Final Report into College of Cape Town Governance Crisis Heads to Minister Manamela Next Week
South Africa’s higher education sector is bracing for the outcomes of a deep dive into serious troubles at the College of Cape Town, with a final report due to land on Minister Buti Manamela’s desk next Friday. The investigation, sparked by staff complaints against the college’s principal and CEO, Mhangarai Muswaba, has uncovered a range of issues from unfair labour practices to irregular contracts. Once received, the report will be shared with Parliament, potentially leading to big changes at the institution. This comes as the college, a key player in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) with eight campuses across the Western Cape, struggles with internal conflicts that have raised questions about its ability to serve students effectively.
The probe, launched under section 46 of the Continuing Education and Training (CET) Act, highlights the government’s push to clean up governance in public colleges amid broader calls for accountability in education. Staff have long voiced frustrations, painting a picture of a toxic environment that could harm learning and skills development for thousands of young South Africans. As the final findings emerge, all eyes are on how Manamela will respond to restore stability and trust at the college.
Interim Findings Expose Deep-Rooted Problems
An interim report, already in Manamela’s hands, has laid bare significant weaknesses in governance, administration, and day-to-day operations at the College of Cape Town. The document points to unfair labour practices, irregular staff appointments, abuse of power by leaders, and cases of victimisation against employees who spoke out. These issues have created a tense atmosphere, with some workers fearing for their jobs after raising concerns.
Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela shared these early insights during a media briefing earlier this week, stressing the need for urgent fixes. “Indeed, Minister Manamela has received an interim report from the stabilisation and governance support team that he appointed according to section 46 of the Continuing Education and Training Act to assess challenges, particularly governance challenges at the College of Cape Town,” said spokesperson Matshepo Seedat. The team’s work has gone beyond surface-level checks, digging into how decisions are made and resources allocated at the college.
The interim results build on months of tension, with disputes involving not just Muswaba but also his deputies and the council chairperson. Back in September 2025, Manamela briefed Parliament on the situation, noting that the college’s leadership had defended itself against the claims but that an independent probe was essential to get to the truth.
Accusations Against CEO Muswaba Take Centre Stage
At the heart of the storm is Mhangarai Muswaba, the college’s principal and CEO, who faces heavy accusations from staff. Workers have claimed he assaulted employees and handed out a R46 million contract without following proper rules. These allegations paint Muswaba as someone who wields power unfairly, leading to a breakdown in trust and morale.
Staff first raised the red flag through a formal letter to the minister, detailing misconduct and abuse of power. They described a workplace where speaking up could lead to punishment, with irregular appointments favouring certain people over merit. The R46 million deal, in particular, has drawn scrutiny for possible waste of public funds meant for student training and facilities.
Muswaba has been at the helm during a time when the college aimed to expand its offerings in fields like engineering, business, and hospitality. However, the claims suggest these goals have been undermined by poor leadership. In earlier parliamentary sessions, Muswaba presented on the college’s administration and operations, but the probe’s findings could challenge his position and call for accountability.
Government’s Response and Path Forward
Minister Manamela stepped in after the complaints piled up, appointing a dedicated team to stabilise the college and sort out the mess. Their mandate covers everything from board decisions to daily management, aiming to root out any rot and suggest ways to fix it. The final report, set for delivery on 5 December 2025, will include recommendations that could shake up the leadership and introduce new checks to prevent future slip-ups.
Once Manamela reviews the document, it will head to Parliament for debate, opening the door for lawmakers to weigh in on reforms. Seedat confirmed this step, noting it ensures transparency and public oversight. “Once the Manamela receives the final report, it will be tabled before Parliament,” she said.
This process aligns with wider efforts to strengthen TVET colleges, which play a big role in equipping young people with job-ready skills in a country facing high youth unemployment. The College of Cape Town, with its focus on practical training, is seen as vital to the Western Cape’s economy, but ongoing issues could scare off students and partners if not addressed quickly.
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