Sol Plaatjie University state of governance, administration and related matters (with Deputy Minister)

Video The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education met physically with Sol Plaatje University (SPU) to engage on matters relating to governance, administration, student welfare, and institutional effectiveness. The meeting took place within the broader context of systemic challenges facing the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector, including governance deficiencies, gender-based violence (GBV), and financial instability associated with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The Committee sought clarity on SPU’s institutional culture, student accommodation environment, and disciplinary processes. In line with its oversight mandate, the Committee examined SPU’s governance practices, financial management, and preparedness for the 2026 academic year. Members also expressed concern over the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) repeated failures to respond to correspondence and attend scheduled meetings, describing this as a breakdown in accountability. SPU reported several achievements, including consecutive unqualified audits, infrastructure investments exceeding R3 billion, and an increase in enrolment to 7 182 students. The University highlighted strategic growth areas, including health sciences, mining, information and communication technology, and expanded research capacity. Members raised a number of serious concerns. The Student Representative Council (SRC) highlighted unsafe and exploitative accommodation conditions, delayed NSFAS disbursements, and debt-related exclusion practices. Organised labour drew attention to inadequate employee benefits, continued outsourcing despite previous insourcing commitments, and governance gaps such as the absence of a Legal Directorate. The Institutional Forum (IF) reported persistent gender disparities in senior academic positions and weaknesses in the university’s policy review cycles. Concerns were also raised about SPU’s handling of GBV matters. Members noted cases in which victims appea