Department of Higher Education and Training 2025/26 Annual Performance Plan (with Minister)

2025/26 Annual Performance Plans The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education convened to receive a presentation from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) on its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, the 2025/26 Annual Performance Plan (APP), and Budget. The session aimed to assess whether the Department’s planning adequately addressed systemic challenges in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector, including infrastructure backlogs, NEET rates, institutional governance, and funding disparities. The Department reported a total budget of R129 billion, with 91% allocated to transfers and subsidies. University education would receive the largest share (60.1%), followed by TVET colleges (15.4%) and community education and training (2.2%). The Department noted a reduction in the number of performance indicators from 90 to 51 following Auditor-General feedback. This was intended to improve alignment with available resources and ensure SMART criteria were applied. Members raised concerns about the vagueness of several indicators and the lack of clarity on the Department’s role in achieving its targets. The Auditor-General’s office confirmed that some indicators did not meet the required standard for measurability or accountability. The credibility of the APP was questioned, and Members expressed doubt about supporting the budget in the absence of defined commitments. The Committee expressed serious concern about high youth unemployment and the persistent marginalisation of the TVET and community college sectors. Members highlighted stagnant TVET funding since 2013, the entrenched university-centric model, and the Department’s failure to reposition vocational education despite policy intent. Questions were also raised about the performance and accountability of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), with Members criticising the focus on compliance rather than outcomes. The Committee questioned the Department’s allocation of R9.7 million to Highe