Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has appointed Dr Robert Nkuna as Administrator of the College of Cape Town,following what government described as disturbing evidence of governance failures at the institution.
The intervention follows the findings of a Stabilisation and Governance Support Team (SGST), which confirmed a widespread governance breakdown, procurement irregularities and a deteriorating institutional climate that was affecting teaching and learning.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, the Minister said the appointment forms part of decisive steps to restore stability, accountability, and proper governance at the college.
“In October 2025, following a parliamentary hearing at which the Portfolio Committee heard disturbing evidence of governance breakdown at the College, I exercised my powers as Minister, under section 46(1) of the Continuing Education and Training Act by establishing a Stabilisation and Governance Support Team (SGST),” Manamela said.
The SGST team was chaired by Advocate JB Skhosana SC and included Professor Busani Ngcaweni and Ms MJ Nkopane. The team was tasked with investigating allegations of maladministration, mediating internal conflicts and recommending measures to restore governance at the institution.
The team conducted extensive interviews and gathered evidence during October and November 2025. Its final report was submitted to the Minister on 5 February 2026 and was immediately shared with the College Council and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education.
According to the Minister, the report painted a concerning picture of institutional dysfunction.
“The report’s findings were sobering. It documented a collapse of governance oversight structures, irregular appointments and nepotism, and the Council’s decision to extend a security contract after a court had already declared it invalid,” Manamela said.
The report also highlighted financial challenges linked to procurement irregularities and found that the institutional environment had deteriorated to the extent that both staff and students were operating in a climate of fear.
It further concluded that teaching and learning activities were being compromised.
Following these developments, the College Principal, Dr Mhangarai Muswaba, was dismissed after an independent disciplinary process conducted through the General Public Service Sector Bargaining Council.
The SGST recommended that the Minister dissolve the College Council and appoint an administrator in terms of section 46(4) of the Continuing Education and Training Act.
Manamela said the appointment of Nkuna is aimed at stabilising the institution and restoring governance systems.
Nkuna is a senior public servant who previously served as Director-General, most recently in the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. He brings extensive experience in governance, strategic management, and public administration.
Under the terms of the appointment, Nkuna will assume all governance and management functions of the College Council, which is deemed to have resigned upon the appointment of an administrator.
“His priorities will be to stabilise operations immediately, commission a forensic audit, implement consequence management, rebuild governance structures and ensure that students can continue their studies without disruption,” Manamela explained.
Nkuna’s appointment will be for a period not exceeding two years. During this time, he will oversee the stabilisation of the institution and work towards the reconstitution of a new College Council capable of providing effective oversight.
The Minister thanked Advocate Skhosana and members of the SGST for their work, describing their investigation as diligent and professional.
Governance reform cannot be held hostage to litigation
Manamela acknowledged that some of the department’s governance interventions in the post-school education and training sector have attracted legal challenges.
However, he stressed that litigation would not derail reform efforts.
“Governance reform cannot be held hostage to litigation. We are confident of the legal basis of each intervention. The courts will decide, however administration continues.
“Where legal challenges have been brought against these decisions, we will defend them vigorously,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za
