The National Skills Fund (NSF) is fulfilling a crucial role in advancing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges to becoming the first choice for post-school education and learning.
The NSF approved R50 million into KwaZulu-Natal’s Mnambithi TVET college, which has a main campus in Ladysmith and satellites centres in Newcastle and Ladysmith. The funding is expected to benefit 560 students.
The funding is for occupational programmes for the 2022 to 2025 academic years and covers apprenticeships, learnership, skills programmes, work-integrated learning and capacity building.
Established in 2002, the Mnambithi TVET College in Ladysmith, resulted from the merger between the Ladysmith Technical College, Ezakheni Technical College, Ezakheni College of Education and Ezakheni Skills Centre. The college has a mini campus in Estcourt.
The latest funding has enabled the Mnambithi TVET College to provide its students with a conducive learning environment and essential resources. Some NSF-funded programmes include electrician apprenticeship, learnership programmes, occupational programmes (business studies and hospitality), and engineering studies.
Mnambithi TVET College’s deputy principal for institutional teaching and learning development and support Beatrice Mpangase expressed gratitude for the NSF’s financial support.
She highlighted the fund’s positive impact on the community, emphasising the skills and qualifications beneficiaries acquired through NSF funding, benefiting themselves and prospective employers.
“The NSF beneficiaries acquire skills and then plough back into the community; employers also benefit from the skills these students have acquired which helps to grow the economy,” said Mpangase.
She noted the higher stipends provided by the NSF compared to other funders, underlining the value it brings to the beneficiaries.
The business studies programme beneficiaries, including human resources and management assistant, thanked the NSF for paying their tuition and stipends, which they could not afford because of their disadvantaged financial backgrounds.
Mnambithi TVET College management assistant student Dumile Ngubane (25) shared her learning experience.
“I am doing my in-service practice at the Mnambithi TVET College as an NSF intern. It has been difficult, especially coming from a disadvantaged background,” she said.
She explains that she wishes to finish her 18 months of in-service training and, after that, secure employment.
Hospitality student Fabian Siboniso Ngcobo (29), who is now doing in-service training at the Royal Hotel in Ladysmith, is one of the beneficiaries. He explains how fortunate he was to attend in-service training close to home.
One of the Newcastle beneficiaries, Nokwanda Mabaso, shared her experience.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity to represent our college [at the engagement with NSF]. It is not just about showing our skills but also our dreams and ambitions. A TVET education is about technical know-how, personal growth, and pursuing one’s passion,” said Mabaso.
One of the college students Zinhle Prudence Magudulela (28) has been fortunate to complete her theoretical work is now completing her in-service training. The public management student is from Ladysmith and has started her 18-month in-service training at the uThukela District Municipality. She says she has gained much experience since she started training. She is optimistic that she will get employment once her in-service training has been completed.
The success of these NSF-funded programmes underscores the vital role of strategic educational investments. The initiatives shape individual lives and nurture thriving communities and industries, paving the way for a brighter future.
The commitment of the Mnambithi TVET College and its students stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, shaping a skilled and empowered workforce for South Africa’s future.
The Mnambithi TVET College is one of 50 public TVET colleges approved for funding in the NSF’s Occupational Programmes Phase III Funding. Mnambithi TVET was approved R50 million funding for Phase III.
The college also received Phase II funding of R27 million to implement learnerships, internships, apprenticeships, and capacity-building programmes, which benefitted 545 students and resulted in 411 completions.
Picture: Mnambithi TVET College hospitality student Nokwanda Mabaso funded by the NSF
By Isaiah Makhwanya, a graduate intern at the National Skills Fund
