Higher Education and Training minister, Naledi Pandor, was responding to questions from EFF MP Nontando Nolutshungu, during a sitting on Friday, 31 August 2018.
Minister of Higher Education and Training, Naledi Pandor revealed in Parliament on Friday, 31 August 2018 that only 49 percent of her senior staff are women.
Pandor was responding to a question from EFF MP Nontando Nolutshungu. Nolutshungu asked the minister about the number and gender of the deputy director-generals and chief directors in her employ.
Pandor provided tabulated information that showed that of the 314 people employed in permanent and acting positions, only 49 percent were women. The number of people employed in deputy director-general and chief director positions amounted to 36, with only 13 of those people being women.
Women did, however, dominate the deputy director-general position with four of them being among the six directors employed. The Chief Director position in this case was male-dominated as only 9 of the 30 positions available were occupied by women.
The EFF member also asked about the number of CEOs and directors working within public entities that report to the minister. The numbers were much better in this category as 50 percent of the positions were occupied by women.
The senior positions in the Council on Higher Education were at 50 per cent, while the National Institute for Humanities and Social Science was run entirely by women.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme had 33 percent female leadership and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations was slightly higher with a 43 percent female presence.
51 percent of female leaders were listed as part of the Sector Education and Training authorities, while 56 percent were involved in the National skills fund.
A clear female majority was recorded as part of the South African Qualification Authority at 66 per cent.
Xiletelo Mabasa
x.mabasa@politicalanalysis.co.za
