First-Year Placements Limited, but Higher Education Minister Says System Ready for 2026

South Africa’s universities and colleges are bracing for another influx of hopefuls in 2026 - but space is limited. Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela says about 235,000 spots will be available at universities, 170,000 at TVET colleges, and 130,000 at community colleges. That’s still only enough for half of the learners who qualify. With more matriculants earning bachelor’s passes and NSFAS facing financial strain, Manamela admits not everyone will be placed. The minister joins Phemelo live in studio to unpack his plans for the higher education sector.