Pretoria - Parliament has passed legislation reverting functions of the Further Education Training (FET) Colleges to the Higher Education and Training Department.
Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, announced on Thursday that the FET Amendment Bill, handing over management of colleges to the national department, had been passed and will be signed by President Jacob Zuma shortly.
He, however, emphasised that the function shift did not mean that the department would not consult with provinces, municipalities and communities about matters relating to FET Colleges.
"These colleges still have to respond to local economic and social priorities of the region so that they remain relevant to local developmental needs."
On Thursday morning, Nzimande had a meeting at eThekwini FET College between the FET Colleges Employer Organization (FETCEO) of KwaZulu-Natal and the MEC for Education, Senzo Mchunu, where a number of issues were brought to the minister's attention.
Nzimande noted that some of the things that need to be done in relation to migration relate to governance, which the department will take over immediately, and the filling in of posts will be prioritized.
He warned provinces to stop making appointments without the department, stressing a need to appoint principals who essentially understand their role in relation to the National Skills Accord.
"The determination of posts and staff to be transferred to department of Higher Education and Training, will be handled sensitively as it has a number of dimensions to it. The department will also conduct an audit of all staff in the FET Colleges."
On funding, Nzimande encouraged the FET colleges to engage with the SETAs to access the funding from the SETAs, apart from the funding from National Treasury.
"I am of the view that the increase in funding for expansion will assist colleges in maintaining their plant and equipment, this funding is in the form of an expanded bursary allocation and National Skills Fund (NSF) top up, the department has also made additional funds available to the colleges via NSF."
He further announced the extension of the Term of Office for some College Councils, which has come to an end, explaining that if the Term of Office of any Council expires before the transfer of the function, the Term of Office must be extended for a period not exceeding nine months to allow for a smooth transition to the new Act.
As soon as the Act is promulgated the department will establish Interim Councils utilising the current governing council members pending the establishment of the new councils under the Act.
