USAf welcomes two new appointments to the Ministry of Higher Education and Training
Diana Kinyanjui 
The Board of Directors of Universities South Africa (USAf) warmly welcomes the appointment of Mr Buti Kgwaridi Manamela as Minister of Higher Education and Training. USAf also congratulates Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube on her appointment as one of the Deputy Ministers to this portfolio.
Speaking on behalf of the USAf Board, Professor Francis Petersen, Chairperson of USAf and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, says: “Mr Manamela is a natural and logical choice for this role. His deep understanding of the sector’s complexities, gained through his almost eight-year tenure as Deputy Minister, positions him well to lead higher education at this critical juncture.”
Professor Petersen further notes that the new Minister brings renewed energy and insight to the Ministry. “Among the most pressing challenges, Minister Manamela has witnessed, first-hand, the operational difficulties within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) — a vital mechanism for enabling student access and success when functioning effectively. He has also observed the deterioration of capacity and institutional responsiveness within the Department in recent years. We are hopeful that his leadership will restore excellence and accountability to this executive arm of government.”
USAf equally welcomes the appointment of Dr Dube-Ncube, whose extensive experience in diplomacy, economic development, and finance in KwaZulu-Natal adds an invaluable perspective to the higher education sector. “Alongside Dr Mimmy Gondwe, who retains the second deputy role, we are confident that the post-school education and training sector has been entrusted to a capable and dynamic leadership team,” said Professor Petersen.
USAf looks forward to engaging with the new leadership in the spirit of collaboration and mutual commitment to strengthening South Africa’s higher education system.
“We extend our sincere congratulations to Minister Manamela and his deputies, and wish them a successful, visionary, and impactful tenure,” Professor Petersen concluded.
SALM TEAM 
