Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela says isolated problems at some Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges should not undermine confidence in the country’s entire TVET system.
Manamela was responding to concerns raised during recent parliamentary oversight visits, which uncovered a number of challenges at some institutions, including questions about the qualifications of certain staff members.
Among the concerns were allegations that an HR manager did not possess the required qualifications, while some lecturers were reportedly teaching subjects outside their areas of expertise or without the necessary qualifications.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the findings, Manamela said they should be addressed without creating the impression that all TVET colleges are failing.
The minister pointed to the scale and importance of the sector, with South Africa’s 50 TVET colleges serving about 500,000 students.
Many of these students are enrolled in trade and occupational programmes designed to provide practical skills and improve their chances of finding employment.
Manamela said the sector has many competent officials and skilled lecturers who continue to play an important role in preparing young people for the labour market.
He stressed that shortcomings identified at individual colleges should result in corrective action rather than a blanket condemnation of TVET education and its qualifications.
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