Minister Manamela Shares Vision for PSET Sector in Media Briefing
Pretoria, South Africa – Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela outlined a bold vision for the Post-School Education and Training sector during a media briefing, focusing on plans to strengthen readiness for the 2026 academic year and tackle ongoing challenges in universities, colleges and skills development.
Held on 22 January 2026 at the Government Communication and Information System offices, the session highlighted steps to improve coordination, boost student support and ensure a smooth start for new learners entering the system.
Postponed but Pressing Ahead
The briefing, originally set for earlier but delayed, came after a two-day strategy session in Cape Town on 16 and 17 January 2026. That gathering brought together leaders from across the sector to reflect on past performance and map out ways to make things better. Manamela stressed the need for stronger teamwork and quick fixes to problems, saying the goal is to build a system that works for everyone, from first-year students to those in workplace training.
He shared how the department plans to welcome the Class of 2025 – the group of matrics who just finished their exams – into post-school options. Many will head to universities, technical and vocational education and training colleges, community education centres or learnerships at work. The minister congratulated these young people on their hard work and encouraged them to grab the chances ahead, noting that finishing school is a big step towards helping grow the country.
Setting Up a War Room for Quick Action
A key part of the vision is creating a special “war room” to handle issues in the 2026 academic year. This group will include top officials from the department, the student funding body, heads of universities and colleges, student groups and quality checkers. They will meet every week to spot troubles early and sort them out fast, like a team fixing leaks before they flood the house.
Manamela explained that this is not about more meetings but about making smart choices and talking clearly with everyone involved. The war room will act as an early warning system, catching signs of protests or disruptions before they grow big. This way, small problems do not turn into big headaches that stop learning or cause unrest on campuses.
The focus will be on making sure places like universities and colleges are ready to open their doors to new students. This includes checking that buildings are safe, teachers are prepared and money for studies flows on time. For many young people from poor families, this support is key to chasing their dreams without worry.
Boosting Skills and Job Chances
Manamela also talked about growing the sector to meet the country’s needs. With many young people out of work, the plans aim to link learning with real jobs. This means more spots in technical colleges for hands-on skills like fixing machines or building things, and partnerships with companies for on-the-job training.
He highlighted how the sector must change to fit new ways of working, like using tech in everyday jobs. The vision includes helping more people start their own businesses or find work in growing fields like green energy or digital services. By strengthening leadership across the board, the department hopes to make sure every part of the system pulls together for better results.
For community education centres, often overlooked, there are plans to improve teaching and add courses that help adults catch up on skills they missed. This ties into the bigger goal of making sure no one is left behind, whether they are fresh from school or coming back to learn later in life.
Addressing Money and Access Issues
A big worry for students is funding, and Manamela touched on ways to make sure help reaches those who need it most. The briefing came amid talks of fixing glitches in the funding system, like delays in payments that leave students hungry or without books. The war room will keep an eye on this, working with the funding body to smooth out bumps.
Access to places is another focus. With more young people finishing school each year, the sector must grow to take them in. Plans include building new spots in colleges and using online learning where it fits, to reach far-off areas without good schools nearby.
Manamela called on everyone – from government to businesses and communities – to play their part. He said the 2026 year is a chance to show real progress, turning plans into actions that change lives for the better.
A Hopeful Path Forward
As South Africa looks to build a stronger future, Manamela’s vision offers hope for young people eager to learn and work. By fixing weak spots and working as a team, the sector can help cut joblessness and grow the economy. Families across the country will watch closely, hoping these plans bring real chances for their children.
The briefing ends a busy start to the year for education leaders, setting the tone for a 2026 full of promise. With clear goals and quick steps, the Post-School Education and Training sector could see big wins, making sure every learner gets a fair shot at success.
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