Central SA
Deputy minister satisfied with Central SA universities readiness─── ZENANDE MPAME 14:58 Wed, 11 Feb 2026
As institutions across the country open their doors for the 2026 academic year, the department of higher education and training is intensifying efforts to ensure students start their studies smoothly.
Through early state of readiness visits across universities and TVET colleges, the department aims to identify challenges upfront and implement practical interventions before they escalate. Deputy minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe said early oversight visits are central to resolving operational strain before it derails teaching and learning.
The visits form part of the department’s annual state of readiness programme, which assesses registration processes, student accommodation, funding flaws, campus safety, and overall operational preparedness across the country’s 26 public universities and 50 TVET colleges.
Gondwe visited the University of the Free State and the Motheo TVET College in Bloemfontein on Tuesday (10/2), accompanied by senior officials from the department of higher education and training, representatives from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), and Higher Health.
Higher Health is a non-profit organisation and the implementing arm of the department of higher education and training , dedicated to student health, psychosocial wellbeing, and holistic youth development across South Africa's post-school education and training sector.
“The purpose of these visits is because we’re really hoping to get an idea of how ready our institutions are for the academic year and to see what kind of support we can lend to them,” said Gondwe.
Communication can be improved
“I think most of the issues at the University of Free State don’t really require my intervention, per se. But I think the communication between the student representatives and the management can be improved so that information is filtered down.
“Here at Motheo, they raised issues around delayed certificates, and I asked the SRC president for numbers and a list to ensure the exam section gets this information.
“So it’s just a matter of working together and fine-tuning how we work together.”
“I am satisfied with Motheo TVET College’s overall state of readiness for the current academic year at the Bloemfontein Campus. The college provides a student-centred environment conducive to teaching and learning,” she said.
A recurring issue across institutions was the timing of NSFAS allowances, which are usually paid in February, while some students begin classes in January.
Gondwe cited food insecurity concerns raised at other institutions and explained how she engaged private sector partners, including Shoprite, to support student food security initiatives.
At NWU, vice-chancellor Prof. Bismark Tyobeka and institutional management presented a comprehensive readiness report, covering NSFAS matters, registration, infrastructure, and student support on Friday (6/2).
The university also outlined expansion projects, including the Desmond Tutu Medical School, currently under construction and expected to be completed in 2027.
‘I am satisfied with NWU’s overall state of readiness’
“Another idea I received from Prof. Tyobeka was around how we can expand access, which was to say don't build new universities,” she said. “Rather expand the existing universities, and then we have maybe schools of focus, like the medical school they are building and their other plans.”
“I am satisfied with NWU’s overall state of readiness for the current academic year at the Potchefstroom campus. The campus is attractive and well-maintained, and it provides a student-centred environment conducive to teaching and learning.”
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