Studies Find Political Interference – Corruption And Nepotism In TVET Colleges

Studies Find Political Interference – Corruption And Nepotism In TVET Colleges. Recent studies have highlighted significant issues in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa. The research suggests various reforms, including stricter appointment and vetting processes for council members and capping their fees to mitigate these problems.
Political Interference, Corruption, and Nepotism Rife at TVET Colleges, Study Reveals
A groundbreaking study has revealed that South African public TVET colleges are significantly affected by political interference, corruption, and nepotism. This comprehensive research was conducted by Mzabalazo Advisory Services (MAS) in February and was one of 30 projects commissioned by the Department of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation in 2019, funded by the National Skills Authority.
Research Collaboration And Partners
The five-year research programme was led by the University of the Western Cape Institute for Post-School Studies (IPSS), in collaboration with MAS, the University of Cape Town, Rhodes University, Nelson Mandela University, the University of Fort Hare, and Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Additional partners included Jet Education Services, the Swiss-South African Cooperation Initiative, the University of Nottingham, DNA Economics, AfriGIS, and Advocacy Aid.
Scope Of The Study
According to UWC spokesperson Gasant Abarder, the study explored a wide range of issues, focusing on governance, infrastructure, curriculum, student issues, and lecturer development. The IPSS served as the lead research partner, coordinating the efforts of various institutions to ensure comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.
The Research Process
The study involved reviewing documents and conducting interviews and surveys with department officials, TVET council members, the South African Public Colleges Organisation, and the South African Further Education and Training Students Association. A survey distributed to council members at 48 colleges received 300 responses, providing a substantial dataset for analysis.
Additionally, council members completed self-evaluation forms in the second half of 2023, assessing their performance across six dimensions: leadership and oversight, structures and relationships, accountability, compliance, performance, and meetings and communication. This generated 97 responses, offering further insights into the governance issues faced by these institutions.
Findings And Recommendations
In November 2019, the Department of Higher Education presented a report to the parliamentary portfolio committee on higher education, revealing that 11 of the 50 TVET colleges had engaged in inappropriate activities during 2018 and 2019. The study’s findings emphasized the need for reforms to address the pervasive issues of political interference, corruption, and nepotism within these institutions.
Conclusion
The research underscores the urgent need for systemic changes in the governance of TVET colleges. Implementing stricter appointment and vetting processes for council members and capping their fees are crucial steps towards mitigating political interference, corruption, and nepotism. Addressing these issues is essential for the effective functioning and improvement of South Africa’s TVET colleges, ultimately benefiting the students and the broader educational landscape.