The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, today informed the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education of his decision to establish a stabilisation team to address governance and management disputes at the College of Cape Town for TVET.
Over recent months, the college has been destabilised by disputes involving the Principal, the Chairperson of Council, and two Deputy Principals, with serious consequences for staff morale, student welfare, and the reputation of the institution.
While the college has continued to perform well in certain areas – including achieving unqualified audits, improving student certification rates, and developing strong industry partnerships – the governance environment has become untenable.
The intervention is taken in terms of Section 46 of the Continuing Education and Training Act, 16 of 2006, which empowers the Minister to act where a public college is mismanaged or unable to perform its functions effectively.
The stabilisation team will be chaired by a respected retired judge or senior advocate, supported by experts in labour relations and higher education governance. Its mandate will be to:
- Conduct a fact-finding process into governance and leadership disputes
- Mediate between the Principal, Council, and Deputy Principals
- Recommend corrective steps to the Minister, including possible sanctions, redeployments, or reforms to strengthen governance
The team will begin its work within seven days and is expected to conclude within 45 days. Pending its recommendations, all new disciplinary processes involving the Principal, the Council Chairperson, and the Deputy Principals will be suspended to prevent further escalation.
“This intervention is not about taking sides. It is about restoring order, protecting the institution, and ensuring that students are not the collateral damage of leadership conflicts. Our priority is to stabilise governance, safeguard teaching and learning, and build confidence in the College’s future,” emphasised Minister Buti Manamela.
The Minister will report back to the Portfolio Committee within two months on the progress and outcomes of the stabilisation team.
Enquiries:
Matshepo Seedat
Spokesperson to the Minister of Higher Education and Training
Cell: 082 679 9473
E-mail: Seedat.M@dhet.gov.za
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