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The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned about the clashing of temperaments, hostility, tension and unrest amongst senior officials and Minister Nzimande in the Department of Higher Education and Training; the premature termination of contracts of two highly competent civil servants; and the negative effect that it might have on the higher education sector of the country.

Reports on the resignation of Mary Metcalfe, Director-General (DG) of the department and speculation about the reasons for it in last week's Sunday newspapers were followed by rumours in the press during the past week of another top official being axed by the minister.

The ministry's head of communications, Ranjeni Munusamy, is on her way out. Her departure ends a long history of trust between her and the minister.

Reasons such as Ms. Metcalfe's bureaucratic caution and specifically her queries about Nzimande's planned visit to Cuba on the one hand, and Ms. Munusamy's strong views on a free press which is in conflict with Minister Nzimande's views on media freedom, on the other hand, is another source of concern.

A minister who does not tolerate queries or disagreement from senior officials, and whose personal behaviour is causing embarrassment for his department creates a negative atmosphere, attitude and spirit amongst its officials. This is an unfortunate constraint which the department, that is currently hugely under resourced, can ill afford.

Current challenges of the department such as the recasting or reshaping of the skills training system and the stabilisation of the college sector requires competent and strong leadership, unwavering commitment and an atmosphere of trust and professionalism between the ministry and the officials.

The DA calls on Minister Nzimande to urgently attend to the problems in his department; to act in the best interest of the citizens who rely on the services of his department; and to appoint officials who are capable as fit for purpose to serve.