New Ekurhuleni University Could Enrol Students Before Campus Is Built, Says Minister
Viable News Team 
South Africa’s proposed new university in Ekurhuleni could enrol its first students before construction of a permanent campus begins, according to Buti Manamela.
Responding to questions in the National Assembly of South Africa on Wednesday, 11 March, Manamela said the government’s immediate focus is not on breaking ground but on launching academic programmes and registering the institution’s first cohort of students.
“The goal is not construction commencement, but it is about registration of the first student,” Manamela told Parliament.
Students Could Enrol Before 2029 Campus Construction
Government is exploring whether temporary facilities or blended learning models could allow students to begin studying before the planned campus is completed.
According to Manamela, the department has revived feasibility discussions with the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, whose leadership has offered potential land and infrastructure options for the university.
Officials estimate that the remaining feasibility work, design planning and procurement processes could take about three years before construction begins.
Project First Announced in 2020
Plans for a university in Ekurhuleni were first announced by Cyril Ramaphosa during the 2020 State of the Nation Address, as part of efforts to expand the country’s higher education capacity.
However, progress has been slow. Manamela confirmed that a key location study – necessary to determine the final site for the institution – has not yet begun due to a R19.5 million budget shortfall.
The Department of Higher Education is now exploring ways to address the funding gap through the reprioritisation of existing infrastructure grants.
Treasury Signals Support for Infrastructure Funding
A potential breakthrough came during the February 2026 national budget, when National Treasury of South Africa signalled willingness to consider infrastructure funding through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI).
Manamela said this funding mechanism could support both the proposed Ekurhuleni university and another planned institution in Hammanskraal.
Previously, the government had explored the possibility of a public-private partnership model, but National Treasury had not approved this approach for university infrastructure projects.
Investigation Into NSFAS Student Accommodation
During the parliamentary session, Manamela also addressed oversight concerns regarding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
He confirmed that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is currently conducting an investigation into student accommodation arrangements under a Presidential Proclamation.
As part of reforms, NSFAS has begun paying accommodation providers directly, removing third-party “solution partners” from the payment chain. A nationwide audit of accredited student accommodation facilities is also underway.
Monitoring Universities Facing Disruptions
Manamela acknowledged that some institutions continue to face operational challenges, citing recent disruptions at Walter Sisulu University and University of Fort Hare.
Key issues include:
- Delays in NSFAS payments
- Shortages of student accommodation
- Multi-year financial deficits at some institutions
The department has introduced intensive monitoring measures for universities considered high risk, aimed at detecting potential crises early and coordinating interventions.
Tracking Skills Training Outcomes
Manamela also responded to questions about training outcomes from the country’s Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas).
He acknowledged that a single consolidated figure showing how many trainees ultimately secured employment is not currently available.
To address this gap, the department plans to publish a baseline report by the end of the 2025/26 financial year, alongside the creation of a Skills Observatory coordinated by the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa.
“War Room” Oversight During Registration Period
Manamela also highlighted the work of a Post-School Education and Training (PSET) War Room, which met weekly during the academic registration period.
The structure was established to monitor developments across the post-school sector and coordinate responses to emerging problems affecting institutions.
According to the minister, the approach allowed government to identify risks early and implement coordinated interventions across universities.
About the Author
