On 21 July 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Buti Kgwaridi Manamela as Minister of Higher Education and Training. Manamela steps into the role previously held by Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, bringing with him extensive experience in both policy development and education administration.
Buti Manamela has served as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training since June 2024 and held the co-ministerial portfolio for Higher Education, Science and Innovation from 2017 to 2024. Prior to that, he was Deputy Minister in The Presidency from 2014 to 2017. He holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Development Management from the University of the Witwatersrand and completed studies in Digital Electronics at Tshwane North Technical and Vocational Education and Training College.
Under Minister Manamela’s leadership, the Department of Higher Education and Training will prioritize:
- Nationwide rollout of e-learning platforms and open educational resources
- Expansion of high-speed campus Wi-Fi to ensure equitable connectivity
- Deployment of AI-driven student support tools for personalized academic advising
- Scaling blockchain-based credential verification to enhance trust in qualifications
These initiatives aim to modernize teaching and learning, support blended education models, and streamline administrative processes.
South Africa’s higher education sector faces critical challenges such as funding constraints, infrastructure backlogs, and skills shortages. Technological interventions under Manamela’s tenure may include:
- Revamping the student financial aid portal for faster funding disbursements
- Implementing a central data warehouse for real-time monitoring of enrolments and resource allocation
- Partnering with edtech firms to offer micro-credentials, coding bootcamps, and upskilling programs
By leveraging automation and data analytics, the ministry can improve decision-making and operational efficiency.
A digitally enabled higher education system could:
- Strengthen university-industry research collaborations in AI, biotechnology, and renewable energy
- Foster growth of local edtech startups through government grants and procurement channels
- Enhance the ICT talent pipeline, helping to alleviate national skills shortages and support innovation hubs outside major cities
Technology stakeholders should watch for upcoming policy announcements and funding opportunities that will drive these transformations.
The Department’s 2025–2030 Medium-term Strategic Framework, due for release in September, will set specific targets for connectivity, graduate employability, and research commercialization. As Minister Manamela assumes his duties, the sector will monitor how digital initiatives translate into improved access, quality, and relevance of higher education across South Africa.
