The Department organised a strategic planning session where all its entities, the Committee, and the office of the Auditor-General (AG) were invited to engage broadly on an integrated approach to matters related to higher education and training. The strategic planning session began with a Gala Dinner organised by the Office of the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr B Nzimande, MP on 15 February 2013 where he delivered a speech to all the invited guests in preparation for the strategic planning session.