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

Legal Matters: Understanding spousal maintenance

In this week’s Legal Matters, Nthabiseng Dubazana continues unpacking maintenance - this time focusing on spousal support. She also tackles some of your pressing legal questions to help you better understand your rights.
18 Mar 3PM 25 min

What SA’s food crisis is really revealing

South Africa’s deepening food crisis is under the spotlight, with shocking testimony at the Human Rights Commission’s inquiry revealing that 14 million people went hungry in 2024. Civil society groups warn that malnutrition is becoming normalised, with many families unable to afford basic nutritious food. The inquiry is now probing…
18 Mar 3PM 15 min

Bus drivers’ strike looms ahead of Easter travel rush

A nationwide bus strike could be on the cards as wage talks between SATAWU and employers collapse. The union is demanding a 6.5% increase, but operators are offering just 3.5%, triggering a deadlock. With a 30-day cooling-off period underway, commuters could face major disruptions just ahead of the busy Easter…
18 Mar 3PM 10 min

Former MP apologises for apartheid

A rare and deeply personal reckoning. Former ANC MP Nick Koornhof has publicly apologised for his role in apartheid, expressing shame over forced removals like District Six and the broader injustices of the past. He says South Africans cannot simply “forgive and forget” and is calling for renewed commitment to…
17 Mar 3PM 19 min

Tensions spike in US-Iran-Israel conflict

The conflict in the Middle East is escalating fast. Israel claims it has killed one of Iran’s most powerful security figures, while explosions rock areas near the US Embassy in Baghdad. Meanwhile, Donald Trump says America doesn’t need allies in this war, even as a senior intelligence official quits in…
17 Mar 3PM 10 min
All episodes