.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the reported NSFAS
outstanding payments owed to universities and TVET Colleges for
the 2017 academic year. For the 2017 academic year, NSFAS could
not allocate R800 million out of the R2 billion allocation for TVET
college bursary funding.
• The delay in the payment of the upfront payment to institutions was
noted as a serious concern. However, NSFAS made an undertaking
to pay the upfront funding by the 26 January 2018.
• The delays by NSFAS in paying outstanding claims due to students
at Walter Sisulu University remained a serious concern. Some
students were owed outstanding claims as far back as 2016. The
Committee was extremely concerned about the blame shift between
NSFAS and the University about this matter. The problem seemed to
be the frequent change of regulations by NSFAS in the new student-
centred model. The University in its written response to the
Committee indicated that it was owed R105 million in outstanding
claims by NSFAS and could not determine the figures for 2018 since
registration was still underway.
• The University of Fort Hare in its written response to the Committee
indicated that it was owed R184 million by NSFAS in outstanding
claims for 2017 as at 6 February 2018.
• The KSD TVET college in its written response to the Committee
indicated that NSFAS paid the R6 million that was owed for 2017.
• The BC TVET college in its written response to the Committee
indicated that an amount of R1.4 million had still not been paid in
respect of 2016 and the matter had been followed up with NSFAS on
a regular basis, and all information requested by NSFAS had been
submitted. For the 2017 academic year, a claim of R1.9 million had
not been paid by NSFAS.
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4.1.4. Infrastructure
• Inadequate infrastructure, in particular, teaching and learning
facilities and student accommodation was seriously concerning.
Lack of private accommodation closer to the rural institutions
exacerbated the challenge.
• The Committee was concerned about reports of the overcrowded
lecture halls at Walter Sisulu University, where some students were
forced to stand outside the halls while lectures were offered.
• Lack of maintenance of the existing infrastructure at some
institutions like Walter Sisulu University, King Sabatha Dalindyebo
and Buffalo City TVET Colleges was noted as a serious concern.
The Committee was concerned that the TVET sector did not receive
infrastructure efficiency grant to expand or maintain.
• The Committee noted a concern expressed by Walter Sisulu
University about water shortages at Butterworth Campus and Fort
Hare University Alice Campus. This has forced these institutions to
direct funding towards installing reservoirs and tanks to address the
challenge.
4.1.5. Students’ academic performance in the 2017 academic year
• One of the Committee’s objective was to assess the students’
academic performance for the 2017 academic year, the Committee
noted that graduate numbers at Walter Sisulu University increased
from 5 027 in 2016 to 5 735 in 2017. The success rate in the 2016
academic year was 80 percent. The overall success rate at the
University of Fort Hare student success rate was 83 percent in the
2016 academic year.
• For the TVET colleges: King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET college’s
overall success rate in NC(V) programme was 76 percent and
36 percent certification. For Report 191 programmes, the overall
progression rate was 74 percent and certification was at
47 percent. Success rate at Buffalo City TVET college, the
certification rate in the NC(V) programmes was 36 percent in
2017, while the certification rate in Report 191 Business Studies
was 71 percent and 43 percent in the Engineering Studies. Of
concern to note was the lower certification rate in the NC(V)
programmes at both the colleges.
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4.2. Specific findings per institution
4.2.1. Walter Sisulu University
• The University experienced a serious challenge of decaying
infrastructure, especially at the Nelson Mandela Drive Campus. The
poor maintenance of the University’s facilities compounded the
situation. The state of some of the University’s student residences
was shocking and students lived in uninhabitable conditions. The
University faced a risk of losing more buildings if management did
not develop a clear plan on how to restore its dilapidating
infrastructure. The Committee was also shocked to learn that the
infrastructure maintenance backlog of the University amounted to
R3.4 billion based on 2014 estimates.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the poor residence
management system at the University. Management did not have
proper mechanisms in place to control overcrowding and access
control to the residences. Management also seemed shocked like the
Committee about the extent of illegal activities at some of the
residences, in particular the Iphulo residence. The situation at this
residence seemed to be out of control and it was not a place to live
and learn. The University submitted a response to the Committee
after the oversight visit which indicated that the illegal occupants
had since been evicted and registered students were allocated the
rooms at this residence. The spaza shop was also closed.
• The overall poor maintenance of the University, especially the NMD
campus was shocking. Both the students and management seemed to
be complacent about the poor state of the NMD campus. It seemed
that students did not take pride in keeping their residences in good
condition.
• The Committee expressed a concern with what seemed to be a lack
of responsibility from the SRC in communicating with the student
body to prevent vandalism of the University’s infrastructure. Some
of the University’s buildings had been badly vandalised during the
student protests.
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• The Committee was shocked to learn that management seemed to
accept the lawlessness at some of the University’s residences.
Management also feared to introduce effective security measures at
some residences without the buy-in of the SRC and students.
Management feared that if they were to remove the squatting
students, the students might burn the buildings. Of great concern was
the reported plan by the University to legalise squatting, which
would worsen the squalor living conditions.
• The Committee was extremely concerned about poor safety and
security at the NMD Campus as well as the seven murders of
students within the university precincts. The University indicated
that the issue of safety and security had been tabled and considered
at the last meeting of the Institutional Management Committee.
Moreover, various intervention plans and task team had been
established to address the issue and a comprehensive plan on the
intervention strategy was being finalised.
• The absence of the SRC and the unions in some of the institution’s
key decision-making structures was a concern. The structural design
of the institution seemed to be the cause of disagreement among the
University’s stakeholders. The Committee observed that there was a
competition for resources among the four campuses of the
University. This delayed the progress and growth of some of the
smaller and more viable campuses, such as the Queenstown campus
which received 125 hectares of land for expansion. However, there
were no funds available to develop the campus.
• The divisional model of management which seemed not to be
functioning properly was noted with serious concern.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the delays in the
harmonisation of conditions of service of employees in the different
campuses of the University. Since the merger of the University in
2005, employees still had their old employment benefits and this
created discontent amongst the employees. The University indicated
that a consultant was appointed to assist with this process and a new
HR Director had been employed to steer the process. Moreover, the
matter was also tabled as an item on the agenda of the Joint
Bargaining Forum.
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• The Committee expressed a concern about the polarized relations
between management and the University stakeholders. The
stakeholders indicated that management was autocratic in resolving
the matters that affect workers and students.
• The University had pockets of excellence in some fields of study
such as fine arts, medicine and accounting programmes. The
University was also the third biggest employer in the Eastern Cape
with an estimated budget of R1.7 billion.
• In relation to the erroneous payment of R14 million into a student
account in June 2017, the University indicated that it received the
forensic report from Intellimali and the report said nothing. The
report could not identify the source of erroneous payment and the
DHET had conducted its own investigation that would be released in
February 2018. The implicated student failed half of her modules in
2017 and the University was not ready to institute a disciplinary
hearing against her until all due processes had been followed.
• The Committee was grateful to learn that two employees who were
involved in student accommodation irregularities had been
dismissed and the investigations into other cases were ongoing.
• The de-accreditation of the Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of
Law and the slow pace in developing improvement plans was
concerning as it would cause a reputation damage to the institution.
The Committee also noted the review of the engineering
programmes was to be undertaken by the Engineering Council of
South Africa (ECSA) and there were fears among students and
unions that the programmes may lose accreditation.
4.2.2. King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College
• The Committee commended the willingness of the College’s
stakeholders to work together and forge a better relationship.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the R8 million of NSFAS
funding that was not claimed by the college in 2017. The college
indicated that it had submitted all the required student data to
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NSFAS. However, NSFAS was delaying to process the students’
claims. NSFAS indicated that some of the student data submitted by
the college was incorrect hence the payments could not be
processed. The delays in the release of students’ results by the
Department also compounded the situation.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the college’s R40 million
deficit owing to the serious underfunding from the Department. The
college was unable to repair and maintain its infrastructure due to
lack of dedicated infrastructure funding for TVET colleges. The
deficit has resulted in the capping of student enrolment.
• The Committee commended the pass rates of students, especially in
the Engineering programme. However, the throughput rate of
students was concerning.
• The college had two Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), however, it
received a qualified audit in 2017.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the delays by the
Department in issuing student’s results. The delays in the release of
outstanding results impacted adversely on the registration of
returning students as they did not know the outcomes of the
examinations, as well as on NSFAS in assessing the academic
eligibility of the students who applied for funding. The Department
reported that this was caused the non-submission of the Internal
Continuous Assessment (ICASS) marks by the Colleges, and the
batch of results was withheld by Umalusi due to exam irregularities.
• The involvement of the Departmental officials in the leakage of
examination papers was noted with serious concern.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the delays in the filling of
key vacancies by the college and the Department.
4.2.3. University of Fort Hare
• The Committee commended the progress made by the University in
addressing some of the challenges and its improved financial
position since the last engagement with the Committee in September
2016. A new management team was in place to stabilize the
institution.
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• The Committee expressed a concern about the high number of the
University’s publications (25 percent) in predatory journals. The
University indicated that the pressure among the academics to
publish for promotional purposes and to get promotion as well as
incentives contributed to this problem.
• The Committee was concerned about the high vacancy rate at the
University. The University was operating without 45 percent of staff
(both academic and support).
• The high number of students of the University in residences
(56 percent) at the Alice Campus and 49 percent in East London was
commended. However, the Committee expressed a serious concern
that the University did not own any of its residences in East London.
• The Committee expressed a concern about the destruction of
property and infrastructure by students during their protests. The
Committee condemned the burning of the staff centre and other
buildings by students in 2017. The University in its written response
to the Committee indicated that the total damage to infrastructure as
a result of the protests amounted to R8.9 million.
• The good working relationship between the University management
and its stakeholders was commended.
• The Committee commended the state of cleanliness of the
University’s student residences.
• The delays by NSFAS in paying allowances due to students were
noted as a serious concern. Nevertheless, the University allowed
students to register without paying registration fees and assisted
them until NSFAS settled the outstanding claims. The challenge of
the University was that NSFAS took too long to transfer the funds
due to students and this compromised the financial operations of the
University.
• The Committee noted a concern raised by the unions on the
exclusion of the universities in the Public Finance Management Act
(Act No. 29 of 1999) and lack of consequence management when
there is mismanagement of funds.
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• The low enrolment of South Africans and female students in the
PhD programmes was noted with serious concern.
• The Committee noted a concern raised by unions of student suicide,
which is becoming common in institutions of higher learning.
• Corruption by staff members at the University was noted with
concern.
4.2.4. Buffalo City TVET college
• The Committee commended the college for its good academic
performance given its limited infrastructure and resources.
• The challenge of the late payment of NSFAS allowances affected
students at the college since they came from poor family households.
• The state of the residences visited by the Committee was
concerning. The college indicated that it did not have funds for
infrastructure maintenance.
• The College expressed a concern about lack of autonomy to
establish foundations to raise funds which could be utilised for
infrastructure development.
• The inadequate partnership between the college and nearby
universities for articulation and other areas of common interest was
concerning.
• The Committee was concerned about the low staff morale owing to
disparities in salary scales of lecturers and this affected quality
teaching and learning. It was reported that lecturers with same
qualifications were paid different notches. The College reported that
the lecturers affected were those on the Department’s persal system.
• The College expressed a concern about not having a permanent CFO
and lack of capacity in areas such as IT, procurement, legal and
infrastructure and the fact these posts are not provided for on the
persal system of the college. They noted that these posts could only
be created by the Minister.
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5. Summary
The oversight visit of the Committee focused mainly on assessing the 2018
registration process at universities and TVET colleges in the Eastern Cape
as well as to check the state of readiness of the institutions for the 2018
academic year. The Committee was pleased with the smooth registration
process at all the institutions it visited as well the institutions’ commitment
to open more opportunities for students who were coming from poor family
households and the walk-ins.
In relation to student funding, the overwhelming majority of students who
enrolled at the institutions that were visited by the Committee came from
poor family households. The Presidential pronouncement of fee-free higher
education meant that more students from poor and working class family
households would qualify for financial assistance. The general observation
by the Committee was that the institutions responded positively to the
Presidential pronouncement and students with historic debts were allowed
to register on the basis that they sign an acknowledgement of debt form.
The Committee was concerned about complaints related to the roll-out of
NSFAS new student centred model. The situation was even more
challenging in the TVET sector since NSFAS could not allocate R800
million out of the R2 billion allocation for TVET college bursary funding in
2017. All the institutions visited complained about the delays by NSFAS in
the payment of allowances due to students owing to the frequent changes in
the rules/guidelines for administering the new student-centred model. In
response, NSFAS accused the institutions of submitting incorrect student
registration data and the non-signing of loan agreement forms. The
Committee was concerned by what it seemed to be a lack of clear guidelines
by NSFAS on the roll-out of the new student-centred model. The eligible
NSFAS beneficiaries were the most disadvantaged by this misunderstanding
and this contributed to the high drop-out rate.
Student housing was a serious challenge in the entire post-school education
and training sector. However, the situation was even worse in the TVET
sector since these institutions did not have a dedicated infrastructure
efficiency grant similar to universities. The Committee was concerned that
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the colleges did not have funds to maintain and develop new infrastructure.
The Committee was also seriously concerned about the inadequate
maintenance plan by the institutions which contributed to the speedy
deterioration of existing infrastructure. The shortage of student housing was
raised by all the SRCs that met with the Committee.
The Committee was also pleased with the determination and commitment of
the institutions in responding to some of the government’s key policy
objectives. There were several pockets of excellence that were observed by
the Committee during the oversight visit. The core business of the post-
school education and training institutions to create better opportunities for
students to access the economy seemed to be in place.
6. Recommendations
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training having
conducted an oversight visit to post-school education and training
institutions in the Eastern Cape, recommends that the Minister of Higher
Education and Training consider the following:
6.1 Walters Sisulu University
• The University had not been able to harmonise employees’
conditions of service since its merger in 2005. The process had been
delayed too long and it contributed to the high attrition of skilled
personnel. The harmonisation of employees’ conditions of service
should be fast tracked and the Department should assist with the
necessary support needed by the University to finalise this process.
• The student residences at the Nelson Mandela Drive Campus were in
a shocking state and not conducive for living and learning. The
University was short of recreational facilities and its buildings
needed major refurbishments. The Department should assist the
University with the necessary support it needs to repair and maintain
its infrastructure.
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• The delays in the payment of allowances due to students by NSFAS
remained a serious concern at the University. The Department
should ensure that NSFAS resolves all the payment of outstanding
claims for students and put mechanisms in place to ensure that the
problem does not recur in the 2018 academic year.
• The student deaths and violence at the University’s residences was
concerning. The University should prioritise the safety and security
of students and install access control systems to prevent outsiders
from invading the University’s premises.
• The relationship between the University’s stakeholders and
management was characterised by mistrust. The University should
explore the possibility of creating a multi-stakeholders forum to deal
with internal disputes effectively.
• The overall maintenance and cleanliness of the University was
concerning. The University should develop an effective maintenance
plan to keep the University in a good state.
• The University should report to the Committee on progress made in
the implementation of the oversight visit recommendations, and the
oversight visit of the Committee over the University is ongoing.
6.2 King Sabatha Dalindyebo and Buffalo City TVET colleges
• TVET colleges did not have a dedicated infrastructure grant for the
maintenance and development of infrastructure. The Department
should fast track the process of having infrastructure grants for the
TVET sector.
• The recurring delays in the release of student’s results had a negative
impact on student progression including the payment of NSFAS
allowances due to students. The Department should strengthen its
internal control systems to prevent the leakage of examination
papers.
• The inadequate roll-out of the new student-centred model in the
TVET sector was concerning. The Department should ensure that
NSFAS clarifies its guidelines on the roll-out of the new student-
centred model in TVET colleges.
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• The Committee observed that there were inadequate partnerships
between colleges and universities. The Department should assist
TVET colleges in establishing more partnerships and memorandum
of understanding (MoUs) with universities.
• TVET college’s employees were concerned about human resource
challenges as a result of the function shift. The Department should
assist colleges in correcting the human resource (HR) deficiencies as
a result of the function shift.
6.3 University of Fort Hare
• The University did not own any of its residences in East London and
this was very costly for the University. The Department should assist
the University in getting land to expand its infrastructure in East
London.
• NSFAS should fast track the payment of outstanding claims of due
to students from 2017.
• The safety and security of students especially those that reside in
residences should be prioritised. The University should consider the
possibility of exploring partnerships with the local Community
Policing Forum (CPF) in a bid to improve the safety of students
nearby the University premises.
• The students at the Alice Campus complained about the lack of
social activities within the campus. As a result, they went to town to
socialize and their safety outside the campus was at risk. The
University should consider having more social spaces or events
within its campus so that students can socialize within its premises.
Report to be considered.