TVET College Times - TVET Colleges: Key to the development of the South African economy - DHET
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ISSN 2409-3319
TVET
Volume 60
College Times
March 2020 The Official Quarterly TVET College Newsletter and Journal
TVET Colleges:
Key to the development of
the South African economy
1
TVET COLLEGE TIMES March 2020
Working together
to build a better
TVET system
I ’m excited to be the caretaker editor of the TVET College Times. We’re a
small but passionate team with big plans. This edition, the first of 2020,
brings you a wealth of information on how some of our colleges have fared
after opening their doors for the new academic year. While it hasn’t been
smooth-sailing at all our institutions, we’re confident that we’ll see through
Seema Ramnarain,
Department of Higher Education the year successfully.
- Chief Director Corporate
Communications and Media Liaison. We’re privileged to have executive leadership who are passionate
about the longevity and quality of the sector. Much work is being done by
IN THIS ISSUE:
Editorial team our Minister and his team to attend to the challenges that have been Cover story
Editor: Seema Ramnarain shared. You’ll also find updated information on our Departmental The focus is on Artisan
Subeditor: Tumelo Morobe
Web/digital manager: social media pages and website as well as this publication’s website Development on pages 13 – 15
Nashveer Nemesar
Design and Layout: MPDPS (Pty) Ltd www.tvetcolleges.co.za. features the Deputy Minister of
Printing: Shumani RSA In other news, it’s WorldSkills competition time again. While there
Professional language service: Higher Education Science and
Woodleys Literacy Services have been numerous questions around international travel, one thing is Technology, Buti Manamela,
Account management:
False Bay TVET College for certain, the competition will continue here in South Africa. There’s also launching the Centre of
exciting news about furthering your studies. Did you know that there’s now Specialisation for Welding at
Cover Image
a post graduate diploma in Technical, Vocational Education and Training BolandTVET College’s
By Nashveer Nemesar (PGDip in TVET) to focus on educational leadership within the TVET sector? Worcester Campus.
This opportunity is too good to miss and we have more information on it
Copyright in this publication. Speaking of new opportunities, Ekurhuleni West TVET
Department of Higher Education College’s Centre for Entrepreneurship & Rapid Incubator launched the first-
and Training, Chief Directorate:
Communication and Media Liaison, Private ever drone start-up accelerator programme in Africa. Fourteen start-ups From the Minister
Bag X174, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
made the cut. And as we ease into the academic year, students have been
Page 1
TVET colleges website bold in sharing their experiences. Higher Health has been a guiding light,
Visit www.tvetcolleges.co.za as they did during an HIV/AIDS awareness event at Mopani South East From the Ministry
for the free online subscription to
TVET College Times. TVET College recently.
Page 3
Waiver Our plan for the coming months is not only to deliver rich content to
you but to explore ways of making TVET College Times a more accessible Cutting Edge News
The views and opinions of contributors
do not necessarily reflect those of the and useful publication. We have ideas that we are testing but consumers
Department of Higher Education and Page 8
Training. TVET College Times and the are the best adjudicators of what has worked in the past and what can
department accept no liability with
regards to authorship and content of
be improved on in the future. We would love to hear from you. What has Movers and Shakers
articles and photographs and present your experience been with the TVET College Times team, and what are
these as bona fide editorial contributions. Page 11
your suggestions on how to improve our service offering? Should we be
Contributors send articles to:
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Campus Matters
To send your article use this URL:
and you have all the valuable answers. We’re looking forward to your
http://www.tvetcolleges.co.za/Site_College_
Times.aspx comments. Please send them to editor@tvetcolleges.co.za Page 13
Advertising, subscriptions We are also keen on having more engagements with college Intellectual Debate
and editorial matters: communicators. We have listened to your pleas for more communication
E-mail: editor@tvetcolleges.co.za workshops, so this too is in the pipeline. You have shared your challenges Page 31
Telephone: 012 312 5394
Closing date for Volume 61: about working in the communication space and we believe by working Policy and Operational Shifts
Tuesday, 28 April 2020
more closely together, we can achieve much more in making TVET
TVET College Times is supported by Page 35
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CONTRIBUTORS
West Coast TVET College Marketing Manager Ivan Swart, Recruitment Practitioner Rehana Basson Mopani South East TVET College Public Relations
Officer Tiyani Mboweni False Bay TVET College Marketing Officer Roshin Schmidt, Academic Head Melanie Vermaak Majuba TVET College Journalist
Trainee Thobile Tshabalala Ekurhuleni West TVET College Marketing Manager David Muleele, Centre for Entrepreneurship Manager Mokgethi Nkosi
Ekurhuleni East TVET College Marketing and Communication Manager Zuko Mbolekwa ORBIT TVET College Business Development Manager Peter
Matlou Waterberg TVET College Public Relations Intern Matsatsi Kgamedi Vhembe TVET College Marketing and Communication Manager Bonginkosi
Dladlama Motheo TVET College Communication Officer Lame Morubane College of Cape Town for TVET Acting Vice Principal: Innovation & Development
Deon Halls, Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager Zukile Ncapayi, Marketing Assistant Zintle Maliwa, Student Recruitment Officer Zayb Moses
Northlink TVET College Deputy Chief Executive Officer: Registration Services Sandra Raubenheimer Buffalo City TVET College Communication Officer
Noluvuyo Mangweni Gert Sibande TVET College Acting Assistant Director: Stakeholders Relations, Marketing and Communication Thokozani Ndhlovu,
Communication Intern Mxolisi Mbatha South West Gauteng TVET College Public Relations Officer Sabelo Tshabalala Capricorn TVET College Marketing
and Branding Clerk Adelaide Moshatana
TVET COLLEGE TIMES March 2020
FROM THE MINISTER
TVET colleges key to the
development of the
South African economy
colleges affordable while substantially increasing • Promoting compliance with processes and
the funding for poor and working-class students. timelines set by the Department of Public
We believe that as Government we have Service and Administration and in accordance
some work to do so that not only do our students with Public Service Regulations; and
register smoothly, but also that they’re able to • Raising ethics and integrity awareness in
be supported meaningfully to be able to be the Department.
successful in their academic studies.
Indeed we have made significant progress Through the Student Housing Infrastructure
and we continue to make progress, in expanding Programme, we are currently developing large
access to higher education for the financially projects comprising 7 273 new beds at a
Minister of Higher Education, Science vulnerable through NSFAS. This system, for all number of universities and we have six housing
and Technology Dr Blade Nzimande, MP its challenges, will be spending R35 billion in projects the pipeline where feasibility studies will
2020, supporting over 700 000 students in both be undertaken in 2020.We have also agreed
A s we begin the new academic year, I on behalf
of Government and the Department of Higher
Education and Training (DHET) extend a warm
universities and TVET colleges.
Government’s policy supports working class
and poor students whose combined family income
with all our institutions to provide accredited
accommodation to ensure that they are suitable
for student accommodation.
welcome to all returning and new students, staff is not more than R350 000 per annum. Students During this year I will be appointing a
and all role-players in this very key sector of South with disabilities qualify for NSFAS if they come Ministerial Task Team on infrastructure to
African society, TVET colleges. from families earning up to R600 000 per annum, among other things assist me in developing a
I have always emphasised the special importance to make support more accessible for them. comprehensive student accommodation strategy
of TVET colleges in the development of the South I have asked the National Research and closely supervise the infrastructure projects
African economy. This as statistics on the country’s Foundation to come up with a funding strategy for in the whole of the PSET sector.
demand for adequately trained personnel in industry post graduates that considers NSFAS graduates I must indicate that following engagements
will attest. So it is with a very grateful heart that I who immediately proceed to post graduate study. with universities, we have agreed that university
welcome everyone back to what should be another However, funding of post graduate studies is students who are only able to access single-use
exciting and productive year in our colleges. based purely on the availability of funds. I will accommodation that is not formally accredited, will
The year 2020 marks the first academic year continue to seek more funding for post graduate be able to access support for this accommodation,
of the decade, and in the previous decade we have studies for the good of our system and economy. subject to the provision of a lease agreement,
indeed laid a solid foundation, through a number For all qualifying contact university students, and subject to the verification processes at
of significant achievements and advances, for a NSFAS pays for tuition fees, accommodation, institutions. As we move forward we will extend
thriving and responsive post-school education food allowance, learning materials allowance this arrangement to TVET colleges.
and training system. and an amount for personal care for 10 of the We have also made strides by commencing
At the beginning of the 2020 academic 12 months of the calendar year. For TVET college with the building of nine new TVET colleges
year, I initiated and held briefing sessions with students, about 95 per cent receive free tuition campus sites scheduled for completion in
a variety of stakeholders to ensure a seamless with different types of allowances, where required 2020. They are Sterkspruit, Aliwal North,
start to the year. These briefings included student and feasible, for travel and accommodation. Graaff Reinet, Ngungqushe, Umzimkhulu,
representative councils (SRCs) led by the South All NSFAS qualifying students do not have to Greytown, Msinga, Nongoma and Kwagqikazi.
African Union of Students, political parties, pay any upfront registration fees and, if they have Construction will commence with a new
trade unions, representatives of university vice- debt, they do not have to pay upfront but only to campus site for Mitchells Plain in 2020.
chancellors, TVET college principals, the South sign acknowledgment of debt. Contracts have been awarded for a further four
African Local Government Association, faith- Due to the inadequacy of the systems to new campus sites soon. They are in Balfour,
based organisations, and traditional leaders. manage NSFAS in TVET colleges, we have allowed Giyani, Nkandla B and Vryheid.
I am grateful for the support and cooperation walk-ins. In addition, NSFAS has employed I am concerned about campus safety and
that I received from these stakeholders. Out of dedicated capacity to assist TVET colleges. particularly what seems to be increased incidents
these briefings and subsequent engagements Owing to our commitment to fight fraud of gender-based violence. I once more wish to
we produced a framework for institutions to and corruption, we unravelled total irregular express our condolences to all the families that
handle the registration process and start of the expenditure in the NSFAS system totalling have lost student relatives in both our universities
academic year relatively successfully, hence most R4.3 billion. This is part of our commitment to and colleges.
of our universities and colleges have started the eliminate fraud and other forms of corruption We have now finalised the Policy Framework
academic year smoothly. in the system and to deal with culprits. This is on Gender-Based Violence for the post-school
With that said, I have to mention that we in part of my determination to fight corruption sector, and will shortly be tabling it before Cabinet
Government and the DHET, are at this particular and maladministration, whether in NSFAS, for approval. This policy will guide the whole
moment, very cognisant of the challenges that the universities, colleges or SETAs. sector in its management of and response to
higher education sector experienced at the beginning gender-based violence.
of the year amid all the preparations. We note that I recently also hosted the Ethics All these interventions demonstrate that
there were a few student protests in the TVET college and Integrity campaign for all Government is indeed committed and regards
sector with reasons varying from college to college. DHET employees aimed at: education as an apex priority. As Government we
To reiterate an important point, Government • Creating a corruption-free environment in cannot over emphasise the role of TVET education.
remains committed to finding the resources to the Department; I take this opportunity once again to urge
support the children of all poor, working-class • Promoting integrity and professional all TVET stakeholders to spread the word about
and middleclass families in their quest to better conduct in the Department; the value of the sector. TVET training is the way
their lives and those of their loved one through • Minimising unethical and unprofessional forward for future growth and economic and
skills acquisition. A lot of work has been done by conduct by employees and stakeholders of personal prosperity for all in South Africa. I wish
the DHET and other stakeholders to keep fees at the Department; you a successful academic year.
1
TVET COLLEGE TIMES March 2020
TVET FIRST
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FROM THE MINISTRY
Minister’s Statement on the PSET state
of readiness for the 2020 academic year
Extracts of the statement by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande, on 23 January 2020
E xtracts of the statement by the Minister of Higher
Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade
Nzimande, on 23 January 2020
University of Mpumalanga and the Sefako
Makgatho Health and Sciences University,
the first new institutions in post-apartheid
We have made strides by commencing the
building of nine new TVET college campus
sites scheduled for completion in 2020.
The Department of Higher Education and South Africa; They include Sterkspruit, Aliwal North,
Training was established in 2009, with its primary • We have developed the vision and policy Graaff Reneit, Ngungqushe, Umzimkhulu,
goal to provide post-school education and training of the PSET system, as contained in the Greytown, Msinga, Nongoma and Kwagqikazi.
opportunities to all South Africans, whether they White Paper approved by Cabinet in 2013; Construction will commence with a new
attended school or not, and whether they have • We have strengthened and incorporated campus site for Mitchells Plain in 2020.
passed or not, to acquire further education and skills. the TVET colleges into the PSET system, Contracts will be awarded for a further four
In this task, we are guided by our White Paper including migrating their staff as permanent new campus sites in 2019/20. The sites include
for Post-School Education and Training (PSET), employees of our department; and Balfour, Giyani, Nkandla B and Vryheid.
which was adopted by Cabinet in 2013, and by • We have approved massive infrastructure While there have been many positive
the National Development Plan. developments across the system of achievements, we are determined to work
The 2020 academic year is underway, with approximately R30 billion for universities harder to address challenges in the post-
universities and TVET colleges beginning to since 2007, and more recently since school system in order to meet our policy goals
register students, and with academic programmes 2018, with the introduction of an of addressing social justice in and through
commencing in some institutions. earmarked grant of R2.384 billion, with education; building a single, coordinated,
We are hopeful that the start of the 2020 an additional revenue of about R2.5 and articulated post-school education
academic year will be smooth, and we urge all billion from the National Skills Fund to and training system; expanding access,
involved to work together with government and the total value of R4.884 billion. improving quality and increasing diversity of
our department so that we address whatever provision; improving the relationship between
challenges that are there. We have improved access, participation and education and the workplace; and building a
A successful academic year will require all throughput rates, with university enrolments responsive system.
of our energies, working together as institutions, rising to over one million students; significantly Among other achievements, we pride
Government, the National Student Financial Aid improved funding available for students from poor ourselves on is the fact that in 2018 we
Scheme, and student representatives to resolve and working-class backgrounds. We reduced undertook a due diligence exercise to
any challenges that may arise. the dropout and improved throughput in the quantify the historic debt of NSFAS qualifying
To this end and to ensure positive engagements university system. senior students registered in the 2018/2019
at this time, I have been holding briefings and • We have developed the TVET college academic year.
listening to concerns and suggestions with various Turnaround Strategy, including a significant Through this exercise, all returning NSFAS
role players and stakeholders in the sector since increase in enrolments in the TVET Colleges qualifying students with university debt
21 January 2020, focusing on our preparations for to approximately 720 000 enrolments. were allowed to register provided that they
the new academic year. • We are rolling out the new DHET signed an Acknowledgement of Debt form.
Our briefings have included Student bursary scheme for students from poor This exercise was meant to effectively ensure
Representative Council’s (SRCs) and student and working-class backgrounds from that students with NSFAS historic debt will
organisations, political formations, political parties, the 2018 academic year, at our public be able to graduate debt free, subject to
trade unions, representatives of university vice- universities and TVET Colleges. I will available funds.
chancellors and TVET college principals, SALGA, provide further detail on this. We have also worked with the university
faith-based organisations, and traditional leaders. • On 12 April 2019, we published a sector to keep fees at affordable levels, while
I am grateful for the support and cooperation draft policy on the new National Norms substantially increasing the funding for poor
that I received from many stakeholders which led and Standards for funding Community and working-class students.
to fruitful engagements. Education and Training (CET) Colleges, We are also working with the university
In my earlier statement on 16 January so we can strengthen the role of colleges sector to develop a fee regulatory policy
2020, I focused on the opportunities available in the provision of skills, education and framework that will ensure the affordability of
at our public institutions in the post-school training for out of school youth and adults. tuition fees, while ensuring the sustainability
sector, particularly opportunities for the 2019 • In the year 2020, we will be implementing of our universities.
matriculants. In this statement, I would like to a new SETA landscape to further respond For 2020, the sector wide agreement has
address our state of readiness of some of the to the skill demands of our economy. We been on an inflation-linked university tuition
matters that relate to our system readiness for will ensure that we strengthen, realign and fee for 2020 of 5.4% on tuition fees and 7.4%
the 2020 academic year, against the backdrop repurpose SETAs so that they respond to on accommodation fees. This is in line with
of both the successes of the system, and the the skills needs of our economy. the agreement of the previous year.
challenges that confront us. • A draft Central Application Service Bill, In 2017 and 2018 we also provided
2019 for the PSET system was approved support to poor and missing middle students
Indeed a lot has been achieved for public comment by Cabinet. through the fee adjustment or “gap” grant
since the establishment of our • We have committed ourselves to train for students in the family income category of
department in 2009. 780 youth in artisan skills through up to R600 000.
The year 2020 marks the first academic year the Centres of Specialisation (CoS) In 2019 this funding was transferred into
of the decade, and in the previous decade we programme. These centres will further the block grant of universities, to allow for
have laid a solid foundation, through a number assist 26 TVET College campuses to students who had benefited from the gap grant
of significant achievements and advances in improve their capacity to develop artisans to continue to be supported until graduation.
post-school education and training, including with industry partners in 13 priority I have received requests from a number of
the following: trades comprising skill sets in bricklaying, young people to reopen the NSFAS applications
• We have established three new electrician, millwright, boilermaker and to allow them to access institutions of higher
universities: Sol Plaatjie University, the automotive mechanics, among others. education and training.
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TVET COLLEGE TIMES March 2020
I wish to indicate that the NSFAS process on the forensic investigations underway at materials and support for living expenses for
is not closed to those students who will be the entity, which will result in holding eligible students.
accepted at universities and colleges who accountable those who are responsible for In 2019, over three hundred and
might not have applied for NSFAS assistance. fraud at the entity. seventy-five thousand (375 000) students
As soon as universities and colleges bring I would also, however, like to link this in universities benefited from the scheme,
these to our attention, these students will to a broader point about corruption and of whom approximately two hundred and
benefit from NSFAS if they qualify. There is maladministration within our post-school seventeen (217 000) were students benefiting
already a process in place to manage this education and training system. As you know, from the new fully subsidised funding.
between institutions and NSFAS to ensure NSFAS is currently under administration, Government has rightly prioritised the
that late applicants that have been accepted which includes two of our public universities, funding needs of the poorest students in the
for registered places can access funding if the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and system, and has scaled up support to provide
they qualify. the University of Fort Hare. We also have the improved financial aid for all students from
There have been significant improvements Central Johannesburg TVET College (CJC) families earning up to R350 000 per annum.
in operations at NSFAS since the appointment under administration. We are aware that there are many students
of the Administrator and improved working As funding from government has increased who fall outside this category and struggle
relationships between NSFAS and institutions, to universities and colleges, we have to afford higher education and, during this
which has resulted in a relatively successful also substantially increased infrastructure year, will be working with the sector and
registration period in 2019. projects across the system, but, we have seen other partners on identifying more universal
It is our firm believe that through improved worrying acts to “capture” institutions by solutions to problems of student financing and
information management systems and external groups, sometimes in cahoots with student debt.
augmented management structure, NSFAS internal forces. As government we remain committed to
will be able to deliver effectively in the 2020 Many of these acts are driven by personal developing a student funding eco-system,
academic year. financial interests which stands in opposition which would include funding for the poor,
I also want to emphasise the point I made to our focus of providing high quality education but also address a more sustainable scheme
during the press briefing I held on 16 January and training and building excellent institutions for missing middle students (incorporating
2020, that in 2020, we have arranged for the good of our country. I want to make it initiatives already underway, funding
through NSFAS to pay the registration or clear here today that we will not stand back from private sector and non-profit funders,
first fee instalment for all NSFAS qualifying and allow our institutions to be captured by funding from other government departments),
students as an upfront payment to universities narrow selfish interests. and addressing the critical issue of post-
and TVET colleges in January. We are committed to ensuring that our graduate funding.
Therefore, NSFAS qualifying students institutions are well governed and effectively We therefore will maintain our focus on
will not pay any registration or upfront fees administered in the best interests of South ensuring the effectiveness of the DHET bursary
in 2020. However, all other students are Africa and our citizens. I will do everything scheme, including our focus on improving
expected to pay their upfront/registration fees. in my power to ensure that we put a stop to operations at NSFAS.
All institutions have been requested to corruption and maladministration in all our The Guidelines provides for the
register returning NSFAS qualifying students entities and institutions. implementation parameters for the 2020
who meet the academic requirements but who DHET bursary scheme, and sets out the
still owe institutions fees in 2020. Student Funding Policy high-level policy applicable to the scheme,
NSFAS qualifying students will be I have approved the Guidelines for the DHET including the roles and responsibilities of
requested to sign an acknowledgement of debt bursary scheme for university students in students, universities and NSFAS.
form, similar to what was implemented in the 2020. The release of the Guidelines followed The following information is provided in
2018 and 2019 academic years, to enable extensive analysis of the 2019 bursary respect of the subsidized allowances for contact
them to register. provision and engagement with universities university students qualifying for the DHET
All universities have also been requested and student leaders. bursary scheme in 2020, that is, students
to continue to implement processes to enable The Guidelines considers principles who meet the financial eligibility criteria and
academically successful students who have of fairness and rationality as well as the are registered for approved qualifications in
outstanding student debt to continue with their affordability of the bursary provision in line contact institutions:
studies in 2020, wherever possible. with the allocation from national government. • All students receive support for the full
Considerations are also made to ensure actual tuition fee subject to the agreed
Fight against corruption in the that the policy decisions in the Guidelines sector increases for 2019, paid to the
PSET System are implementable, as bursary administration relevant university;
Despite the advances outlined above, one is a joint responsibility between the National • All students receive a learning
of the most serious challenges we face is Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and materials allowance, paid on an
corruption in the PSET system. Not only do public universities and TVET colleges. annual basis. For 2020, the allowance
we sometimes just deal with corruption but DHET is responsible for policy determination, will be R5 200 per student.
also against a fight back strategy by those who NSFAS for assessing financial eligibility and This amount is paid in cash to students
have or may be found with their fingers on ensuring that students receive funding and to allow for student choice in
the tills. managing effective data exchange, and determining their needs;
In 2016, after continuous allegations, universities and colleges for many aspects of the • Students in university owned and
I launched an investigation into allegations of administration and monitoring of student funding. managed catering residences receive
corruption in NSFAS. In 2020, government is providing R34.5 support for the full residence cost
• Five internal forensic investigations being billion to NSFAS to support students from poor including catering (this amount is paid
launched, of which 2 are completed; and working-class backgrounds in their studies directly to the institution), as well as the
• Four criminal cases opened and currently at public TVET colleges and universities. incidental allowance;
being investigated by SAPS; and Funding to students through NSFAS has • In 2020 the incidental allowance will be
• A further 510 instances of alleged fraud increased from R5.9 billion in 2014/15 to R290 per month for the ten months of
have been handed over to Commercial the current levels of R34.5 billion. This is a the academic year. For other students, the
Crimes Unit. massive commitment from the South African incidental allowance is incorporated into
government to support students to access and the living allowance;
Due to our commitment to fight fraud and succeed in higher education and training. • Students in university owned and
corruption, we unravelled total irregular The year 2020 will be the third year of managed self-catering residences receive
expenditure in the system which amounted to implementation of the fully-subsidised funding support for the full residence cost (paid
R4.3 billion. for students, which is being phased in over directly to the institution) and receive the
I want to acknowledge the public interest a five-year period. More and more students living allowance, which is R1500 per
in the turnaround of the National Student are benefiting from the increased funding month for the ten months of the
Financial Aid Scheme, and the recent focus subsidy, which covers tuition, learning academic year;
4
TVET COLLEGE TIMES March 2020
• Students living in accredited off- TVET student funding days upon receiving complete and valid
campus accommodation, that is, the Since 2018 TVET students with a joint family new applications.
accommodation that has been formally income of R350 000 are also financially Despite the achievement of the relative
accredited by the institution, receive the eligible for bursary funding. 95% of poor stability within NSFAS, pressing challenges
cost of accommodation plus the living and disadvantaged students who register remain. The administrative capacity of TVET
allowance. It is assumed that transport is at TVET colleges are found to be eligible for colleges, coupled with the neglect of this sector
included in the cost of accommodation, NSFAS funding. within NSFAS, compelled the introduction of a
as is the practice in most institutions. A All qualifying students will receive two cellphone activated NSFAS Wallet.
lease agreement is a necessary pre- types of allowances to help them succeed in Initially this measure was aimed at only 6
condition for receiving this funding; their studies, namely, accommodation and colleges but quickly ballooned to 26 colleges,
• Students living in non-accredited personal care, or travel and personal care. significantly increasing costs to NSFAS.
accommodation, which could include a Students who stay in college accommodation Sufficient progress had been achieved to
family home, the home of a relative or receive thirty-three thousand (R33 000) per move the entire TVET student allowances, to
any other form of accommodation that annum, whilst those in private accommodation direct payments into bank accounts by the
is not formally accredited, receive the are funded in three categories, urban twenty commencement of the 2020 academic year.
living allowance (R1500) and a transport five thousand two hundred (R25 200); peri- This funding has been ring-fenced, and is
allowance (R750 per month in 2020). urban eighteen thousand nine hundred (R18 over and above the funding for the planned
These students can make their own 900) and rural fifteen thousand seven hundred enrolments into the various programmes.
decisions about how to best utilise and fifty (R15 750). Furthermore, colleges will claim the 20%
the allowances. Travel allowances are provided at seven tuition fees and allowances from NSFAS for
thousand three hundred and fifty (R7 350) per these students.
Distance university students qualify for tuition annum and the personal care allowance two
fees and the learning materials allowance thousand nine hundred (R2 900) per annum. National research foundation
only. However, distance students studying It is very important that TVET students (NRF) postgraduate funding
an equivalent full-time course load of a using private accommodation ensure that, The National Research Foundation (NRF)
contact student also qualify for the incidental before they sign contractual agreements with is currently in the process of screening the
allowance. This requires a student to be landlords, they satisfy themselves with the honours applications. Funding outcomes will
registered for a minimum of ten courses in quality of the physical accommodation as well be available by 31 January 2020.
one academic year. as any services that they will be paying for. From the eligible Masters degrees
For those students still subject to the It must be noted that despite the difficult applications submitted by the institutions,
funding cap, this will be R93 400 in 2020. fiscal situation, and the many social demands 31% were approved by the NRF for funding in
Government is aware that there are some requiring support, government has been able the 2020 academic year with 32% approved
students at some institutions for whom this to maintain the levels of support to students for the Doctoral degrees. The balances in
amount is inadequate to cover their costs originally committed for 2018 onwards. these percentages could not be funded due to
and that some students will continue to incur I think you will agree with me that the budget constraints.
debt until they complete their studies. I have subsidized funding being provided through
discussed above how we are addressing this the DHET bursary scheme is generous. I Campus safety and
debt, subject to the availability of funds. urge students to make the best possible use gender based violenc E
Universities should continue to engage of the support being provided to focus on Our institutions are a place of teaching and
with private accommodation providers to their studies, and to access all other forms of learning and should be safe and comfortable
ensure that accommodation targeted at academic and other support available at our places for all students and staff.
students is affordable and not offered at public institutions. In dealing with the spate of violent attacks
inflated rates. This intervention is important To those who are fortunate enough to on students on and off our campuses, we are
because currently, NSFAS only supports access universities and TVET colleges, we currently finalizing the Policy Framework on
students at a cost no higher than the rate want you to succeed and graduate and Gender-Based Violence for the post-school
of the equivalent university owned/managed committed to making sure that this funding is sector. This policy will guide the whole sector
accommodation. This is an issue that requires able to assist you to do this. in its management of and response to gender-
ongoing engagement between universities and Students on the new bursary scheme based violence.
the Department and private providers. are required to sign agreements with NSFAS I held a meeting with the leadership of
It will be necessary in 2020 to establish which also signal their commitment to and Universities South Africa (USAf) on 13th
a forum where private accommodation understanding of the requirements of the scheme. September 2019, at which we agreed that
provision, norms and standards, costs, They receive a maximum of the minimum USAf would work with the Department to
university accreditation processes, and the qualification time plus one year of funding on develop a joint plan of action towards a plan to
link with NSFAS funding, can be discussed the fully-subsidised scheme. address campus security, including preventing
and debated. This may have to be supported acts of violence, and gender-based violence in
by further research and engagement. TVET NSFAS applications particular, on university campuses.
I must indicate that, following application We agreed that this would include a
engagements with universities, we have In relation to the TVET sector, a total of 90 process to gather information on the status
agreed that university students who are only 157 online applications were received by of safety and security plans and strategies
able to access single-use accommodation NSFAS from TVET college students as at 15 on campuses across the country, to identify
that is not formally accredited, will be December 2019. urgent matters at individual institutions.
able to access support for this accommodation, For the remainder, the 2020 walk-in This will include looking at infrastructure
subject to the provision of a lease agreement, application process commenced on 9 January requirements for better security on campuses
and subject to the verification processes 2020 and will close on 31 January. The aim that could be funded through the Department’s
at institutions. is to minimise and finally eliminate walk-ins infrastructure and efficiency fund.
In this regard we are seeking to protect over the next three years. I must, however, emphasise that
students from exploitation, prevent fraud, In addressing the capacity constraints infrastructure alone will not solve our
and ensure that funding is directed to to capture bursary applications in colleges, problems. The problems of violence are
support the appropriate costs and quality of NSFAS has contracted the services of much deeper and require all members of the
accommodation as far as possible. Metrofile. In this arrangement Metrofile university and TVET community, students,
Amongst the consultations, I will be will capture the forms completed by students staff, management, and surrounding
prioritising in the coming weeks, will be and verified by the college, and will be forward communities and businesses to work together.
meeting with major private providers of to NSFAS. USAf also met with the Minister of
student accommodation to discuss these and Based on this new process for capturing Police in October 2019 to further find ways
other related matters on quality and safety of student application forms NSFAS will to respond to safety and security issues on
such accommodation. provide a funding decision within 10 working our institutions.
5
TVET COLLEGE TIMES March 2020
CUTTING EDGE NEWS
Collaboration to promote skills development
TUMELO MOROBE
embedded in a real-life work environment. It relies on close cooperation
between employers and labour unions.
“The German government and German industry in South Africa is
committed to strengthen the current system of Vocational Education and
Training and to improve skills development of South Africa’s youth, e.g.
through its Centres of Specialisation,” Minister Nzimande added.
The Minister said that the German support would address the three areas
of collaboration identified as Governance and Policy formulation, Private
Sector engagement and Implementation of reformed Technical Vocational
Education and Skills development.
In South Africa the involvement of the private sector in skills development
Minister Blade Nzimande signing a MoU with the German Advisor for African Affairs is critical, as the private sector is the biggest source of employment and
an enabler of funding for training in South Africa through taxes and other
T he Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade
Nzimande, and the German Advisor for African Affairs signed a joint
initiative on the promotion of skills development, on the occasion of German
financial schemes.
“In this area, support will be sought to enhance the involvement of the
private sector in decision making towards the development of skills as well
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to South Africa on 6 February 2020. as developing mechanisms to promote effective and systematic stakeholder
Minister Nzimande said that this partnership seeks to help South Africa dialogue. The German businesses to this end can provide platforms to share
build a modern, high quality and agile skills development system that is their experiences in creating partnerships that improves the development of
aligned with the needs of the 21st century. skills,” highlighted the Minister.
“This includes the development of occupational profiles, training To achieve the National Development Plan targets, collaboration and
standards, teaching materials and opportunities for in-company training as support will be pursued in the following areas that have been identified as
well as improved training for teaching personnel,” said Minister Nzimande. posing challenges within the TVET system:
Minister Nzimande further said this is a central goal for the private • Meaningful partnerships between private enterprises and TVET Colleges;
sector to become more committed and involved with the introduction of • Alignment of TVET curricula with skills development/industry needs; and
modular practical training in line with a dual training approach. “Combining • TVET Lecturer capacity to facilitate teaching and learning effectively.
theoretical and practical education will allow businesses to better reap the
benefits of improved vocational training,” the Minister said. Germany and South Africa through their respective ministries will identify the
Germany’s dual vocational education and training system is highly support packages for the implementation during the forthcoming high level
recognised worldwide due to its combination of theory and training consultations scheduled for March 2020.
Major skills boost for TVET colleges
SUPPLIED BY DHET LECTURE DEVELOPMENT UNIT into work life. Vocational education and training in Germany is a common
pathway to gaining skills and embarking on a journey to successful careers.
T he Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in
partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) conducted a situation analysis on teaching and
In addition Germany’s standing as a country with one of the most
productive workforces in the world is strongly aided by its vocational
education and training systems, which supplies Germany’s companies with
learning in the TVET sector. It was discovered that there’s a need for well trained employees.
lecturer capacitation and management development to ensure improved To ensure the success of this programme ETDP SETA has set aside R5 million
teaching and learning. to train 60 course participants. The fund will cover tuition, accommodation,
Through engagements between the DHET, GIZ, University of Pretoria. study materials as well as travelling. The programme commenced with 30
Technical University of Munich and ETDP SETA it was decided that, the participants and the next group of participants will be admitted in January 2021.
University of Pretoria considers adapting its already-approved post graduate On 1 February 2020, the 30 course participants (TVET principals,
diploma in Technical, Vocational Education and Training (PGDip in TVET) to Heads of Departments, campus managers and other members of TVET
focus on educational leadership within the TVET sector. management) travelled from all over the country for the PGDip in TVET
The PGDip in TVET was considered and is internationally orientation day held at the University of Pretoria’s Groenkloof campus.
benchmarked to support leaders in the TVET sector. Emphasis was Information about the components of the programme and the different
placed on the development of strategic leadership skills while advancing modules were shared in order for the course participants to prepare for the
professional competencies during the management of Key Performance first contact session held at the end of February 2020.
Areas, which include human resources, finances and infrastructure, Tanya Smit, a lecturer at the University of Pretoria, said “the vision
curriculum and learning together with quality assurance and innovation. of this programme is to challenge, support and be relevant to the TVET
The fixed curriculum programme is innovative, forward-looking and college context, in order to view the professional development of its leaders
specific to the Technical Vocational Education and Teaching context, holistically for course participants to have the ability to be agents of change”.
consisting of eight modules, including a year module. An inquiry-based
educational approach is used.
The course is a one year diploma, organised into the following three
components: contact sessions, online hybrid learning and a study visit
to Munich, Germany, where the course participants will network with
the TUM School of Education and selected industries to explore the Dual
Vocational Education and Training system.
These three components are integrated by means of a three-
pillar mentoring approach which incorporates individual professional
mentoring, peer-group mentoring in communities of practice and Key
Performance Area specialist mentoring.
Germany’s dual training system combines practical training at the The course participants, lecturers and course developers at the PGDip in TVET programme
workplace with theoretical classroom instruction to help trainees transition orientation day held on 1 February 2020 at the University of Pretoria, Groenkloof campus
8
TVET COLLEGE TIMES March 2020College honoured at
the annual Tygerberg
Heritage Festival
SANDRA RAUBENHEIMER
N orthlink TVET College’s Parow Campus recently scooped two awards
at the 7th annual Tygerberg Heritage Festival. The event aims to
recognise, celebrate and honour local businesses, organisations,
institutions and citizens who contribute positively to the Tygerberg area.
The college was nominated for Best Tertiary Institution 2019 for
its academic accolade as the best performing college in the National
Certificate Vocational programme.
Other nominees in the category included the University of the
Western Cape and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Northlink was announced the winner because of the 93.3% pass rate
achieved by Parow Campus in the November 2018 examinations.
The college also scooped the special award, the Innovation
Award, which recognises outstanding innovation in product or service
development which achieves a positive impact in the community,
contributing to the betterment of society. This award recognised Best Tertiary Institution 2019 Certificate received by Northlink
the college’s sterling efforts to customise a “one of a kind race car”. TVET College’s Parow Campus
College unveils new corporate identity
MXOLISI MBATHA
G ert Sibande TVET College recently unveiled its new college logo at
the central office in Standerton, Mpumalanga. College management
and the council decided on a new logo to convey to prospective students
and stakeholders that the college is professional, trustworthy and offers
quality programmes.
Staff members gathered at the entrance of the college’s offices
singing and ululating as they eagerly awaited the college council’s
unveiling of the logo.
The moment of truth then arrived as Acting Principal Portia Mange
welcomed everyone. She thanked the special committee that was
tasked with coming up with the new logo and applauded them for their
good work.
College Council Chairperson Bongane Mwale introduced the college
council to staff members and members of the media before unveiling
the new college logo. “History is being made today at the college. We Amratal Beeka (Council Member), Bongani Mwale (College Council Chairperson),
thank all those who came before us for the excellent work they have Portia Mange (Acting Principal) and Maphefo Anno-Frempong (Council Member)
done for the college over the years. Today marks a new chapter for the unveiling the new logo
college and we believe it is the chapter that will take the college to new
heights,” he said.
Mwale went on to say that Gert Sibande TVET college, as the only
college in the country that is named after a struggle hero, has the
responsibility to live up to that name. “The college’s name must be
pronounced in full,” Mwale concluded. Gert Sibande TVET College’s old logo
College introduces new programmes
LAME MORUBANE
M otheo TVET College aims to be an
entity responsible for initiating and
implementing economic development projects
qualification mix to respond to the National
Development Plan, Free State Growth and
Development Strategy, while also responding to
programmes are National Certificate N1 – N3
Aircraft Mechanics Course, National Certificate
N4 – N6 Farming Management, National
in the Free State. The college aims to address the objectives of Operation Phakisa. It is a results- Certificate NCV L2 – L4 Primary Agriculture
the skills shortage in line with the Minister of driven job creation approach, involving setting and Maritime Studies related programmes.
Higher Education, Science and Technology’s clear plans, targets and the ongoing monitoring of The college has also introduced online
call to expand training programmes. progress and making these results public. registration where all prospective students
These national imperatives were crucial to The college has therefore introduced four can apply by visiting
the college’s decision to change its programme new exciting programmes in 2020. The new https://motheo.coltech.co.za.
9
TVET COLLEGE TIMES March 2020MOVERS AND SHAKERS
College recognised at the Vision 2030 Awards
DEON HALLS
T he College of Cape Town was recognised as a finalist at
the annual Vision 2030 Awards Ceremony held on 20
November 2019 at Emperors Palace in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
Executive, who also received a Lifetime Achievement
Award in recognition of his contribution to the country.
The Vison 2030 Awards encourages the realisation of
The awards are aimed at honouring the achievements the NDP through national collaboration and recognises key
of organisations, enterprises and individuals that actively figures who actively expand progress and make headway
demonstrate alignment to Government’s Nine-Point Plan to in achieving the NDP. With contributors from every sector,
boost economic growth and achieve the milestones of the the nation’s premiere platform for addressing the NDP
National Development Plan (NDP). saw the private and public sectors, as well as civil society
Based on its submission, the college was shortlisted organisations join hands in building a national community
as one of 11 finalists for the Vision 2030 Awards in the working to drive economic acceleration and transformation.
Education and Skills Development category. The judging Leading by example, the winners, showcased through
criteria included: their awards, inspire their peers and all stakeholders
• What the organisation was doing to promote the nationwide to pledge commitment to the NDP – not just
vision of the NDP; in words but also in action that moves the nation forward.
• Effective implementation of the organisation’s Seven years ago, South Africa adopted the NDP
policies, procedures and strategies regarding this to systemically tackle poverty, unemployment and
Award and how they were developed; and inequality. This year was the 3rd iteration of the
• A demonstration of relevant achievements, such as awards by Topco Media and the event afforded Vision 2030 certificate awarded to the
awards and accolades, received over the last three to participants an opportunity to reflect on what we College of Cape Town
five years supported by documentary evidence and have achieved against the Medium Term Strategic
external survey analysis. Framework, and the Government programmes which
have been implemented since 2012. The categories
Other finalists in this category included Deloitte that were recognised were:
Consulting, Choprop, Edit Microsystems, Kagiso
Shanduka Foundation, Maluti TVET College, • Infrastructure Development Award
Masithuthuke Holdings, Naidu Consulting, and • Healthcare Award
The Davinci Institute for Technology Management, • Education and Skills Development Award
University of Western Cape and Vaal University • Enterprise and Supplier Development Award
of Technology. • SMME Award
The winner of the category was Deloitte Consulting, • State-owned Enterprise Award
however, the achievement places College of Cape • Science & Technology Award
Town at the forefront of national development and • Energy Award.
reinforces the importance of private and public sector
support for and commitment to the NDP. “The College of Cape Town is proud of its achievement
Present at the event were TV presenter and radio and commits to the planned stable development of
host Leanne Manas, Colin Coleman the CEO of the country and to improve people’s quality of life,” Achmat Gafieldien and Deon Halls
Goldman Sachs, and Jabu Mabuza, Eskom’s former said Achmat Gafieldien, senior manager at College College of Cape Town Senior Managers
Interim Executive Chairman and Acting Group Chief of Cape Town. at the Vision 2030 Awards ceremony
College produces best national performers
MATSATSI KGAMEDI
W aterberg TVET College student Nthabiseng
Setsiba and lecturer Malisi Mashishi were
recently awarded the best performing student and
the most inspirational lecturer respectively at the
South African Chefs Association (SACA) graduation
ceremony recently held at Regina Mundi Catholic
Church in Soweto.
Nthabiseng began her journey at the College
in 2016, when she enrolled for a SACA National
Youth Training Programme: Diploma in Food
Preparation and Cooking at the College’s Hotel
school. She completed her Level 1 and 2 in food
preparation and went on to specialise in Pastry
in her Level 3. She graduated in 2019 as the
best student in her field with both theory and
practicals at the College.
Nthabiseng said that she fell in love with pastry College Principal Selaelo Lekoloane, Malisi Mashishi, Nthabiseng Setsiba and Deputy Principal Academic
making despite its difficulty and intends to open her Khomotso Dipela
own bakery someday to showcase her skills.
Malisi Mashishi’s award came after she Selaelo Lekoloane, Waterberg TVET College us to continue working together and live by the
achieved a 100% pass rate with her students for Principal, said “it is a clear demonstration of the level college’s motto together ensuring success. It’s in
the SACA Pastry Diploma. of commitment by students and lecturers, reminding working together that we can achieve more.”
11
TVET COLLEGE TIMES March 2020APPLY NOW and stand a chance to represent the South African
team that will be participating at the WorldSkills International
Competition in Shanghai, China in 2021.
Aircraft Maintenance Autobody Repair Automobile Technology
Beauty Therapy Bricklaying Car Painting
Carpentry CNC Turning Composite Technology
Cooking Cyber Security Electrical Installations
Graphic Design Hairdressing Health And Social Care
Heavy Vehicle Maintenance IT Software for Business IT Network System Administration
Internet of Things Industrial Robotics Industrial Mechanic Millwright
Mechanical Engineering CAD Mechatronics Mobile Robotics
Patisserie and Confectionary Plumbing and Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Restaurant Services Reverse Engineering UAV Operations (Drone)
Water Technology Welding
Which
students
can apply?
http://www.worldskillssa.dhet.gov.za/applications
Apprentices
TVET Colleges
Private Colleges
For Enquiries: Industries
086 999 0125 Universities of Technology
12
TVET COLLEGE TIMES March 2020You can also read
