The success of the Centre of Specialisation programme is not in dispute, with all 350 artisan apprentices from 21 TVET colleges being awarded their trade test certificates.
The 100% pass rate for the group was celebrated in November 2022 with the attendance of Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Blade Nzimande, who was joined by the participating TVET colleges, organised employers, organised labour and donor organisations that participated in skills development.
The Centre of Specialisation (CoS) programme was initiated and implemented as a pilot project for the 2019, 2021 and 2022 academic years.
The programme aims to grow the number of qualified artisans in the country to sustain industries and support economic growth. Occupational programmes were mainstreamed and implemented at TVET colleges. The success of the CoS project resulted in 34 CoS centres being accredited for training; 35 were accredited as trade test centres by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) at 21 TVET colleges.
Siphesihle Mthembu, 21, a Majuba TVET College automotive motor mechanic graduate, is the first to graduate in her family.
“I come from a disadvantaged community in Kwazulu-Natal. After today, my life will never be the same again. It was not easy, but my family background motivated me to keep pushing when things were difficult, and I felt like giving up. I am looking forward to gaining more experience and one day opening a business when I hire the youth from my area,” says Siphesihle, who is proud to qualify in a male-dominated trade.
All beneficiaries were awarded trade test certificates and toolboxes to assist them in their careers.
The ceremony also allowed TVET Deputy Director-General Sam Zungu to launch the artisan corporate uniform.
“The uniform is for special occasions, and it will make sure that artisans are identified like nurses, police and military officials,” he says.
Minister Nzimande congratulated the graduates: “Once you have obtained your trade certificate, or red seal as they call it, you form part of the alumni community. The college from which you come must remain your place of pride. You should continue to support the work of the college,” explains the Minister.
In his keynote address, the minister also shared details of the funding support of the National Skills Fund (NSF): The NSF disbursed R493.1 million to TVET colleges and R490.5 million to rural development projects, while R381.3 million was allocated for the bursaries. Another R313.4 million went to “other national priorities”.
“The NSF is also supporting community college skills projects. This will expand access to post-school education and training in our country,” he says.
The newly qualified artisans graduated in trades such as automotive motor mechanics, boiler makers, carpenters, bricklayers, diesel mechanics, electricians, fitters and turners, mechanical fitters, pipe fitters, riggers, plumbers and welders.
Minister Nzimande explains that the lives of the beneficiaries will forever change as they have a skill that will uplift them personally and their communities while growing the economy and responding to inequality and unemployment challenges.
“South Africa needs TVET students just as we need university students. Just as a blocked pipe is a problem like a toothache, so do we need plumbers like doctors,” Nzimande ends.
Picture: The flagship Centre of Specialisation pilot achieves a 100% pass rate – qualified artisans awarded trade test certificates
By Honest Sihlango, NSF intern (2021 to 2023)
