Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

First-Year Placements Limited, but Higher Education Minister Says System Ready for 2026

Loading player...
South Africa’s universities and colleges are bracing for another influx of hopefuls in 2026 - but space is limited. Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela says about 235,000 spots will be available at universities, 170,000 at TVET colleges, and 130,000 at community colleges. That’s still only enough for half of the learners who qualify. With more matriculants earning bachelor’s passes and NSFAS facing financial strain, Manamela admits not everyone will be placed. The minister joins Phemelo live in studio to unpack his plans for the higher education sector.
16 Sep 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Roelf Meyer’s US posting sparks political storm

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Roelf Meyer as ambassador-designate to the United States is stirring fierce debate. The veteran politician’s nomination has divided opinion, with critics questioning whether he can rebuild trust in Washington following last year’s diplomatic fallout. Supporters, however, see a seasoned negotiator. Phemelo speaks to Global…
20 Apr 4PM 19 min

Fears of ‘another Esidimeni’ over patient relocation

Alarm bells are ringing over plans to move 172 mental health patients from a Johannesburg facility, with the DA warning of echoes of the Life Esidimeni tragedy. Concerns centre on a lack of transparency, questionable readiness of alternative placements, and limited consultation with families. The party says patient safety must…
20 Apr 4PM 12 min

South Africa hosts global water quality summit

South Africa is taking centre stage in shaping global water standards as the South African Bureau of Standards hosts top international experts in Pretoria. The high-level meeting brought together delegates from nearly 40 countries to refine how water quality is measured and managed -from drinking water to environmental systems. The…
20 Apr 4PM 16 min

JSC ruling puts Judge President on impeachment path

Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge could face impeachment after the Judicial Service Commission found him guilty of gross misconduct. In a dramatic reversal, the JSC rejected earlier findings that cleared him of sexual harassment, instead pointing to the power imbalance and nature of his interactions with a court secretary…
20 Apr 4PM 12 min

Bail fight looms for Ekurhuleni top officials

The state is gearing up to oppose bail for suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and municipal manager Kagiso Lerutla, with their applications now postponed to later this week. Prosecutors say they need more time to prepare and verify details linked to Lerutla and his associates. The pair, arrested in…
20 Apr 4PM 7 min
All episodes