Higher Education Director-General Retires After Five Years
Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, appointed in 2021, has retired as head of the Department of Higher Education and Training, with Ms Nadia Starr seconded to act in the role.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in People
Dr Nkosinathi Sishi retired as Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, a post he had held since his appointment in 2021. Ms Nadia Starr, previously CEO of the South African Qualifications Authority, was seconded to the acting Director-General role.
Why it matters
The department oversees universities, TVET colleges and skills policy, so leadership continuity affects how these institutions are run during the transition. The secondment also signals that the department is relying on an experienced qualifications administrator to steady operations.
Dr Sishi's tenure ran from 2021 until his retirement, spanning several ministerial terms. The extraction does not confirm the timing of a permanent appointment to succeed him.
The players
Dr Nkosinathi Sishi
Former Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, who led the department under several ministers after his 2021 appointment.
Ms Nadia Starr
Seconded to act as Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, having previously served as CEO of the South African Qualifications Authority.
The details
Dr Nkosinathi Sishi led the Department of Higher Education and Training under several ministers before retiring. Ms Nadia Starr, who previously served as CEO of the South African Qualifications Authority, was seconded to act as Director-General.
Timeline
2021: Dr Sishi appointed Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training.
12 November 2026: Committee chairperson statement on Dr Sishi's retirement issued.
Leadership Context
Ms Starr's move from heading the South African Qualifications Authority to acting at the department echoes the link between the National Qualifications Framework and higher education policy. The change links the two bodies that set and implement qualification standards.
Students, universities and TVET colleges may see continuity or adjustment in departmental decisions while the acting arrangement is in place. Stakeholders should watch for the announcement of a permanent Director-General.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at national departments can shape the pace of reforms affecting thousands of learners and institutions. Following official announcements helps stakeholders anticipate how policy direction may shift.
Further reading
Explore more people moves in South African business to see how public and private leadership changes are tracked.
