The Minister of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Bule Mamelodi, has appointed Nadia Starr, the head of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), as the acting chief executive officer of his department. This appointment follows the departure of Dr. Nkosinathi Sishi.
Sishi's departure concludes his five-year term, which began in November 2021 and spanned three different ministries: from Dr. Blaise Nzimande and Nobule Nkabane (from July 2024 to July 2025) to the current minister who took over after Nkabane.
His tenure was marked by persistent challenges in the post-school education and training sector, including disputes over student funding, management issues in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and complexities across the entire skills development system.
Mamelodi thanked Sishi for his service and wished him well in future endeavors. Starr, who held the position of SAQA head since December 2022, assumed duties on November 1st.
Previously, she worked in a non-executive capacity, overseeing the operations of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) at SAQA, and also held various non-executive and executive director roles, including head of the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA).
She holds a Master of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, as well as Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Cape Town, and other professional certifications. Her appointment at DHET will last until July 31, 2027, or until a permanent CEO is appointed through the public service recruitment process.
Starr possesses extensive experience in the post-school education and training sector, including qualifications systems, quality assurance, and skills funding. She previously chaired the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board.
Priorities and Next Steps
Mamelodi stated that Starr's primary task will be to ensure stability within the department and address key issues affecting students, colleges, and employers. He noted: 'Her immediate task is to keep the department stable and focus on what students, colleges, and employers expect from us, namely a reliable student funding system, stable college management, SETA reforms, and the work currently underway on the future structure of the system.'
The Ministry reported that the process for appointing a permanent CEO is being initiated in accordance with public service procedures.
Organizational Reactions
SAQA congratulated and welcomed Starr's interim appointment, while also announcing the appointment of Dr. Makhapha Makhofoli as the operational director to ensure leadership continuity and uninterrupted fulfillment of the authority's mandate.
The South African Students Congress (Sasco) welcomed the appointment but cautioned that an interim leader cannot replace a permanent appointment. In a statement released on Friday, Sasco acknowledged Dr. Sishi's service and expressed hope that Starr's experience would help stabilize the department during the transition period.
Nevertheless, the student organization urged Mamelodi and the departmental authorities to hire a permanent CEO as soon as possible. Sasco emphasized that students cannot cope with prolonged leadership uncertainty while universities and colleges face serious difficulties.
Sasco pointed to several ongoing issues in universities, TVET colleges, and public colleges that require stable leadership. These include unreliable student funding, financial isolation, lack of student accommodation, weak college governance, and limited access to skills training. The Student Congress stated that it expects the department to maintain progress on critical sector priorities, including SETA reforms and improved funding systems to support working-class students. Sasco added that while they plan to work constructively with the department, they will oppose any administrative delays or political failures that harm students.
