During the National Assembly, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, provided an update on the project to introduce 16 new TVET College campuses in the country. The department embarked on this project to improve access and success in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system.
The department has invested R2.88 billion in the development and refurbishment of 16 new TVET campuses to enable the expansion of the TVET system.
At the beginning of the year, 10 campuses were completed and ready to receive students. These include:
- Thabazimbi
- Umzimkhulu
- Graaf-Reinet
- Nongoma
- Msinga
- Aliwal North
- Kwagqikazi
- Ngqungqushe
- Nkandla A
- Bhambanani
During 2023, three new campuses will be completed, which include Greytown, Strekspruit and Balfour. The remaining three campuses will be completed by the end of the 2023/24 financial year with enrolments planned for 2024/25.
The department has expanded its Centres of Specialisation to 34 centres in 20 of its TVET Colleges. This was done with a further investment of R68 million.
According to the department, 16 of the TVET Colleges have 35 Trade Test Centres. This is a huge improvement since apartheid when there was only one Trade Test Centre (Olifantsfontein) in the country.
The department has entered into a number of other partnerships with the private sector. These partnerships provide training and workplace experience to both TVET College students and lecturers.
Entrepreneurship hubs have also been established at TVET Colleges. These hubs support students and equip them with the skills to move into self-employment after the completion of their programmes.
