FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape – 28 August 2026
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube officially launched and handed over the Ngqungqushe Campus of Ingwe TVET College to the community of Lusikisiki, marking a major milestone in government’s drive to expand access to quality post-school education and skills development in the Eastern Cape.
The modern campus was developed through a R170,441,549 investment by the National Skills Fund (NSF) as part of a broader government programme to develop 13 new TVET campuses across South Africa, 11 of which have reached completion.
The NSF investment delivered engineering workshops, four classrooms, two computer laboratories, an administration building and supporting facilities, together with roads, parking, walkways and water, sewer, electricity and stormwater infrastructure.
Speaking at the handover, Deputy Minister Dube-Ncube said the investment demonstrates government’s commitment to bringing quality education and training opportunities closer to communities.
“Investments such as the Ngqungqushe Campus are about ensuring that where a young person comes from does not determine the opportunities available to them. We are strengthening our TVET system and bringing skills development closer to communities so that young people can acquire the practical and technical skills required by our economy,” said Dr Dube-Ncube.
The fully functional campus currently serves 1,612 students across NC(V) Levels 2–4 and NATED N4–N6 programmes, including Engineering and Related Design, Electrical Infrastructure and Construction, Civil Engineering, Motor Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Business Management and Public Management.
Welcoming the investment, Acting AmaPondo King, Daluxolo Sigcau said infrastructure of this nature represents an important investment in the development of young people and the broader region.
“We welcome investments that empower our region and create opportunities for our young people. Infrastructure such as this campus gives our youth access to education and skills that can change their lives, strengthen their communities and contribute to the development of this region,” said Acting King.
NSF Acting Executive Officer Ms Melissa Erra said the investment reflects the Fund’s mandate to use skills development funding to create lasting opportunities. “The NSF is not simply funding buildings. Our R170.4 million investment in Ngqungqushe is about creating an environment where young people can acquire practical, industry-relevant skills and build pathways into the economy. This is an investment in people, communities and South Africa’s future workforce,” said Ms Erra.
The occasion also included the launch of a Renewable Energy Training Centre, established through EWSETA in partnership with the Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre. At Ingwe TVET College, EWSETA delivered R3.36 million in renewable-energy training infrastructure and R2.254 million in skills training, further positioning the College to respond to emerging skills needs associated with renewable energy and the Just Energy Transition.
The successful launch and handover of the Ngqungqushe Campus and Renewable Energy Training Centre reaffirm the National Skills Fund’s unwavering commitment to advancing service delivery and expanding access to quality post-school education and training, particularly in rural and underserved communities. As a catalytic funder of skills development, the NSF remains committed to investing in strategic infrastructure and programmes that respond to the needs of communities, support economic development, and equip South Africans with the skills required for the changing world of work. Through partnerships with institutions such as Ingwe TVET College and other key stakeholders, the NSF will continue to use its resources to unlock opportunities, transform lives and contribute meaningfully to building an inclusive, skilled and productive workforce for South Africa.
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