Queenstown, March 6, 2025 – The Emalahleni Local Municipality Institutional Strategic Planning Session, a three-day event held from March 5–7, 2025, brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on the region’s development trajectory. On the second day of the session, Ikhala TVET College’s Principal, Mr. Ntlangano, delivered a compelling presentation emphasizing the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in shaping South Africa’s workforce and economy.
The session was attended by high-profile stakeholders, including the Mayor of Emalahleni Local Municipality, Cllr N. Koni. Mr. Ntlangano’s presentation highlighted the need to challenge prevailing stereotypes about TVET colleges, particularly the misconception that they are a last-resort option for students who do not qualify for university education. Instead, he asserted that TVET institutions should be recognized as a viable and respected pathway to career success and national economic growth.
Ikhala TVET College Mandate
As part of his presentation, the Principal reinforced the college’s commitment to providing education and training that is responsive to the socio-economic needs of the communities it serves. Ikhala TVET College’s mandate focuses on:
- Provision of Technical and Vocational Education & Training – Ensuring students are equipped with practical skills that align with industry needs.
- Skills Development for Economic Growth – Offering programs that contribute to job creation and entrepreneurship.
- Education and Training Aligned with Community Needs – Addressing gaps in skills and employment opportunities at both local and district levels.
- Sustainable and Mutually Beneficial Partnerships – Collaborating with stakeholders, including government and private sector partners, to enhance the quality of training and job placement opportunities.
This mandate highlights the importance of TVET education as a driver of economic transformation and social upliftment.
Addressing Dropout Rates and Increasing Artisan Training
A key concern raised by the principal was the high dropout rate at Level 2. He called for a collective effort to change how TVET education is perceived to encourage more students to complete their studies. Mr. Ntlangano highlighted the urgent need to increase the number of qualified artisans in South Africa, stating that artisans play a crucial role in job creation and economic sustainability.
He also urged government departments to provide real-time workplace experience for students. By offering structured, hands-on training, students can gain a holistic understanding of their respective fields and transition smoothly into the workforce. This aligns with the college’s commitment to skills development for economic advancement, as outlined in its mandate.
Ikhala TVET College Programme and Qualification Mix (PQM) Skills Programme
To ensure that students acquire practical, job-ready skills, Ikhala TVET College offers an array of PQM Skills Programmes that align with the developmental needs of local and district municipalities. These programs aim to produce skilled artisans who can either enter the workforce or become self-employed. The available skills programmes include:
- Bricklaying
- Carpentry
- Hot Water Solar System Installation
- Welding
- Plumbing
- Wastewater Treatment
- Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering
- ICT and Agriculture Training
These specialized courses play a vital role in increasing the number of qualified artisans in South Africa, helping to address unemployment and economic inequality.
Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Occupational Programmes and Workplace Readiness
Ikhala TVET College is actively implementing QCTO Programmes, which focus on equipping students with workplace experience. A crucial aspect of these programmes is the integration of structured workplace learning. Depending on the programme, students spend:
- 50:50, 60:40, or 70:30 of their learning time in real-world work environments.
- Mentorship and workplace supervisors are required to guide students through their training.
- Strong Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with companies and government entities ensure that students receive the necessary exposure.
These efforts align with the college’s broader strategy to create work-ready graduates who can seamlessly transition into employment or entrepreneurship.
Instilling Ethics and Combating Misuse of Resources
Beyond technical skills, Mr. Ntlangano emphasized the importance of instilling strong ethical values in students. He expressed concern over instances where students exploit funding systems, such as receiving stipends from SETA while not actively participating in training. To counter this, he called on college lecturers and administrators to closely monitor students, ensuring they develop both professional skills and a strong ethical foundation.
Collaborative Efforts for a Stronger TVET Sector
Ikhala TVET College is actively working to bridge the gap between education and industry by implementing structured workplace learning through internships, learnerships, and apprenticeships. Mr. Ntlangano reiterated the college’s willingness to work with all stakeholders to ensure that students receive the best possible training and exposure.
The strategic session highlighted the significance of partnerships in addressing education and employment challenges in the region. By reshaping the narrative around TVET education and fostering strong collaborations, Ikhala TVET College is playing a pivotal role in equipping young South Africans with the skills they need to succeed. For more updates on Ikhala TVET College’s initiatives, stay connected to our website and social media platforms.r website and social media platforms.
