The TVET Colleges Governance Council (TVETCGC) hosted a provincial roadshow on 28 May, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The TVETCGC is a voluntary association that focuses on capacity building, policy advocacy, resource mobilisation, skills development, and organisational leadership to shape the future of TVET education in South Africa.

Mr S Zungu, the Chairperson of the TVETCGC, emphasised the council’s commitment to aligning strategies and performance across the sector. “Our aim is to provide value-driven support, ethical leadership, and meaningful stakeholder engagement within and beyond the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) landscape,” he said.

The TVETCGC has five key focus areas: capacity building, digital literacy and ICT integration, skills development programmes, workforce readiness and industry alignment, and community engagement.

While the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkaband, could not attend the event, the TVETCGC has scheduled a meeting with her on 29 May. Mr Zungu also highlighted the challenges the sector faces, noting, “Unfortunately, our colleges are often seen as the last option, but we are working towards enrolling over a million students across all colleges.”

The TVETCGC has secured partnerships with various organisations, including MTN, the National Skills Fund (NSF), Old Mutual, Huawei, African Bank, and others. Mr Zungu called for unity among stakeholders, particularly chairpersons, principals, and educators, urging them to work as a team to strengthen the sector.

Mr Seja from FASSET, a partner of the TVETCGC, explained FASSET’s role as a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) regulated by the Department of Higher Education and Training. FASSET is dedicated to driving transformation in the finance and accounting sector, supporting skills development, and creating a sustainable industry. Mr Seja outlined FASSET’s objectives: to encourage learners’ participation in education and skills programmes, ensure completion of studies, provide workplace experience, offer funding support, assist small and large businesses with skills development, and deliver effective career guidance.

Mr Clicks Solomon from Reonet (IDT) also spoke at the event, outlining Reonet’s work under a seven-year utilities contract with the ECDPWI. Reonet focuses on water efficiency and retrofits, energy interventions, waste audits, rates and taxes recoveries, and correct billing.

Together, the TVETCGC and its partners are committed to transforming the TVET landscape for a better future.