Queenstown, 25 February 2025 – Ikhala TVET College had the privilege of hosting a delegation from Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) at our Queenstown Business Campus yesterday. The visit was part of the South Africa Skills Training Enhancement Program (SASTEP), a four-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
The focus of the visit was to explore how Online and Blended Learning can improve student experiences and increase access to quality education. During the engagement, key stakeholders held insightful discussions on institutional priorities, sharing perspectives on how technology-driven education can bridge learning gaps and equip students with the necessary skills for the modern workforce.
Jacqueline Towell from Durham College in Canada emphasized the core objective of the program, stating that fundamentally, SASTEP is about “bringing people together.” Mr. Luyando Oliphant, Head of Academics at Ikhala TVET College, highlighted the importance of embracing digital learning, saying, “We need to grab the opportunity for online training.”
At the end of the presentation by CICan, Mr. Mgcini Ndlovu, a Business Studies lecturer at the college, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, describing SASTEP as “the partnership we’ve been waiting for.” Ana Belen Jimenez from CICan reinforced the long-term value of the program, noting that “training in online and blended learning ensures sustainability and impact.”
The Principal of Ikhala TVET College, Mr. Tembelihle Ntlangano found the discussions particularly inspiring, citing UNISA as a successful model for online learning. He expressed confidence that similar advancements could be achieved within the TVET sector. Mr. Muller du Preez, Queenstown Business Campus Manager, further emphasized the readiness of the college to implement such a program, stating, “Our campus has seven computer labs with state-of-the-art electronics that will not be affected by load shedding. So this programme comes at the right time.”
Aligning with DHET’s Objectives
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) aims to strengthen South Africa’s post-school education and training system by improving access, success, and employability. The visit by CICan directly supports DHET’s objectives, particularly:
- Expanding access to quality education: By integrating online and blended learning, institutions can reach more students, including those in rural areas.
- Enhancing skills development: Digital learning tools and virtual classrooms equip students with 21st-century skills that align with industry needs.
- Improving teaching and learning: The adoption of innovative teaching methods ensures that students receive high-quality education with modern resources.
- Building institutional capacity: Through international partnerships like CICan, TVET colleges can enhance their training capabilities and align with global best practices.
The visit also included a guided tour of the facilities, allowing the delegation to gain a deeper understanding of the college’s learning environment. Students had the opportunity to share their learning experiences, challenges, and aspirations, providing valuable firsthand insights into the impact of digital education.
Ikhala TVET College remains committed to advancing innovative teaching and learning strategies that align with DHET’s vision. The collaboration with CICan and GAC marks a significant step toward strengthening skills development and improving educational outcomes for our students.
We extend our sincere gratitude to CICan and our partners for this enriching engagement and look forward to continued collaboration in transforming education for a brighter future.
