By Khumbelo Naledzani
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training undertook an oversight visit to Limpopo Province from 26 to 29 January 2026, as part of its mandate to assess the readiness of Post-School Education and Training institutions for the 2026 academic year.
As part of the programme, the Committee visited two projects funded by the National Skills Fund (NSF) in Tzaneen, namely K Boneng Skills Academy and Letaba TVET College. The oversight visit formed part of a broader engagement that also included visits to projects funded by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
The purpose of the Committee’s oversight visit was to assess the effectiveness, governance and impact of publicly funded skills development interventions, as well as to evaluate whether these initiatives are aligned with national skills priorities and labour market needs.
NSF funded skills development at K Boneng Skills Academy
K Boneng Skills Academy, a Skills Development Provider based in Tzaneen, is an NSF funded project focused on artisan development and work-based learning opportunities. The Academy plays a key role in addressing critical skills shortages within the construction and technical trades sector.
The entity approved a total of R14.5 million to K Boneng Skills Academy to train 65 artisans over the period 2022 to 2029. The artisan training programme covers 25 bricklaying, 20 electrical and 20 plumbing candidates, contributing directly to the development of scarce and critical skills aligned to national priorities.
In addition, the NSF approved R11.8 million in funding for K Boneng Skills Academy to implement Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for 100 beneficiaries, comprising 50 graduate placements and 50 WIL placements. These interventions are designed to provide beneficiaries with structured workplace exposure, practical experience and improved pathways into employment.
During the oversight visit, the Portfolio Committee engaged with beneficiaries and project implementers, gaining insight into how NSF funding is translating into tangible skills development outcomes, enhanced employability and sustainable livelihood opportunities within the local economy.
Strengthening skills pathways at Letaba TVET College
The Committee also visited Letaba TVET College, where the NSF is supporting large-scale skills development initiatives covering the period June 2023 to October 2026.
Under Phase 3 of the NSF funded project, a total allocation of R58.6 million has been approved to support 600 beneficiaries participating in Work Integrated Learning, learnerships and short skills programmes. These interventions are designed to enhance employability, support local economic development and strengthen linkages between training institutions and industry.
A key component of the project includes short skills programmes implemented in partnership with the Mopani District Municipality, with a particular focus on empowering spaza shop owners across the district. This initiative supports entrepreneurship, business sustainability and income generation at community level.
The oversight visit provided the Portfolio Committee with an opportunity to observe, first-hand, the impact of NSF funded interventions in advancing skills development, employment creation and socio-economic upliftment in Limpopo.
The visits to K Boneng Skills Academy and Letaba TVET College highlighted the NSF’s role in supporting demand driven skills development programmes that respond to local and national development priorities, while strengthening accountability and value for money in the use of public funds.
