TVET College Times - TVET Colleges: Focussed on employability - Volume 43 - West Coast College
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ISSN 2410-6496
TVET
Volume 43
College Times
December 2015 The Official Quarterly TVET College Newsletter and Journal
TVET Colleges:
Focussed on employability
1
TVET COLLEGE TIMES December 2015
TVET Colleges: Focussed on
employability
W elcome to the final edition of
TVET College Times for 2015!
The sub-title on the cover mast-head of
is enhanced through Artisanship
training, the entrepreneurship training
and endeavours of graduates, Work
TVET College Times reads, ‘The Official Based Experience initiatives, SETA
Editorial team Quarterly TVET College Newsletter and collaboration, Recognition of Prior
Journal’. It raises the question, how Learning, the work of the Human
Editor: Keith Loynes much of TVET College Times is Journal Resources Development Council
Rotating Assistant Editor: Ivan Swart and how much is Newsletter? and rural development. Proof of the
Design & Printing: RSALitho Perhaps the shortest response employability of TVET graduates may be
Professional language service: is that TVET College Times seeks to sampled in a focus on college alumni.
Woodleys Literary Services publish newsworthy items of interest The column, Policy and Operational
to TVET professionals that has ‘shelf- Shifts is where policy related items are
Copyright
life’ or news of an enduring nature. featured. There is the important DHET
From another angle, one could Communication Circular 1/2015. This
DHET TVET Colleges, Private Bag
X174, Pretoria 0001, South Africa, describe the content of the publication is followed by the Director-General’s IN THIS ISSUE:
December 2015. as being journal material in a ‘news’ address delivered at the inaugural Cover Story
format! Regular requests for and academic dialogue for top performing
TVET Colleges Website downloads of back-copies seems to TVET College students. Other useful TVET Colleges: Focussed on
affirm its ‘shelf-life’. information follows in a number of items
www.tvetcolleges.co.za Consider the content to illustrate which are again related to the promotion
employability pages 14 - 25
Visit the website for free online
the point. The personal message from of employability including the follow-up From the Ministry
subscription to TVET CollegeTimes.
the Minister in the column on this item by Dr Andre van der Bijl on the
page provides a contextual overview of TVET lecturer qualifications framework. Page 4 - 7
Cover Photograph
matters relevant to TVET colleges. It is an Finally in Intellectual Debate,
Cutting Edge News
TVET Colleges: Focussed on overview that will remain relevant into the in accordance with our focus on
employability. Photograph supplied by distant future until it becomes a historical employability, a model which Page 8 - 11
Ivan Swart, Northlink TVET College. statement of what were key issues for proposes a mechanism for taking
the colleges in December 2015. The TVET College students through a Movers and Shakers
Waiver same could be said of the extracts from training model, to become TVET Page 12
the Minister and the Deputy Minister’s College lecturers is featured.
The views and opinions of contributors Campus Matters
do not necessarily reflect those of
speeches featured in the column From In conclusion, having demonstrated
DHET. TVET College Times and the the Ministry. In Cutting Edge News, that the content of TVET College Times, Page 14 - 31
DHET accept no liability with regard where the focus falls on Information while perhaps not constituting a Journal,
to authorship and content of articles Communication Technology (ICT) in this is also not typically a newsletter to Policy & Operational Shifts
and photographs and present these issue, there are cutting edge reports which be read once and discarded. For this
Page 32 - 37
as the bona fide contributions of impact on ICT teaching and learning reason, given the extended shelf-life of
correspondents. practices in colleges. In the Movers and the content, we have decided to bind Intellectual Debate
Shakers column we provide a follow-up the print publication in a manner that
Contributors report from a participating college on facilitates convenient shelf-storage and Page 38 - 39
Busiswa Nongogo and Calvin Nkosi,
SA’s participation in the WorldSkills Brazil easy reference. The easily accessible College Contact Details
Chris Brink and Faruk Hoosain, Deon international competition. On page 35, in PDF editions, going back several
Halls, Marian Theron, Dr John Volmink, a related report, TVET professionals may years, can be downloaded from www. Page 40
Lame Morubane, Thabo Moloto, Tilly find some inspiration which may enable tvetcolleges.co.za. Make this edition
Reddy, Nomusa Zulu-Mangxa, Lewis Nzira your college to start preparing now to your personal travelling companion
and Monica Tshangana, Fazielah Williams
compete in the WorldSkills International as you embark on the summer festive
and Sharon Grobbelaar, Minette Kilian,
Nothando Ndlovu, Tshegofatso Rapoo, Competition to be held in Abu Dhabi, holidays. With a variety of items from no
Tamzyn Arendse, Matau Manye, Steve United Arab Emirates in 2017. fewer than 38 different contributors from
Reid, Cheslynn Johnson and Ivan Swart, In Campus Matters we have all over South Africa, there is certain to
Nadine Moodaely, Patience Makhaphela, grouped related items into various be something of interest to you.
Wanda Möller, Gert Witbooi, Thokozani focus themes, the bulk of which
Ndhlovu, Tshepo Magoro, Nondumiso
Khumalo, Colleen Brennon, Annelene
speaks to the employability of TVET Happy holidays and happy
Petersen, Brenda Ntombela, William College graduates. Employability reading!
Somo, Lehlohonolo Mphuthi, Adrienne
FROM THE MINISTER
Bird, Dr Andre van der Bijl, Elsie Potgieter
Contributors send articles to:
Webmail: www.tvetcolleges.co.za
TVET College Times/Send Your Article
T he year 2015 has been a turning
point for the Department of Higher
Education and Training (DHET)
TVET College Provincial Staff who
render curriculum and governance
support. Currently, the Labour construction of 12 additional
Or use this url: especially in so far as the TVET sector Relations Directorate is working campuses is on course. This will
http://www.tvetcolleges.co.za/
is concerned. The year represented on a Post Provisioning Model for facilitate the absorption of many more
Site_TVET_College_Times.aspx
the conclusion of the full circle of Colleges to be implemented on 1 people, especially the youth, into the
function shift and staff transfers. April 2016. These developments TVET college sector. As Government,
Advertising, Subscriptions We started the process with were accompanied by the absorption we have identified the expansion of
and editorial matters: Principals and Deputy Principals who of the Adult Education Training the TVET sector as a national priority
were transferred to the Department system (AET) into the DHET. These in the post-school education and
E-mail: Loynes.K@dhet.gov.za
on 1 April 2013. This year, 17 shifts of function have expanded the training system. The high demand
Fax: 012 328 3322
000 staff from TVET Colleges DHET to become one of the largest for artisans and skilled workers by
Telephone: 012 312 6182
Closing date for volume 44: transferred to the Department and state departments in the country. I the economy has necessitated the
Wednesday, 27 January 2016 were captured on the personnel am pleased that the expansion of re-prioritisation of the sector in order
TVET College Times is supported by administration system PERSAL, as our TVET Sector is proceeding well. to meet our future targets. One of
subscribers and advertisers of 1 April 2015. This includes 103 The work around the the key strategic goals for DHET,
2
TVET COLLEGE TIMES December 2015
as espoused in the White Paper for establishment and refurbishment of Mpumalanga provinces. To date, form. Both the advertisement and
Post-School Education and Training TVET colleges was conducted with three sites, Thabazimbi campus registration forms are available
and in the National Development due consideration of the Human for the Waterberg TVET College, from the DHET website www.dhet.
Plan Vision 2030, is that of Sciences Research Council research Bambanani campus for the gov.za as well as from colleges.
increasing access to education and of 2006. The research focuses on Umfolozi TVET College and Nkandla As we reach the end of the
training opportunities by the youth. the Provincial Indices of Multiple A campus for the Umfolozi TVET year, I wish to extend our gratitude
Since 1994, there has been Deprivation (PIMD) for South Africa. College, are under construction. as Government and the DHET for
no consistent, co-ordinated The utilisation of the PIMD priority These newly constructed, and the spirit of co-operation that has
investment in the expansion of list guides interventions towards the under construction campuses, are seen us attain our targets for the
the TVET College sub-system. skills and economic development expected to offer partial enrolment current year. I hope that each one
The establishment of the 12 of identified local municipalities, capacity for the 2016 academic year. of us will take this well-deserved
new TVET College campuses and and for the country as a whole. Some TVET Colleges are summer-break to rest and re-charge
the refurbishment of two existing In terms of broader socio- experiencing shortages of lecturing so that we return with renewed
campuses, is aimed at putting in economic impact, the impact personnel. This is especially true in vigour to face the challenges of
place a standard for expansion. A of each campus construction scarce skills programmes or subjects 2016. To those students who
particular focus is on improving site can be measured in the such as those in the engineering have successfully completed their
access in regions which have a high estimated on-site training and disciplines. DHET has established studies, we wish them all the best
poverty index and in which there employment opportunities generated a database of unemployed, in their future endeavours especially
is inadequate or no provision of by the construction activity. industry-based, retired as well as they enter the job market.
education and training. According The current estimate reveals as foreign-based lecturers. The I also wish to take this
to the White Paper for Post-School a direct benefit of approximately purpose is to assist colleges with opportunity to urge all TVET
Education and Training, the TVET 430 people per construction site. A the recruitment of suitably qualified stakeholders to spread the word about
infrastructure expansion programme further impact in terms of financial lecturers. An invitation, by means the value of the sector. Emphasise
aims to expand the TVET College investment through estimated of an advertisement, has been the point in all conversations and
system by providing quality teaching local procurement is in the region published. The invitation requests all at all levels that TVET training is
and learning infrastructure. This of R162 million per construction prospective candidates, from within the way forward for future growth
infrastructure will have a multi- site. There are 16 campuses and outside SA’s borders, who have and economic and personal
purpose capacity for offering a mix planned for construction and/or the necessary teaching experience prosperity for all in South Africa.
of qualifications and programmes, refurbishment in four provinces. and qualifications and who are
specifically relevant to, and within The campuses up for construction seeking employment in public TVET Dr BE Nzimande, MP
each, affected local municipality. are located in the Eastern Cape, Colleges in the Republic of South Minister of Higher Education
The process of prioritising the KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Africa, to complete a registration and Training
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TVET COLLEGE TIMES December 2015
FROM THE MINISTRY
The following is an extract from the Speech of the Minister
of Higher Education and Training, Dr BE Nzimande, on the
occasion of the unveiling of the plaque, commemorating the
construction of the Thabazimbi Campus of Waterberg TVET
College in Limpopo. The campus is scheduled to open its doors
for the 2016 Academic Year.
T he Department of Higher Education and Training
(DHET) has, since its inception in 2009, made
great strides advancing post-school education and
21years of democracy and 60 years of the Freedom
Charter, it is with a huge amount of pride that we
open such an institution in Thabazimbi.
the occupations in high demand identified in 2014
is published elsewhere in this edition of TVET
College Times.)
training opportunities in South Africa. This is an The fact is that in 2015, South Africa faces many Over the next five years we are committed
achievement of which we are justly proud. challenges on the economic front. It is a fact that to strengthening the capacity of the post-school
We continue to promote our overall objective without an economically active citizenry, government education and training system. We will collectively
of building a fair, equitable, non-racial, non-sexist cannot defeat the basic challenge of uplifting the lives work towards meeting the long-term goals as
and democratic South Africa. One of our focuses of all South Africans, especially the underprivileged. set out in the National Development Plan, such
has been to bring institutions of higher education It is also a fact that education and training are the as increasing qualifying artisans to 30,000 per
and training to areas throughout the country that doors that when opened, will lead to the economic annum, and increasing enrolments by Technical
historically have been neglected, especially rural freedom that underpins government policy. and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
areas such as this one. Statistics tell the unpleasant story that our youth bear Colleges to 4 million per annum.
All of us gathered here today are aware of the brunt of economic stagnation. Yes, we are well The DHET continues to address the plight of
the importance of June in terms of education aware that employment opportunities are scarce, and students who are unable to graduate because they
and the evolving history of South Africa. This lies that this frustrates many. We therefore also call upon cannot find places for experiential learning. It is
essentially in its association with the youth who our youth to take it upon themselves, in a similar estimated that countrywide there are more than
said ‘Enough is Enough’ on 16 June 1976, and manner as the youth of 1976, to actively seek out 60 000 graduates and out of school youth and
stood up against the might of the apartheid state, and participate in constructive economic activities students who require work-placements. DHET is
armed with only their determination and the rocks instead of waiting passively for help to come to them. currently strengthening interventions and practical
and stones of the streets of Soweto. June 16, is As government, we recognise that we need to train responses to deliver on our slogan of “Together,
historical and memorable because on that day our people, especially the youth, in skills such as turning every work place into a training space”.
the long suppressed anger and resistance against bricklaying, carpentry, electrical, motor mechanics, In pursuit of the inherent objectives of this slogan,
apartheid and its hated ‘Bantu education’ system my department has entered into partnerships
broke loose and manifested itself with the youth with Sector Education and Training Authorities
braving the tear gas and guns of the regime in a
We realise that our youth (SETAs), municipalities, national and provincial
loud show of defiance. June 16, was the day when need proper career government departments and the private sector. A
the youth rose up and said ‘No’ to the enforced concerted effort is being made by all stakeholders
imposition of Afrikaans, the language of the guidance to direct them to ensure that work-integrated learning and the
oppressor at the time, as a medium of instruction. placement of TVET college students, University
This was a measure that would further restrict the towards programmes of Technology graduates and out-of-school youth,
attainment of an already discredited system of gains momentum throughout the country.
‘Bantu education’. By their actions, the youth of for which they have an For the 2014/15 financial year and onwards,
1976 were not only repudiating the imposition of SETAs have allocated over R340 million to the
Afrikaans as a language of instruction upon them,
aptitude, and which provide Province of Limpopo. This resource will target
but also challenging the whole apartheid system for imparting skills the training of 11 345 beneficiaries in various
that had placed them and their forebears under the interventions, which includes adult education and
yoke of subjugation for several generations. needed for the country’s training and artisan development. The funds will
In 1976, the youth throughout the length also be disbursed as bursary funding for Limpopo
and breadth of the country, stood up against a economic growth. students, internships, learnerships, Recognition of
system declared as ‘a crime against humanity’ Prior Learning (RPL), skills programmes and pre-
by international rights bodies. It was a system apprenticeship training.
which not only resisted international pressure but plumbing, small medium and micro enterprise On the 30th of April 2014, I promoted a
one which continued to brutally enforce its stifling development, general maintenance, computer project in the Vhembe district which was financed
grip on the lives and aspirations of black South literacy, and welding, all of which will be taught through the National Skills Fund (NSF). The NSF
Africans. In 1976 the youth took up the cudgel here in future. Also in the pipeline for this institution has invested R26.7 million in the Vhembe District
from where the banned liberation movements had are occupational programmes and qualifications in Municipality Skills Development Project. The
left off before their time, and risked their lives for the the disciplines of plumbing, bricklaying and block- project commenced in January 2013 and will
greater objective of liberation of the country. Their making, general maintenance, tiling, and retail run over a three year period. It has involved the
fight was not in vain. 1976 revived the sleeping management. training of 2 188 beneficiaries by the University of
giant of resistance, spurring the underground We realise that our youth need proper career Venda in partnership with the District Municipality.
movement to bolder action in confronting the evil guidance to direct them towards programmes for The Local Economic Development Strategy of
system. Not to say that the liberation movements which they have an aptitude, and which provide for Vhembe, informed by the Provincial Growth
were by any means inactive at this time. We are imparting skills needed for the country’s economic Strategy, states that the key economic sectors in
all aware that the underground movement was growth. The DHET would like to encourage the the district of Vhembe are agriculture, tourism
quite active, and that the apartheid regime was youth to enrol for scarce and critical skills like and the arts, which is in line with the identified
as equally determined to suppress the will of the engineering, the artisan trades and others, in order sectors for the whole Province. In addition to this
people. Today, therefore, as South Africa celebrates to ensure that these skills are kept secure. (A list of project and other small-scale projects funded
4
TVET COLLEGE TIMES December 2015
The Vhembe district ensure more diverse opportunities for university and unaffordable to the majority of poor students in
study in Limpopo Province. the country. The Department remains committed to
funding is in keeping with My Department, with the assistance of the sourcing additional funding to meet the need.
University of Pretoria, is conducting a feasibility The DHET’s provision of career advice and
the strategic thrust of study to determine the most appropriate and viable career development services, the Apply Now!
type of post-school institution for the Giyani district. Campaign was launched in 2012. This was in
my department namely, Ensuring that there are appropriate post-school response to the increased number of learners
education opportunities in rural areas is important, that pass Matric annually and who do not apply
that of strengthening but we need to know that relevant skills training will for admission to university programmes in time to
of the capacity of the be provided. The former Giyani College of Education meet the deadlines. This has led to students not
was established in 1988 in the Mopani District, in being admitted to study programmes related to
TVET College system present-day Limpopo Province. The college offered a their interests as well as a large number of walk-
four-year Higher Diploma in Education, with Science in applicants that could not be accommodated.
by expanding access to as one of its specialisation areas. During the post- The campaign seeks to provide learners upfront
1994 reforms of the higher education and training with critical information on post-school education
meet the overwhelming sector, the college was identified for incorporation and training options, qualifications and funding
into an existing university that specialised in teacher while highlighting the importance of applying in
skills shortage faced by education. However, the envisaged incorporation did time. An ‘Apply Now!’ booklet, developed in 2012
the Province in particular not materialise and the college closed down in 2002. in collaboration with the Department of Basic
The closure impacted on the provision and Education, is distributed to all Grade 12 learners
and the country at large. availability of educational opportunities to the across the country.
immediate community and the region. Currently, the The booklets are accompanied by an
It is envisaged that the campus of the former college is utilised as a multi- instruction note to help educators explain them
purpose skills training centre. The local community, to learners. We make every effort to ensure that
investment in the seven through the Khatsani Educational Initiative, learners have access to them. Furthermore, the
has petitioned my Department to consider the Department has invested in the Khetha Radio
colleges will benefit over establishment of a university or college campus on Programme which broadcasts ‘Apply Now!’ topics
15 000 students. the former Giyani College of Education site. This is the and messages. The programmes are presented
context that informs the feasibility study. I am keen to weekly in ten African languages, including
support the development of this campus as a multi-
from the NSF throughout Limpopo, the NSF has purpose post-school institution. A feasibility study will
made a further investment of R398 million in the inform us of the kinds of programmes that such a
The national career advice
seven public TVET Colleges, spanning the three- post-school institution should offer, and what level of helpline can be reached
year period 2013 to 2016. This investment is in investment will be required to bring this to fruition.
keeping with the strategic thrust of my department The development of the Giyani Campus will be at 086 999 0123 or you
namely, that of strengthening of the capacity of dependent on our ability to raise the funds required.
the TVET College system by expanding access to I am pleased to say that Government, through could simply send an
meet the overwhelming skills shortage faced by my Department, has invested significant funds in
the Province in particular and the country at large. the two Universities in Limpopo province. A total of SMS to 072 204 5056
It is envisaged that the investment in the seven R1 480 billion from the Department’s infrastructure
colleges will benefit over 15 000 students. It is also and efficiency earmarked grant has been allocated
with your name and
expected that each college will use the capacity to these Universities since 2006, when the fund contact telephone number.
building allocation to ensure that they secure was initiated. Specifically, the Department has
beneficial partnerships with industry, communities, invested total of R848,870 million into UL and A career advisor will call
local and provincial governments and the SETAs. R631,279 million into UNIVEN from 2006 to
They must as a consequence of the investment, 2014. This support has enabled these universities you back.
ensure that they are able to serve the skills needs to improve the quality of their infrastructure
of local, regional and provincial economic players. significantly, and has supported the construction of
The Limpopo Province is home to two new academic buildings, laboratories and lecture Afrikaans and targets deep rural areas. The Khetha
universities, namely the University of Venda, or theatres. It has also enabled the refurbishment, Career Development Services brand, “decide your
UNIVEN as it is popularly called, and the University upgrading and conversion of academic buildings, future – make the right choice” was set up to
of Limpopo (UL). These universities contribute in a the development of student accommodation and establish a comprehensive and co-ordinated career
number of ways to the development of high level the acquisition of equipment and furniture. development service for everyone in South Africa.
skills for the province and the country as a whole. Government’s key mechanism for assisting Khetha offers a national career advice helpline
It is particularly gratifying to note how they have poor students to access post-school education is the which anybody, learners, parents, workers, can
developed over the last 20 years, growing their National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). call to get career information and advice. I want to
student numbers, improving their infrastructure In 1999 the NSFAS was responsible for disbursing encourage everyone to call if you are unsure of any
and moving strongly into the fields of science R441million in financial assistance to students. career related matter. The national career advice
engineering and technology. The University of Today the entity is responsible for allocating over helpline can be reached at 086 999 0123 or you
Limpopo is expected to achieve a total enrolment R9.5 billion in financial support to students with could simply send an SMS to 072 204 5056 with
of just under 20 000 students this year, with most of the funding provided by government. This your name and contact telephone number. A career
38% in the Science Engineering and Technology is a sizeable contribution by government to assist advisor will call you back.
fields. The UNIVEN is expected to have enrolled poor students, but as you all know the demand for In conclusion, I take this opportunity to urge
almost 12 000 students with 42% in these fields. financial aid far outstrips the available resources. our youth to be vigilant against self-destructive
The targeted number of new spaces for students South Africa’s present level of public expenditure activities such as alcohol, drug and substance
entering these universities in 2016 is expected on higher education is rather high by international abuse and unprotected sex. In whatever you do,
to be in the region of 5 000 at UL and 3 600 standards and has been growing at a somewhat know that your country needs you to be healthy,
at UNIVEN. Both Universities are set to expand faster real rate than in many other countries. And strong, well trained and focused.
into new fields of study in the near future. My yet, despite increased funding, the cost of higher
department will be supporting them in this to education especially at universities remains expensive I thank you.
5
TVET COLLEGE TIMES December 2015
It’s cool to be a 21st Century Artisan
BUSISWA NONGOGO AND government and in particular as
CALVIN NKOSI the Ministry of Higher Education,
our mandate is to establish a post-
L ate August, in Mossel Bay
Western Cape, the Deputy
Minister of Higher Education and
school education and training
(PSET) system that is responsive
to the needs of individual citizens
Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, and of employers in both the public
motivated over 1000 high school and private sectors. In addition, it is
learners and youth currently not also our aim that the PSET sector
in education or training (NEET) to should serve broader societal and
consider career-paths in artisanship developmental objectives”.
as, ‘It’s cool to be a 21st century It is strategic that the campaign
artisan,’ in the words of the is hosted by TVET Colleges. The
campaign slogan. Department of Higher Education
“The aim of the campaign and Training’s top priority is to
is to assist SA to produce a more strengthen and expand public Deputy Minister Manana addresses the audience. The Mossel Bay leg
skilled and capable workforce in TVET colleges so that they of the Deputy Minister’s flagship project ‘Decade of the artisan (2014-
the future as well as to contribute become institutions of choice for 2024)’, forms part of the Western Cape awareness campaign
to our economic growth and young people. Key objectives in
development” added the Deputy strengthening colleges include Acknowledging the vital role CATHSSETA for co-hosting the event
which Sector Education and together with South Cape TVET
Training Authorities (SETAs) play College. Representing employers,
in facilitating workplace learning Mr Otto made a call to all fellow
partnerships between employers employers to support the Decade
and educational institutions, of the Artisan campaign as key
the Deputy Minister thanked partners in artisan development.
About the Decade of the Artisan
There is a continuous need for suitably qualified artisans to sustain
industry and to support economic growth within South Africa. In a
range of national strategies the need for artisans has been identified
and elevated as a priority area for skills development. While the
National Development Plan indicates that by 2030 the country should
be producing 30 000 qualified artisans per year, this target has been
brought forward by the 2014 – 2020 Medium Term Strategic Framework
to 31 March 2026. At present the country is producing an average of
13 000 qualified artisans per year. It is therefore clear that the number
The Deputy Minister takes a tour through the South Cape TVET College Mossel Bay has to more than double over the next ten years leading up to 2026.
campus workshops and interacts with students To achieve a significant growth of more than 130%, not only requires
considerable investment and commitment by all artisan development
Minister. The Mossel Bay leg of improving access, throughput role-players, but will also require sustained, committed and high profile
promoting the Deputy Minister’s rates, management capacity, leadership. This leadership challenge has been accepted through the
flagship project ‘Decade of the student support services, student personal intervention of the Minister of Higher Education and Training,
artisan (2014-2024)’, forms part accommodation, developing Dr Blade Nzimande, and the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and
of the Western Cape awareness management information systems Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana. In responding to the challenge, the
campaign. The Deputy Minister and building partnerships with Minister and Deputy Minister are engaging with employers to ensure
travels to provinces to advocate employers. Government expects that more workplaces are opened for artisans. Another intervention
artisanship among youth, learners that TVET colleges will become aims to target the training of life orientation practitioners, community
and employers. The campaign aims the cornerstone of a broad band development workers, ward councillors and college career guidance
to encourage more young people, of initiatives aimed at meeting the advisors, on artisanal career options. Basic Education learners from
especially high school learners country’s acute skills shortage. academic schools will be introduced to technical and vocational study
and unemployed youth, to pursue South Cape TVET College Principal opportunities from as early as Grade 6 through interactive “try-a-skill”
artisanship as a career of choice. Elsie Potgieter welcomed the exhibitions and similar initiatives.
Deputy Minister Manana said “as opportunity to co-host the initiative.
School learners and future prospective artisans file into the venue to hear the Deputy Minister promote artisanship
6
TVET COLLEGE TIMES December 2015
Deputy Minister opens 6th Pan African TVET Conference
CHRIS BRINK AND the HIV Landscape amongst TVET
FARUK HOOSAIN College students in South Africa”.
Quinton Damstra, one of the
T he 6th Pan African TVET and FET
Colleges Conference, hosted by
the UNESCO affiliated International
participants at the Conference
mused enthusiastically,
“To be part of this extremely
Association of Community and diverse team of interesting role players
Further Education Colleges, took and educators from the ranks of
place in late October at a Cape Town artisans, principals, doctors, professors,
Waterfront venue. teachers and ministers was incredibly
The annual gathering of rewarding. To have all role players
TVET Principals, Lecturers present and under one roof over two
and independent providers, days, linking industry and education, is
was officially opened by the Deputy Minister Manana is thanked by Mr Chris Brink, Vice President of the a dynamic process.
Honourable Deputy Minister of International Association of Community and Further Education and Training Colleges This conversation needs to be
Higher Education and Training, encouraged and fervently continued far
Mr Mduduzi Manana. The refined offer courses appropriate to the quality and image, and performance beyond these two days. To my mind,
presence of the Deputy Minister local environment. He also spoke of improvement for individual colleges. having this type of conference just once
for Higher Education and Training, the need to support education and Prioritising the budget and resources a year, is almost a matter of ‘too few
gave the necessary gravitas training for sustainable livelihoods, mix, and a management and and far in between’. I look forward to
offering the Opening Keynote offer NQF5 level courses, build performance culture also featured following up on the many conversations
Address, against the backdrop of additional campuses across the prominently. Contextualising the that have been ignited and to continue
student turbulence at universities country, improve maths and role, place, value and function to look for solutions in these very
nationally. The Deputy Minister science foundation programmes, of Colleges at economic, social, challenging arenas. Anyone who has a
declared his unconditional support and to apply Recognition of Prior community and individual level were passion for education should definitely
of the Conference as a vital strategic Learning more widely. also debated. Honest debate ensued download (from www.iacsouthafrica.
and pre-figurative forum in the The Conference theme was around the internal and external co.za) the 16 or more conference
TVET arena. He contextualised the “Strategies for Improvement”. The tensions, contradictions, challenges presentations and unpack the many
DHETs key performance indicators range of input from diverse speakers and possibilities for Colleges. No pertinent points raised.”
for advancing and promoting looked at the What, Why, How and conference is complete without a Enthusiasts may diarise
economic democracy in the 21st how well, Colleges could map out focus on HIV and AIDS. In this regard the 2016 annual Pan African
Century. The Deputy Minister ways in which to do so. Typically Dr Ramneek Ahluwalia, Country TVET College Conference which
spoke of imperatives for the sector’s inputs focused on the improvement Director for the HEAIDS Higher will be held at the Table Bay
improvement including ways to of teaching and learning, the use Education and Training programme, Conference Centre, Waterfront,
combat discrimination, expand of technology, strategy, integrated made a presentation on “Using a Cape Town, on the 27th and
access, expand opportunities, and improvement, increasing numbers, Best Practice Model to Improve 28th October 2016.
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7
TVET COLLEGE TIMES December 2015
CUTTING EDGE NEWS
ICT FOCUS
TVET College takes top providing students with skills geared
towards the needs of the ICT sector
in South Africa.
Institute. The initiative has since
trained over 2000 students as
Certified Computer Technicians. The
honours at annual Cisco About the International
criteria applied for the TVET Colleges
section of the awards were:
Academy Awards 2015
Cisco Networking ●● Impact on new students
Academy Programme ●● Student satisfaction feedback
The Networking Academy curriculum ●● Variety of course offerings
DEON HALLS is delivered online using a proprietary ●● Consistency of impact.
learning platform (Netspace) in The College of Cape Town for TVET
Editor’s note: Deon Halls is the Academic Manager for ICT and Art & partnership with local education is proud of the achievements of its Cisco
Design at the College of Cape Town for TVET. For further information institutions. Cisco provides the Networking Academy programme over
on the Cisco Networking Academy at College of Cape Town for TVET, curriculum, learning platform, and the years since its inception and as a
you may email the author on dhalls@cct.edu.za support resources. Local education first TVET College implementer of the
institutions hire instructors, provide programme in South Africa. The 2015
T he College of Cape Town for TVET’s
Cisco Networking Academy has
once again been awarded top honours
Southern Africa. These academies
are hosted at colleges and
universities across Southern Africa.
equipment, and enrol students. An
engaging, up-to-date curriculum is
created and supported by experts in
TVET College Awards re-confirms the
quality of the programme that is being
delivered. This is a sentiment that
as the best performing TVET College They include the 69 networking technology and instructional design. was also recently echoed by Vaughan
Networking Academy (NetAcad) in the academies in South Africa. Curriculum tools include: Beckerling, Director of the Cape
country. The award was made at the The Cisco Networking ●● Hands-on labs and online Peninsula University of Technology
2015 Cisco African Safari conference Academy programme partners with activities for the practical (CPUT) Cisco Academy Programme, at
hosted by Cisco Systems and the governments, NGOs and educational application of learned skills the recent CPUT Certificate Ceremony
Durban University of Technology. institutions worldwide to afford ●● Cisco Packet Tracer, a network held in Granger Bay, Cape Town.
The event was well supported both students the opportunity to become configuration simulation tool, In his opening address, Vaughan
locally and internationally with more ICT networking professionals, thereby used for teaching, gaming, acknowledged the quality of College of
than 100 delegates from 21 Cisco increasing a country’s ICT skills base. and team building Cape Town for TVET graduates in the
Networking Academy Programmes The vision is aimed at providing ●● Instructor guides, community on-going articulation with CPUT.
(CNAPs) from outside the borders of access to quality education. Cisco has forums, and professional This was highlighted by the fact
South Africa. Ten African Union states over the years shown its commitment development support instructors that CPUT’s two best performing
including Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, to the building of a new South Africa ●● Innovative online assessments students in the Advanced ComNet
Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, the and has invested approximately R100 include embedded activities, Programme for 2015, Budzouta
Seychelles, Zambia and Zimbabwe million in the training of over 34 000 simulations, text questions, Tsangou and Sherwin Retief, were
were in attendance. Five international students in a variety of ICT skills. and performance-based both former College of Cape Town
representatives of the Cisco Academy This has occurred largely through reviews. for TVET Cisco Networking Academy
were also in attendance. the establishment of the Cisco programme students.
This year’s theme had a Networking Academies across South About the 2015 TVET Principal Louis van Niekerk
management focus and included Africa. There are plans to introduce College Cisco Academy extended his congratulations to the
a review of technical updates. The another 200 Networking Academies Award management and lecturing staff of
event also provided an opportunity to be hosted by public schools and In recent years, the Networking the IT Department of the Crawford
to profile a battery of newly available TVET colleges over the next few years. Academy’s programme has been Campus for their commitment to
resources designed to assist Academy The fact that over 80% of all introduced to 29 TVET Colleges the programme and for ensuring
students with workplace readiness Networking Academy graduates through the Department of consistency in the provision of
and employability. are employed shows that Cisco is Communications’ Maraka eSkills excellent results.
These ‘add-on’ curricula are
designed to give students a better About the College of Cape Town’s Cisco Networking Academy Programme
insight into the real world of work
and include modules such as As a flagship initiative, the College of Cape Town for TVET’s The impact of this development has left a significant
the Introduction to the Internet of Cisco Networking Academy has its roots in the years which legacy for the College of Cape Town for TVET, of which
Everything, Introduction to Cyber- led up to the FET College mergers in 2002. faculty of the Crawford Campus are particularly proud.
security, Linux Essentials, Being your This was a period when the former Athlone Technical In the ensuing years, the College of Cape Town for TVET
own boss, Entrepreneurship and College developed many international partnerships with Cisco Academy witnessed many successes and received
Getting Connected. The conference organisations such as the COTEC (Algonquin College 1999- a few awards and recognitions along the way. These have
recognised top performing Academies 2003), University of Massachusetts, Springfield Community included:
for supporting the programme and College (USA) and numerous others. ●● The first TVET College in South Africa to
their contribution towards developing The origins of the Crawford Campus’s Cisco Academy implement the Cisco Networking Academy
working internet technology skills so stem from a partnership between the Athlone Technical Curriculum
desperately needed in the region. College, Springfield Community College (USA) and the North ●● The only Networking Academy in Africa to offer the
East Centre for Telecommunication Technologies (USA). Panduit Cabling curriculum (2003 – 2007)
About the African Safari The partners signed a joint agreement based on funding ●● Cisco Academy Sustainability Award 2007
Conference from a United States Aid Grant. The terms and conditions of ●● FET Award for the Most Innovative Programme 2007
The annual African Safari conference the grant specified the development of a telecommunication ●● Cape IT Initiative Award for a Top Cisco Student 2007
brings together CISCO NetAcad curriculum (assisted by the COTEC Project) based on a ●● The CSIR Hosted Achiever Award Nomination
contacts, successful lead initiatives “matching” funding model. One year after signing up as a (Science and Technology category) 2010
and instructors. The programme Local Cisco Academy, faculty attended the first International ●● The Department of Communications’ 3rd Annual ICT
accommodates both technical Cisco Education Conference in Paris, France. Expo Skills Competition – Top honours to a College of
and non-technical Academy staff. Whilst in Paris, a funding proposal was submitted to Cape Town student (2010)
The Cisco Networking Academy UNESCO’s Info-Youth Division at their Headquarters, for ●● Best TVET Cisco Academic for 2014 and 2015
programme holds the annual the establishment of an Academy. Subsequently, Athlone ●● Top performing former students currently following the
conference for the more than 80 Technical College became the recipient of the first UNESCO Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s (CPUT)
networking academies across funded Cisco Academy in Africa. programmes - for three years running (2013 - 2015).
8
TVET COLLEGE TIMES December 2015
North South TVET ICT Conference
MARIAN THERON 19 TVET colleges, three universities, In his presentation, Pieter thread throughout the conference.
private colleges and schools Bruwer, CEO of Future Managers, Presenters shared their experiences
T he Department of Higher
Education and Training (DHET)
endorsed the 4th Future Managers
attended. This was in addition to the
20 exhibitors who participated.
The three day programme
asked how we can put the
‘classroom’ back into the student
and still ‘think out of the classroom’.
on how to implement effective
strategies to manage open learning.
Trudi van Wyk of DHET cautioned
North South TVET ICT Conference was packed, with no fewer than The use of technology can be the delegates that distance learning
that took place in September in 41 presentations from local and disruptive. It means that you stop without any student support would
Somerset West, Cape Town. international presenters. doing things in the way you have be ‘criminal’. The three elements for
The conference theme was “The The keynote address was always done. It can also lead to cost successful distance education are
connected college”. Key among the delivered by Gard Titlestad of the savings. We can do more for less and content, technology and pedagogy
‘connected college’ demands is to International Council for Open and bring the world into the classroom. integrated into one.
become responsive 21st century Distance Learning in Norway. In He introduced the delegates to Phil Miller of Blackboard
education and training institutions, in his presentation he noted that ‘If Periscope and demonstrated how International presented on the
order to fulfil the national mandate. education is the key to development, easy it is for a lecturer to broadcast importance of being open and how
From an educational technology then TVET must be the master key’. their lecture to students in- and Moodle Rooms is a platform where
perspective, the connected college Gard alluded to the pervasiveness outside of the classroom. you can connect and collaborate
references how technology has of technology which provides Prof Louis Fourie of the Cape with your students.
exploded in recent years. for anytime, anywhere access Peninsula University of Technology Plenary sessions set the
New computers, smartphones, to information, enables social introduced delegates to the “Internet tone for the breakaway sessions
tablets and software are continually interaction and provides for the use of Things” and provided a peak into where practitioners shared their
being released. This provides of do-it-yourself learning guides. the future when wearable technology experiences, challenges and
faculty and students with improved The impact therefor is that will be common. implementation solutions.
opportunities to teach and learn. technology enables us to do more, Connectivity remained high on The objective of the conference
Whilst we all may agree on the know more and connect more. the agenda and Alan Knott-Craig organising committee is the
positive impact of technology, many Learning has become interactive, provided an overview of how Project enhancement and improvement
challenges still remain. personalised and flexible and creates Isizwe (see a report on Project Isizwe of teaching practices through the
The conference provided a new pathways to student success. overleaf) is providing free Wi-Fi to inclusion of technology and the
platform for exploration, discussion Technology thus supports the poor in Gauteng. He elaborated identification of solutions for the
and debate on how these new lifelong and life wide learning. He on the Ingwe TVET College free Wi-Fi TVET classroom. Planning for the 5th
technologies can be introduced to emphasised that every country project and described the benefits of North South TVET ICT Conference is
support both lecturer and student. should have an ICT policy as Wi-Fi TV within communities. Open in full swing and is scheduled for
This year, 230 delegates from required by UNESCO. and distance learning was a golden 20-22 September 2016.
9
TVET COLLEGE TIMES December 2015
Project Isizwe’s ‘Free WiFi for SA’ initiative
focuses on the education system
DR JOHN VOLMINK
Editor’s note: Dr Volmink is the Chairman of Project Isizwe. Project
Isizwe is responsible for the deployment of government-funded Free
WiFi throughout public spaces in low-income communities. The
project believes that each citizen should be within walking distance
of Free WiFi. The Tshwane Free WiFi project is the biggest municipal
public WiFi network project on the continent.
Dr Volmink received his PhD in mathematics education from
Cornell University in 1988 and has spent the past 25 years dedicated
to education in South Africa, assuming leadership positions in
the University of Natal and the Department of Basic Education.
He has played a leading role in the transformation of education in
post-apartheid South Africa and has served for four years as the
Chairperson of the Umalusi Council.
A s South Africans we know
that inequality is the greatest
challenge facing the future of our
videos for courses aligned with
the CAPS curriculum. We have
access to online encyclopaedias like
country; economic inequality, Wikipedia, providing virtually infinite
healthcare inequality and most sources of information. A world of
importantly, educational inequality. opportunity is at our fingertips.
Those who are yearning for Government initiatives are helping education system as experienced further opportunities for growth.
a decent education are being to eradicate the hardware problem. by students and lecturers relates If students find it embarrassing
left behind, whilst those whose Government subsidies and distribution to connectivity. Internet access can to raise their hand in class to ask
educational thirst has been quenched programmes have made a large alleviate these challenges in the a question, imagine the social
are streaking ahead, miles ahead. impact on hardware accessibility. The following ways: pressure on faculty to pretend they
This is not a function of ability. It is explosion of affordable smartphones know everything?
a function of opportunity. Children in has resulted in even the poorest For the student: The world is moving fast and
wealthy households have unlimited households in South Africa having Students would rather be stupid so should college faculty. Online
access to technology, whilst those access to smart devices. We feel like than look stupid. Online assessments communities of practice can be
from less privileged backgrounds we are making progress but where enable lecturers to identify students created for lecturers to share
are stuck in the 20th century. Their does it really leave us? We are left with particular needs without methodologies, ideas and resources
educational exposure is restricted to with an oversupply of hardware and embarrassing them or singling them whilst exposing them to quality
chalk and talk, pen and paper. content, an unconnected graveyard of out from the group. This ensures teaching and professional dialogue
What is the solution then? lifeless caskets. that they can progress at their own with peers.
Force the front-runners to wait for It needs the Internet to bring it pace. It is difficult to attract specialist Internet access enables the fast
the back of the field? This will not to life, to offer possibilities, to enable faculty to live in rural areas. Internet and efficient flow of information
help the problem. The solution students to quench their thirst for access allows for students to find using online reporting systems,
lies in inclusivity and starts with learning and life. We should now specialist faculty online, freeing up email and communication tools such
education. We need to ensure that all be concentrating on paving ways local faculty to focus on broader as Skype. Allowing for administrative
learners and students have access to to make the Internet accessible educational priorities. Students tasks to be conducted online reduces
technology, and to the opportunities to all students, regardless of their can find role models, discover a the workload of faculty, particularly
for learning and growth that ICT circumstances. So, what do we wider world than their immediate related to paperwork and the
technology has to offer. do? Build computer labs. The neighbourhood, open their eyes to delivery of physical documentation
The National Development reality is that we spend more money career possibilities that they never to relevant parties.
Plan strongly advocates for securing the labs from break-ins could have imagined. Online reporting and access to
investment in ICT as a strategy to and vandalism than we do on the The World Bank estimates that for human resources and financial data
drive development and achieve equipment contained within the every 10% of broadband penetration allows for maximum transparency of
social equity in South Africa, both lab. Ironically the Internet is only in a country, Gross Domestic Product institutional performance, enabling
within and beyond education available within the labs and not grows by 1,28%. This means that interventions in a timeous manner and
systems. Thus, e-Education is both when and where it is most needed, colleges that can promote Internet generally improving decision-making.
a strong policy imperative, and namely after hours and at home. access also promote local economic Internet access truly is the single
is overwhelmingly supported by Students need to be able to learn, development and job creation. lever that can have the most impact
policy and legislative frameworks. share, collaborate and network at a Furthermore, Internet access makes it on our education system. Nowadays
ICT technology incorporates three time that suits their learning needs. easier for job matching and placement. if we want to punish our children
primary components that include We should be making the Internet Employees can find employers using we take away the Internet and force
hardware such as laptops, tablets available (with the necessary safety digital job boards like Gumtree. them to watch TV.
and smartphones; content such filters in place) at all times of the day, Colleges play a vital role in increasing There is no stopping the Internet
as online curricula, textbooks and regardless of whether the college is productivity, economic growth and the wave. Our students are digital
information, and connectivity. open or closed. quality of jobs. creatures and will find the Internet no
The most important component How can this vision be matter what. As lecturers and elders it
is connectivity. Without it we are achieved? We will need to put For the lecturer: is our duty to supply our students with
trapped, constricted to the confined regulations in place that will guide Online student assessment the tools and the frameworks with
walls of the unconnected device. the use of online education in the provides enormous benefits, which to engage with the Internet in a
The Internet is swarming with good learning environment ensuring including the reduction of lecturer safe and ethical manner.
quality content. It is there, waiting that our students can download workloads by freeing them up from As in the African proverb, “If
with the promise of enhancing and textbooks, submit online tutorials the marking of papers while ensuring you want to go fast, go alone; if you
enlightening, all just a few clicks and assessments, and widely access consistent education standards. want to go far, go together.” ICT in
away. We have access to an array information. A world is unlocked. This also frees up more time for education will allow us to go far as a
of digital textbooks. We have online The primary challenges of our individual feedback, which provides lifelong learning nation.
10
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