2 July 2025
By Asanda Msileni – Deputy Director: Public Relations and Communication
As part of the Department of Higher Education and Training’s annual build-up to the Budget Vote Speech, the National Skills Fund (NSF) hosted a meaningful engagement with beneficiaries at a breakfast held at Northlink TVET College’s Protea Campus in Cape Town. Led by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, the event took place on 2 July 2025 and formed part of a series of initiatives by the department, aimed at highlighting the outcomes of government investment in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.
Every year, the Department coordinates a range of public engagements in the days leading up to the Budget Vote to create awareness of its programmes and foster public dialogue. The Budget Vote Beneficiaries’ Breakfast has become a key feature in this calendar, offering a platform to connect directly with learners and showcase the impact of NSF funded support.
The event was attended by 70 NSF beneficiaries from across the higher education landscape, representing both university and TVET college pathways. Their stories illustrated the wide reach of the entity and its significance in enabling access to education and economic opportunity. In addition to the beneficiaries, the breakfast welcomed 20 learners from two local high schools, 10 NSFAS students, and officials from the Department and its entities, reflecting a broad cross-section of the post-school sector.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Nkabane reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth development through skills investment. Referencing the strategic direction of the NSF, she stated: “By investing in young people, we are in essence investing in the future and prosperity of our nation.” Her remarks highlighted the role of the entity in enabling both inclusion and impact within the national education system, especially in addressing the needs of underrepresented and previously disadvantaged communities.
A central part of the programme featured moving testimonies from four NSF beneficiaries, who shared personal stories of transformation and growth. Ashley Ann spoke candidly about the emotional and professional confidence the NSF’s support gave her. “It’s a good feeling knowing someone or even a company wants you on their team,” she said, describing the motivation that came with being valued. She also noted that thanks to the programme, one NSF funded learner secured a position at Inmaicius during their second year, demonstrating how funded learning can lead directly to employment.
Dr Daniel Kibirige, another beneficiary, expressed heartfelt gratitude to both the Department and the NSF for their role in shaping his educational and professional journey. He acknowledged the entity’s support in enabling young South Africans to access both local and global learning spaces. “The return on their investment is already evident through the work being done and the lives being impacted,” he said.
Their stories, along with others shared during the event, gave weight to the broader narrative that NSF funding does more than cover tuition, it transforms futures. The testimonies offered key insight into how targeted support can break cycles of poverty, promote social mobility and strengthen national capacity.
National Skills Fund (NSF) beneficiaries (from top left corner), Victoria Mphanama, Dr Daniel Kibirige, Acacia Sinuku and Ashleigh Ann sharing their testimonials and highlighting how skills development has transformed their future during the Budget Vote Breakfast.
The Budget Vote Breakfast served as a signature platform to highlight the NSF’s role in building an inclusive, responsive and accountable post-school education system. As a funding institution, the NSF continues to drive access to critical skills development, support government targets on artisan training, and align its programmes with key national priorities, including the Just Energy Transition and youth employment.
Through ongoing funding in bursaries, occupational training, and strategic partnerships, the NSF plays a pivotal role in building a skilled and competitive workforce. Events such as this serve not only to create visibility but to centre the voices of those whose lives have been changed, reminding all stakeholders of the real and lasting impact of public investment in education and training.
Picture Caption: Acting Chief Executive Officer, MD Erra, speaking at the Budget Vote Beneficiaries Breakfast.
