The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has been rocked by the sudden resignation of its deputy director-general responsible for technical and vocational education and training (TVET), Sam Zungu.
In a formal resignation letter dated May 7 and addressed to director-general Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, Zungu confirmed his departure, describing it as a decision reached after what he called “thorough deliberation” and “carefully considered reflection”.
“This decision was not arrived at lightly. Nonetheless, I am firmly convinced that it is the appropriate course of action at this juncture in my professional career,” according to the letter seen by Sunday World.
Zungu was appointed to the position in 2021 during the tenure of Blade Nzimande as higher education minister.
Zungu offers to serve month’s notice
Despite resigning immediately, Zungu indicated that he remains available to serve a one-month notice period to support what he described as a “comprehensive and orderly handover process”.
He further expressed appreciation to the department’s leadership, including current minister Buti Manamela and Sishi, thanking them for the opportunity to serve in a portfolio.
He also assured leadership that ongoing work within the TVET portfolio would be advanced to an appropriate stage to avoid disruption in service delivery.
“I shall exert every effort within my capacity to ensure a seamless transition and the thorough handover of all responsibilities entrusted to me,” he stated.
Headwinds at higher education department
This comes as part of a spate of issues that have plagued the higher education department recently.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was placed under administration. Manamela announced Professor Hlengani Mathebula as the administrator who will be part of an intervention at the student funding body.
Last week the interim chairperson of the NSFAS board Dr Mugwena Maluleke, and board member Karabo Mohale stepped down from their positions, leaving the embattled organisation with a leadership vacuum.
Sunday World reported about the internal tensions at NSFAS, including allegations that Manamela interfered in the chief executive appointment process.
- Sam Zungu, deputy director-general for TVET at the Department of Higher Education and Training, has resigned, citing careful reflection and professional reasons.
- Zungu, appointed in 2021, offered to serve a one-month notice period to ensure a smooth handover.
- He expressed gratitude to current leadership, including Minister Buti Manamela and Director-General Dr Nkosinathi Sishi.
- The department faces significant challenges, including the placement of NSFAS under administration due to ongoing issues.
- Recent turmoil at NSFAS includes the resignation of its interim chairperson and board member, creating a leadership vacuum amid allegations of ministerial interference.
In a formal resignation letter dated May 7 and addressed to director-general Dr
“
Despite resigning immediately,
He further expressed appreciation to the department’s leadership, including current minister Buti Manamela and
He also assured leadership that ongoing work within the TVET portfolio would be advanced to an appropriate stage to avoid disruption in service delivery.
“I shall exert every effort within my capacity to ensure a seamless transition and the thorough handover of all responsibilities entrusted to me,” he stated.
Last week the interim chairperson of the NSFAS board Dr Mugwena Maluleke, and board member Karabo Mohale stepped down from their positions, leaving the embattled organisation with a leadership vacuum.
