Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, Minister of Higher Education and Training, during an oversight visit to UL, expressed satisfaction with how the University’s management and council are handling its affairs. Photo: Evidence Mongwe
By Johannes Selepe – Mosela.selepe@ul.ac.za
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has commended the University of Limpopo (UL) for its stability and adherence to sound governance practices
Dr Nkabane made these remarks during her oversight visit to the University, as part of her duties as the political accounting authority for the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Her visit included a tour of the University’s infrastructure developments.
“This morning (Tuesday, 20 May 2025), I met with the Council, senior management of the University, and representatives from the Council on Higher Education (CHE), which advises the Minister on the performance of higher learning institutions, especially public universities. Following this meeting, I handed over to the CHE to present their assessment of UL’s performance, with a focus on its quality management system,” said the Minister.
Dr Nkabane noted that the CHE’s assessment concentrated on four key areas and evaluated the University against 16 performance standards. “We are pleased that UL has positively responded to several of the CHE’s recommendations. An improvement plan has been submitted, and the CHE will monitor its implementation along with established timeframes. Overall, we can confidently say that the University is stable and functional,” she added.
The Minister highlighted several key areas for enhancement, including the expansion of work-integrated learning programmes to equip students with practical skills, the development of an integrated ICT management system for students to voice concerns and participate in electronic surveys, and the transformation and modernisation of the curriculum.
The Director-General of the DHET, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, affirming that the CHE’s findings validate the University’s operations and governance. “The Minister’s report is based on credible data from the CHE. Those with opposing views must provide verifiable sources. As a Department, we depend on official regulatory bodies, and the CHE is the supreme authority advising the Minister and overseeing universities nationwide.”
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UL, Professor Mahlo Mokgalong, stressed the importance of evidence-based reporting. “The CHE has certified that the University is functional, and I can confidently assert that we operate a stable and well-functioning institution.”
During her visit, the Minister toured several campus facilities, including a refurbished, state-of-the-art residence for students with disabilities; a new 4,500-bed student residence currently under construction; the newly constructed Earth Science Building; and other key infrastructure projects. Dr Nkabane expressed satisfaction with the progress, emphasising that such investments are essential for improving teaching and learning at the University.
