The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Tebogo Letsie, expressed concern regarding the issuance of study and work permits to foreign nationals.
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has initiated a demand for a seven-year investigation into the admission of foreign nationals into universities. This initiative stems from concerns that educational institutions are not fully complying with South African labour legislation.
The Committee raised these issues during a meeting with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Higher Education and Training. Procedures for issuing study and work permits to foreigners, as well as measures to ensure compliance with current legislation, were discussed.
According to statistical data presented by the Department of Labour, in 2025, foreigners constituted 16% of the professionally qualified senior management of universities. Among them, African managers made up 41.9%, white managers 25.3%, Indian managers 10%, and Coloured managers 6.9%.
Tebogo Letsie emphasized that despite supporting international integration, universities are obliged to adhere to local labour laws, including the Employment Services Act and the Employment Equity Act.
Letsie clarified that this engagement is not an attack on foreign academics but is aimed at strengthening the post-school education and training system while ensuring adherence to industry policies. He stated his intention to follow established procedures and channels to request a special resolution through the Speaker of the National Assembly addressed to the President of the country for the purpose of issuing a special resolution concerning the hiring of foreign nationals over the past seven years.
Furthermore, Letsie recommended that the Department of Employment and Labour ensure the implementation of South African labour laws and hold accountable the institutions of the post-school education system where non-compliance was identified.
The Committee also expressed concern regarding student accommodation and funding provided to students. Letsie noted that the committee has consistently supported the inclusion of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in the accreditation process for student housing. However, housing has become a commodity and a 'gold mine' for some unscrupulous individuals.
He added that student accommodation is of great importance, as universities play a significant role in this area. Letsie reported that the committee is aware of instances where some universities receive payments for students housed in specific hostels, including situations where the state pays for accommodation even if the students no longer reside there.
The Committee also highly commended the work of the SIU and the Ombudsman for investigating allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and other misconduct in institutions within the portfolio of Higher Education and Training. Nevertheless, Letsie insisted on the need for a deeper examination of persistent issues related to funding intended for student housing assistance.