Dr Blade Nzimande
Dr Blade Nzimande serves as Higher Education and Training minister (ANC) and earns R2 792 155 per year — about R232 680 per month, roughly 39.5× the national minimum wage — at DPSA salary grade Grade EC — Pay Level 1. On this tracker's performance scorecard, Dr Blade Nzimande is graded D (Poor), reflecting significant delivery shortfalls. Across 3 tracked KPIs, the portfolio recorded 2 notable achievements and 4 documented failures, at a budget spend rate of 64%. NSFAS in crisis. SETA governance collapsing. Student funding backlogs deepening.
Salary breakdown
Annual salary
R2 792 155
Monthly
R232 680
vs minimum wage
39.5× min wage
Salary source — DPSA 2025 approved rates
https://www.dhet.gov.za
Performance Scorecard · Grade D (Poor)
Poor return on R2.8m
NSFAS in crisis. SETA governance collapsing. Student funding backlogs deepening.
Key Performance Indicators
Target
95% of approved funding disbursed
Actual
72% — R4.2 billion in arrears
Target
21 of 21 SETAs compliant
Actual
11 of 21 compliant
Target
30,000 qualified artisans
Actual
18,400 qualified
Achievements
TVET college enrolment increased 12% year-on-year
Launched new postgraduate research funding stream
Failures
NSFAS disbursement crisis — R4.2 billion in arrears affecting 200,000+ students
Nearly half of SETAs non-compliant with governance requirements
Artisan output only 61% of target — skills pipeline weakening
Predecessor dismissed for 22 irregular SETA board appointments he inherited
Budget spend rate
64%National Treasury Vote 17, 2024/25
Other ministers
Salary figures from DPSA 2025 approved rates for office-bearers. Where a performance scorecard is shown, KPIs are drawn from official and media sources labelled per indicator. Independent public-accountability tool — not affiliated with any political party.