Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has implored technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges to move away from offering programmes that do not lead to meaningful employment and local economic development.
Nzimande described the continued offering of such programmes by public TVET colleges as counterproductive.
The call was made during Nzimande’s visit to Eastern Cape TVET colleges in December last year.
“I would like to encourage all colleges to conduct an analysis of the local needs in the areas where the colleges are located, and offer programmes that address the skills required by these specific areas.
“We must ensure that we completely move away from the one-size-fits-all approach. Some of your colleges are in rural areas while others are in the country’s automotive hub and industrial areas,” said Nzimande.
He added that there were numerous occupational programmes on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) list, and it would be prudent for TVET colleges to match these with the needs of their area.
Nzimande recently launched the Hairdressing Programme as a fully-funded occupational programme, because it enables students to become self-employed.
The Port Elizabeth TVET College began offering the programme from January this year, and seven other colleges will offer the programme from next year.
On audit outcomes and infrastructure spending, Nzimande said he was pleased by the steady improvement in the audit findings of many colleges in the Eastern Cape region.
“For the year 2022, out of eight TVET colleges in the region, six colleges have shown an improvement from negative to unqualified audit outcomes,” he said.
He, however, expressed concern at non-spending and execution of projects by some colleges.
“Non-expenditure on allocated funds is a sign of lack of urgency. It gives the impression that colleges do not need these funds, and that they may be re-allocated elsewhere where they are most needed,” said Nzimande.
