Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has welcomed Minister of Higher Education Buti Manamela’s swift intervention at the College of Cape Town, following reports of a governance crisis at the institution.
The minister has established a task team to investigate allegations of unfair labour practices, abuse of power, misconduct, and wasteful and irregular expenditure.
“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,” Manamela said.
He stressed that the intervention is not about “taking sides” but about restoring stability, protecting the institution, and ensuring that students are not caught in the crossfire of leadership conflicts.
The portfolio committee said ongoing instability at the college cannot be allowed to compromise the academic success of students and has called for urgent steps to restore stability, good governance, and accountability.
Committee Chairperson Tebogo Letsie added: “Such attitudes have no place in government institutions that are funded by the taxpayers of this country. As the committee, we are hopeful that the Minister will remain firm in his decision and report back within two months on the progress and outcomes of the stabilisation team, as promised.”
Minister Manamela is expected to report back to the committee within two months on the progress and findings of the task team.
VOC News
Photo: @HigherEduGovZA/X
