Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has outlined an ambitious “system reset” for the post-school education and training (PSET) sector.
This came as he presented the department's 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan (APP) and budget priorities to Parliament.
Manamela, joined by Deputy Ministers and Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi, presented Vote 17 to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, which allocated R443 billion on the medium-term expenditure framework to universities, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges, community education and training (CET) colleges, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), the National Student Financial Assistance Scheme and quality councils.
In his presentation, Manamela said the APP represents a decisive shift from fragmented planning and compliance-driven processes towards measurable results, accountability and system-wide integration.
“This APP is the operational expression of the national skills revolution mandate expressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 2026 State of the Nation Address, and not a separate administrative document,” Manamela said.
The Minister said that the APP is based on the comprehensive reform trajectory initiated after extensive deliberations in the post-school education and training sector after he assumes office in July 2025.
Key priorities of the APP include:
• Expanding access and student success in the PSET system;
• Strengthening TVET colleges and artisan development pathways;
• Improving workplace-based learning and employability outcomes;
• Stabilizing and reforming NSFAS;
• Strong SETA accountability and alignment;
• embedding result-based performance measurement; And
• Integrating planning across the region.
Manamela acknowledged the findings presented by the Auditor General of South Africa, which highlighted weaknesses in aspects of the APP, and confirmed that corrective measures were already underway.
“We accept the findings of the Auditor General. Preparing reports is not performance! Performance is whether students complete, whether artisans are qualified, and whether graduates get work.
“We have therefore strengthened results-based indicators, improved alignment with national priorities and tightened systems of accountability and verification,” he said.
The Minister also confirmed that the Department is finalizing service level agreements (SLAs) with all SETAs, strengthening infrastructure performance measurement tracking, and standardizing data definitions and validation processes across the system.
The APP outlines a number of key delivery targets for 2026/27, including support for over 1.15 million university students, over 520,000 TVET college enrolments, and over 700,000 students funded through NSFAS.
It also targets 91,800 workplace-based learning opportunities and 22,000 artisan certifications, along with expanded vocational qualifications and alignment with priorities such as Just Energy Transition, Digital Economy and industrial policy priorities.
Manmela said the department's focus is on ensuring that public investment in education and training translates into tangible economic opportunities, and that young people ultimately evaluate the system based on whether it delivers results.
Sishi also presented the Committee with detailed APP indicators, implementation plans and a technical response to the Auditor General's findings. – sanews.gov.za