Since 2013, the NSF has funded public TVET colleges as part of a concerted effort to support the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and create equitable access to quality post-school education while strengthening the TVET colleges.

NSF has invested more than R9 billion in building capacity, expanding and growing South Africa’s 50 public TVET colleges. From 2013, the NSF allocated R6,7 billion over three years, with another R2,2 billion allocated in 2020 for Phase 3 of the TVET programme.

The funding supported occupationally directed programmes during the 2021 to 2024 academic years to cover apprenticeships, learnership, skills programmes, work-integrated learning, capacity building, and specialised equipment.

This funding boost builds on the existing NSF-funded interventions, such as the TVET College Connectivity Project (TCCP), which aims to create a new realm of technologically enabled education and training.  It also supports the TVET campus construction projects in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The construction projects are co-funded with the sector education and training authorities (SETAs) and the artisanal centres of specialisation programme.

The NSF funds artisan initiatives that contribute to the artisan development in TVET colleges.

The NSF funds artisan initiatives that contribute to the artisan development in TVET colleges to support the National Development Plan 2030 target of producing 30,000 artisans annually by 2030,

One such initiative was the Entrepreneurship Inter-college competition, hosted by Allan Gray Makers, with finals held at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg.

Another Allan Grey-sponsored competition, the Artisans of Mzansi, recognises artisan talent and celebrates those using their artisanal skills and entrepreneurial spirit to combat unemployment, poverty, and inequality in South Africa. The competition aims to showcase the country’s best artisan talent and aligns with Allan Gray’s mission to reduce the skills gap by 2030. It also aims to inspire aspiring trade students currently registered at TVET colleges to consider entrepreneurship a viable career option.

Allan Gray Makers received over 6,000 applications from TVET college students nationwide, with 31 participants making it to the finals. On Day 1 of the competition finals, students pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges. They were divided into four groups: Category 1: I have a business idea; Category 2: I have an artisan business; Category 3: I have a tech business; and Category 4: I have a general business.

During his keynote address, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Deputy Director-General Sam Zungu, responsible for TVET colleges, stated that the success stories of TVETpreneurs were worth celebrating and should serve as a source of motivation.

“I am pleased that Allan and Gill Gray Philanthropy Makers programme has decided to focus on the value of technical trades in the TVET sector. South Africa needs at least 60% of school leavers to pursue artisanal training to meet the country’s demand for scarce skills. We need to do more to encourage school leavers to pursue technical trades,” he said.

Allan Gray Makers Programme Manager for TVET Entrepreneurship Linda Dhladhla  introduced the sponsors involved in the initiative and participating TVET college staff: “This would not have been possible without the unwavering support from our TVET college champions. Your hard work, late nights and personal sacrifices did not go unnoticed,” he said

The day after the business ideas pitching, a celebration dinner was held, at which the winners and runners-up were announced.

The speakers for the evening included Deputy Minister of Public Workers and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala and former Public Protector, Professor Thuli Madonsela.

The winner received R50 000 in cash and business mentorship, while the runner-up received R30 000.

The winners and runners-up of the Allan Gray National Entrepreneurship Inter-College Finals 2024 were:

Category 1: I have a business Idea

Winner: Cyril Masivhenge from Nkangala TVET College

Runner-up: Melusi Nzama from Majuba TVET College

Category 2: I have an artisanal business

Winner: Khwezi Agyapong : Majuba TVET College

Runner-up: Wilmore Choto: College of Cape Town

Category 3: I have a tech business

Winner: Mohau Tau from Motheo TVET College

Runner-up: Lungisa Sibonza from Enhlanzeni TVET College

Category 4: I have a general business

Winner: Lisa Basegi from Ekurhuleni West TVET College

Runner-up: Rashaad Sambaba from Falsebay TVET College

By Honest Sihlango, NSF Communication Officer: Public Relations & Communications

Picture: DHET Deputy Director-General Sam Zungu giving his keynote address at the Allan Gray Makers National Entrepreneurship Inter-College competition finals in Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg earlier this year.