Students at the department of higher education a d training in Pretoria photo by Dimakatso Modipa
By Keamogetswe Masike
President South African Students
Federation
The South African Students’ Federation (SASF) is appalled and deeply concerned by the Minister of Higher Education’s erratic behaviour regarding our memorandum of grievances.
On 25th of June 2025 the minister’s office acknowledged receipt of the memorandum on the official Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) page, only to abruptly remove the post without explanation or justification.
This action raises serious concerns about the minister’s commitment to addressing the pressing issues affecting students, particularly the NSFAS conundrum that has plagued our institutions of higher learning for years.
The minister’s inconsistency, incoherence, and indecisiveness demonstrate a lack of understanding of the struggles students face.
The withdrawal of the public statement is reminiscent of the controversy surrounding SETA board appointments, where the minister withdrew appointments without justification, sparking concerns about the internal politics and advisor-driven decision-making processes within the The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
The South African Students Federation demands answers to the following questions:
-Why was the statement withdrawn, and what internal issues drove this decision? Was it a knee-jerk reaction to pressure from certain quarters, or was it a calculated attempt to undermine the student movement?
-Does the minister’s action imply a lack of commitment to resolving student issues, particularly regarding NSFAS? Has the minister abandoned her constitutional mandate to protect and promote the rights of students?
-What criteria were used to appoint the NSFAS board, and what merits were considered in the process? Has the minister ensured that the board is representative of the interests of students, or has she allowed partisan interests to guide her decisions?
We request that the minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane to:
-Provides a detailed explanation for the withdrawal of the statement, including the internal processes that led to this decision
-Offers a timeline for the minister to publicly address student concerns and provide concrete solutions to the NSFAS conundrum.
-Discloses any potential conflicts of interest or influences that may have informed the minister’s decision to withdraw the statement
The South African Students Federations further concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability within the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
The minister’s actions suggest a disregard for the principles of good governance and a lack of commitment to engaging with student concerns.
We demand that the minister:
-Reinstates the public statement acknowledging receipt of the memorandum, as a gesture of goodwill and a demonstration of her commitment to transparency.
-Provides a detailed plan of action to address the NSFAS conundrum, including timelines and milestones.
-Engages in meaningful consultations with student leaders and organisations to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the sector
The South African Students Federation will not retreat or deterred in our fight for student rights.
We demand transparency, accountability, and decisive action from the Minister of Higher Education.
The students of South Africa deserve better.
We deserve a minister who is committed to listening to our concerns, engaging with us in a meaningful manner, and taking decisive action to address the challenges we face.
SASF CALLS FOR:
-Immediate reinstatement of the public statement acknowledging receipt of the memorandum
-A public address by the minister to address student concerns and provide concrete solutions
-Transparency in the decision-making processes within the DHET
-Accountability from the minister and her advisors for their actions
-Meaningful consultations with student leaders and organisations to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the sector
The SASF will continue to mobilise students and push for meaningful change in the Department of Higher Education and Training.
We will not rest until our demands are met, and we will not be swayed by empty promises or token gestures.
The students of South Africa deserve nothing but the best, and we will fight tirelessly to ensure that our rights are protected and promoted.
Statement of minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET):