The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is a vital department within the national government of South Africa, responsible for overseeing and implementing policies related to higher education and vocational training.
Mandate and Objectives
- Higher Education: The department is tasked with the development and improvement of higher education in South Africa. This includes overseeing universities and other tertiary institutions, ensuring quality education, and promoting research and innovation.
- Vocational and Continuing Education: It also focuses on vocational education and training, including technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges, to equip individuals with practical skills and qualifications.
- Skills Development: The department aims to address the skills gap in the South African workforce by aligning education and training with the needs of the economy.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
- Policy Development and Implementation: Formulating policies for higher education and training.
- Quality Assurance: Ensuring the quality of higher education institutions and programs.
- Funding and Oversight: Managing government funding for higher education and overseeing the allocation of resources.
- Skills Development Initiatives: Implementing initiatives to enhance skills development and vocational training.
- Research and Innovation Support: Promoting research and innovation within higher education.
Challenges and Issues
- Access and Equity: Ensuring equitable access to higher education for all South Africans.
- Quality of Education: Maintaining and improving the quality of education in a diverse and evolving sector.
- Alignment with Industry Needs: Aligning education and training programs with the current and future needs of the economy.
Recent Initiatives and Programs
- Bursary and Scholarship Programs: Providing financial support to students in need.
- TVET College Improvement: Initiatives to improve the infrastructure and quality of TVET colleges.
- Research Funding and Support: Programs to support research in higher education institutions.
Leadership and Structure
- The department is led by a Minister of Higher Education and Training, supported by a Deputy Minister and senior officials.
- It is organized into various divisions focusing on higher education, vocational training, skills development, and other related areas.
Contact Information
- Address: 123 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria, 0001
- Phone Numbers: General Switchboard: 012 312 5911 / 0800 87 2222 / 086 999 0123
- Email: callcentre@dhet.gov.za
- Website: Department of Higher Education and Training
