Ikhala 23rd Anniversary

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Our Journey

April 1, 2002

Established

Ikhala TVET College is Establishment

Ikhala TVET College was established through the merger of several technical colleges, aiming to provide quality vocational and occupational education in the Eastern Cape.

2002–2010

Expansion and Development

The college expanded its reach by establishing campuses in Aliwal North, Ezibeleni, Queen Nonesi (Lady Frere), Queenstown (Komani), and Sterkspruit, serving communities across the Chris Hani and Joe Gqabi regions.
Campus Expansion: Ikhala has undertaken significant infrastructure projects, including renovations at the Ezibeleni Skills Centre, upgrades to the Old Sterkspruit Campus, and the addition of classrooms at the Queen Nonesi Campus.

2010s

Academic Growth and Infrastructure Enhancement

Academic Growth & Infrastructure Enhancement

Introduced National Certificate Vocational (NCV) and Report 191 (NATED) programs, aligning with national education standards.
Developed Skills Centres in Cala and Ezibeleni to offer specialized occupational training.
Enhanced student support services, including academic assistance, financial aid, and work-integrated learning opportunities.

2020–2024

Embracing Digital Transformation and Strategic Initiatives

Focused on integrating Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) initiatives to modernize curricula and teaching methods.
Digital Transformation: The college has digitized its enrolment and registration processes, improving efficiency and accessibility for students.
Expanded international partnerships with countries like China, Canada, and Japan.
The college has formed international partnerships with institutions in China (Culture and E-commerce), Canada (South Africa Skills Training Enhancement Program - SASTEP), and Japan (Japan International Cooperation Agency - JICA), enriching its educational offerings and fostering cultural exchange.
Established a dedicated Research Committee to promote academic research and informed decision-making.

2025

Recent Achievements

A certification rate of 72% and a student throughput rate of 15%.
Registered 5,250 students, surpassing the target of 4,982, indicating growing demand for the college's programs.
Work-Integrated Learning: Currently, 733 students are engaged in work-integrated learning programs, providing them with practical experience in their fields of study.
Continued efforts to secure Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) accreditation for various programs.
Financial Assistance: Ikhala has secured 22 financial partnerships to provide stipends and support to students, enhancing access to education.
57.62% of students received funding; 99% of those funded by NSFAS.
Recruited new lecturers to improve teaching coverage.
Initiated verification of subject allocations to align with standard teaching contact time.
110 interactive screens were installed across campuses.
Borehole drilling initiated in Ezibeleni and Queen Nonesi.
Improvements in internet connectivity and solar backup systems.
Established a Research Committee, chaired by Dr Rumosa Gwaze, to enhance decision-making and teaching quality.
Planned introduction of non-accredited skills programmes at all campuses with a target of 250 students.
Student Representation: The college inaugurated its 2025 Student Representative Council (SRC) on February 14, 2025, emphasizing student leadership and participation in governance.
National Ranking: As of early 2025, Ikhala TVET College ranks 21st out of 50 public TVET colleges in South Africa for its Report 191 and National Certificate Vocational (NCV)

Journey Stats

Certification Rate

50 %

Student Throughput Rate

0 %

Student Registrations

4982

Work-Integrated Learning

500

Students Received Funding

30 %

Student Success Stories

Student Spotlight: From Construction Sites to Casino Control Panels – A Story of Grit and Growth

At Ikhala TVET College, success is not just measured in certificates, but in courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of purpose. One of our outstanding Electrical Engineering students has proven just that.

After first enrolling in 2016, her journey was anything but linear. Financial hardship forced her to put her dreams on hold. With no parental support and two outstanding subjects, she stepped away from her studies and worked construction jobs and short-term contracts in transport and civil work—saving every cent with the vision of returning to complete her studies.

That vision became reality.

She returned to Ikhala in 2020, passed her remaining subjects, and took every opportunity seriously. After completing her NCV Level 4, she secured workplace placement with an electrical company, gaining technical experience in street lighting and cable jointing. Despite unfair working conditions, she stood her ground, negotiated, and pushed for clarity on her contract—never losing sight of her long-term goal.

Her journey then took a surprising turn—into a technical role at a local casino. With no background in electronics or computer systems, she found herself managing over 180 complex machines. Through sheer dedication and a hunger to learn, she became a reliable technician on the floor. She now mentors fellow students, troubleshoots hardware issues, and even supports the IT department—showing remarkable adaptability and initiative.

“Attitude matters more than anything,” she says. “I wasn’t trained for some of these things, but I’m committed to figuring them out.”

Now working toward completing her Diploma in Industrial Electronics, she’s eyeing bigger opportunities and continues to make Ikhala TVET College proud.

Her story reminds us that when purpose drives you, no obstacle can stop you.

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