Improving South Africa’s higher education sector remains a key priority for the Department of Higher Education and Training. Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe says that meaningful skills development must lead to real opportunities for young people, whether through employment or entrepreneurship.
“For me the success of our sector is not in just skilling and training but in ensuring that we’re training and skilling for employability… I’m not just talking about working for someone, I'm talking about self-employment and entrepreneurship,” she said.
Driving Demand-Led Skills Development
Gondwe, who describes herself as a “very simple person and a hard worker,” was appointed as Deputy Minister on 30 June 2024. She says her focus is on strengthening collaboration with private sector partners “and that we really produce skills and training that is needed and demanded by the economy.”
She believes South Africa must prepare young people for the future world of work, not only the immediate job market. “In other words, our approach to skills development should be demand-led and of course, opportunity led. We have to skill for the future, and not just for the now and the immediate future.”
Promoting Entrepreneurship
The Deputy Minister notes that the economy cannot absorb all young graduates entering the job market. She says this is why enterprise development must form an essential part of the higher education system.
“I think we need to embed enterprise in the curriculum… you can work for yourself,” she explained, adding that supporting young entrepreneurs can help them employ themselves and others.
Key Priorities Since Taking Office
Since stepping into her role, Gondwe has prioritised:
• Strengthening partnerships with the private sector
• Supporting matriculants through the Matric Support Programme
• Addressing water and sanitation challenges at higher education institutions
She has already signed three major Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Old Mutual, Microsoft and Takealot. These partnerships aim to boost youth skills development, expand digital learning and prepare students for the digital economy.
The MoU with Microsoft focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI) training and digital skills, while the Takealot agreement supports youth employment pathways and workforce development.
Gondwe says four additional partnerships are underway, including one with an international organisation to further strengthen skills development programmes.
Reaching Young People In Underserved Communities
The department continues its “Taking Higher Education to the People” initiative, which brings information about study and training opportunities to rural and under-resourced communities.
The Matric Support Programme also helps Grade 12 learners understand the range of options available after school.
The department is working closely with municipalities to reach South Africans who are Neither in Employment, Education or Training (NEET). “At some stage, we were sitting at 3.8 million young people that were neither in employment nor training,” Gondwe noted.
By partnering with municipalities and SETAs, the department aims to connect this group with alternative learning and employment pathways.
Improving Campus Conditions
The Deputy Minister is also concerned about campus safety following recent student protests at some universities.
She says a war room has been established to work with institutions and prepare for the 2026 academic year. “The Minister is leading efforts to ensure that we are ready for the 2026 academic year,” she said.
Working with the Department of Water and Sanitation, Gondwe has also supported colleges experiencing water shortages, helping one institution secure seven water tanks while long-term solutions are underway.
Preparing Students For The AI Era
On the role of Artificial Intelligence in education, Gondwe acknowledges its complexity. “It’s somewhat of a double-edged sword,” she said, noting that while some roles may be replaced by AI, many—such as artisans—remain essential.
Through industry partnerships, the goal is to ensure students have the right digital and technical skills to compete in an AI-driven world. “I see it more as an opportunity for us to ensure that our students have the skills to meet what is needed by this AI generation.”
Building Pathways For Youth Employment
Gondwe says youth unemployment remains one of her biggest concerns. As a parent herself, she is determined to create better opportunities for South African youth.
“We have to really care about where young people end up and not to add to the unemployment queues,” she said.
She emphasises that leadership means listening and ensuring that students do not reach dead ends in their education journey. Through partnerships, community outreach and a renewed focus on employability, the department hopes to open more pathways to work and entrepreneurship for young people across the country.
Additional reporting from SANews.
