South Africa has a skills development problem − what is the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) solution? A lack of vocational training hampers skills development; something TVETs do address, but several factors are hindering their success.
According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), around 20,8 million of the 63,1 million population are between the ages of 15 and 34 years. This means we have a potential workforce that countries with ageing populations like Japan or Italy can only dream of. That we desperately need this workforce to grow the economy is undisputed. What is holding us back?
One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of skills development. The role of TVET has long been touted as instrumental in addressing our labour market skills shortages and the high youth unemployment rate. At present, there are 50 public TVET colleges with more than 260 campuses across South Africa.
Despite the large number of colleges and campuses, a 2021 study conducted at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU), published in the SA Journal of Higher Education (SAJHE), found that, “the extremely low throughput and certification rates at these institutions prevent colleges from achieving this goal (addressing skills shortages and unemployment).”
There are several reasons for this, ranging from admissions bottlenecks to insufficient funding to the misconception that TVET colleges are the lesser option versus universities. There is also a lack of understanding that graduates from TVETs can enter the job market much sooner with their practical skills, or even become entrepreneurs.
Data from 2024 shows that of the 615 429 matriculants that passed last year, 166 634 students − or 27,08% of the total complement − were successfully admitted to a TVET college. This low number is partially because matriculants were vying for placement against other students. In fact, 482 244 students were enrolled in total, with matriculants getting 34,55% of placements.
According to a speech made by Minister Blade Nzimande in January 2024, “We have taken a decision to further massify our TVET college system towards the goal of 2,5 million enrolment in this sector (by 2030), although this will require significantly higher levels of investment, new infrastructure, staff and student enrolments.”
While many matriculants qualified for university-level education, the number of available places in universities and TVET colleges continues to cause a significant bottleneck, with a large portion of the qualifying cohort not immediately transitioning into post-school education − a situation that is unlikely to change quickly. Many students enrolling at a TVET college come from lower socio-economic backgrounds and require financial support to complete their studies. While there are funding schemes like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas) and sponsorships, these are not sufficient. There is the additional stress caused by the application process, delayed disbursements and financial mismanagement.
Changing the narrative about TVETs, Sizakele Mphatsoe, head of education at Kagiso Trust, speaking at an X Spaces discussion hosted by Kagiso Trust recently, endorsed TVET as a game-changer because it offers practical, cost-effective and empowering pathways. The Sasol Foundation’s Dr Cynthia Malinga, who leads the company’s Technical Schools of Excellence Network, said the emphasis on university education resulted in South Africa having too many engineers and too few artisans.
The potential of TVET colleges to address South Africa’s skills gap and youth unemployment is undisputed, and partnership is critical. Support includes capacitating lecturers through subject-specific workshops where needs have been identified. Maximising the ability of these institutions requires a concerted effort − from public-private stakeholders, government investment in infrastructure and student funding to a collective change in public perception.
■ Yondela Mlonzi is a vocational publisher.
