Cape town: Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has outlined an ambitious 'system reset' for the post-school education and training (PSET) sector as he presented the department's 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan (APP) and budget priorities to Parliament.
According to South African Government News Agency, Manamela, joined by Deputy Ministers and Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi, presented Vote 17 to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education. This allocation amounts to R443 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, spanning 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 Aid Scheme, and Quality Councils.
In his presentation, Manamela emphasized that the APP represents a shift from fragmented planning and compliance-driven processes towards measurable outcomes, accountability, and system-wide integration. He stated that the APP is the operational expression of the national skills revolution mandate articulated by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 2026 State of the Nation Address.
The APP's key priorities include expanding access and student success across the PSET system, strengthening TVET colleges and artisan development pathways, improving workplace-based learning and employability outcomes, stabilizing and reforming NSFAS, enhancing SETA accountability and alignment, embedding outcome-based performance measurement, and integrating planning across the sector.
Manamela acknowledged the findings presented by the Auditor-General of South Africa, which highlighted weaknesses in aspects of the APP. He confirmed that corrective measures are underway, emphasizing the importance of performance being measured by student completion, artisan qualification, and graduate employment.
The Minister also confirmed the finalization of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with all SETAs, strengthening infrastructure performance measurement tracking, and standardizing data definitions and verification processes across the system. The APP outlines delivery targets for 2026/27, including support for over 1.15 million university students, more than 520,000 TVET college enrolments, and over 700,000 students funded through NSFAS.
Additionally, the targets include 91,800 workplace-based learning opportunities and 22,000 artisan certifications, alongside expanded occupational qualifications and alignment with priorities such as the Just Energy Transition and digital economy. Manamela emphasized the department's focus on ensuring public investment in education translates into tangible economic opportunities.
Sishi also presented detailed APP indicators, implementation plans, and a technical response to the Auditor-General's findings to the committee.
