Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has announced that his department will lead an investigation into explosive allegations of racial bias in marking at the University of Cape Town (UCT). The probe follows claims by a former faculty member that white students were systematically awarded higher marks than their black counterparts in the Faculty of Social Development.
Whistleblower Exposes Alleged Discrimination
The allegations came to light after a former UCT head of department submitted an affidavit to the Department of Higher Education and the Presidency, detailing alleged discriminatory practices. According to Sunday World, the whistleblower accused academics of favoring white students while penalizing black students in grading.
Minister Manamela confirmed that UCT’s vice-chancellor had requested the department take charge of the investigation. “Such allegations are quite concerning,” Manamela stated during his first media briefing since his appointment three weeks ago. “We will not brush them aside. They go to the root of the credibility of the system.”
Rebuilding Trust After Predecessor’s Scandal
Manamela’s tenure follows the dismissal of his predecessor, Dr. Blade Nzimande, who faced backlash over controversial appointments to the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards, including politically connected individuals. One such appointee, Dr. Nomusa Dube, has since been named deputy minister in the department.
Defending Dube, Manamela emphasized that her initial SETA board recommendation “was not her decision,” nor was her subsequent appointment as deputy minister. He stressed the need for transparency in future SETA board selections.
Addressing Broader Challenges in Higher Education
Beyond the UCT probe, Manamela outlined urgent reforms for the sector, including:
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NSFAS Overhaul: The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been given 30 days to revamp its operations after widespread payment delays. NSFAS attributed some issues to outdated student banking details.
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Expanding Access: The minister acknowledged persistent inequalities in tertiary education, citing funding shortages as a major barrier.
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Curriculum Alignment: Plans are underway to better align courses with labor market demands.
Commitment to Accountability
Manamela admitted the department faces a “trust deficit” but vowed to restore public confidence. “We have to make sure the department is responsive to the communities out there,” he said.
As investigations into UCT begin, students and stakeholders await answers—hoping for accountability in a sector still grappling with the legacy of inequality.
