By: Khumbelo Naledzani
The National Skills Fund proudly celebrated the achievements of its funded students who graduated during the Esayidi TVET College 2026 Graduation Ceremony, held at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, on 9–10 July 2026.
For two consecutive days, students from various fields of study gathered at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre Hall to celebrate their academic achievements and receive their qualifications after successfully completing their studies. The graduation ceremonies were attended by thousands of guests, including parents, families, academic staff, sponsors, and other key stakeholders in the post-school education and training sector. Together, they celebrated the hard work, dedication, and success of the graduating students of Esayidi TVET College.
On 08 December 2021, the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training officially approved the allocation of R51 070 309.45 to the Esayidi TVET College to implement the NSF TVET Capacity Building & Occupational Programmes Phase 3 to benefit 535 beneficiaries over a period of 3 years.
The NSF celebrated the total of 63 beneficiaries who graduated in Electrical Engineering, Public Management, Business Management, Financial Management and Hospitality and Catering Services at the Esayidi TVET College.The event celebrated the achievements of graduates who successfully completed National Diplomas programmes in various study disciplines aimed at empowering individuals with essential competencies and skills to thrive in various sectors of the economy.
On the first day of graduation ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube delivered the keynote address and congratulated the class of 2026 one their excellent academic achievements. She commended the solid partnership between TVET Colleges, industry partners, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and the National Skills Fund (NSF) for their collective role in strengthening technical and vocational education. She further highlighted the National Skills Fund’s significant contribution to in supporting TVET Colleges through providing funding to occupational qualifications
In her keynote speech, Deputy Minister, Dube-Ncube encouraged and applauded the graduates for choosing to pursue their studies a TVET College, highlighting that the TVET Colleges plays a vital role in responding to the skills needs of the economy and preparing students for the world of work.
“For too long, our economy has been starved of exactly the mid-level technical and vocational skills that TVET colleges exist to produce. Every graduate here today in engineering, business, hospitality, agriculture or any other trade is a direct answer to that shortage. You are not a consolation qualification. You are the skills backbone this country needs to grow.” Said Deputy Minister, Dube-Ncube.
