By Trevor Khuzwayo
Margate, KwaZulu-Natal – 13 August 2026: For thousands of young South Africans deciding what to do after school, the path to a successful career does not only lead through a university. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are increasingly central to building the artisans, technicians, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals required by a changing economy.
This message took centre stage as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), together with Esayidi TVET College, the National Skills Fund (NSF) and key stakeholders, officially launched TVET Month 2026 at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre in Margate, KwaZulu-Natal.
Led by Minister of Higher Education and Training Mr Buti Manamela, the launch was held under the theme: “TVET: The Inclusive Home of Occupational Excellence, Driving the Skills Revolution.”
The campaign places renewed emphasis on positioning TVET colleges as institutions of choice and encouraging school learners to consider vocational and occupational education when making decisions about their futures.
Changing perceptions about TVET education
Addressing stakeholders at the launch, Minister Manamela emphasised the important role of TVET colleges in preparing young people for the world of work and responding to the skills requirements of the South African economy.
“We must change the perception that a TVET college is a second choice. Our TVET colleges must be recognised as institutions of opportunity, where young people can acquire practical and occupational skills that lead to employment, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in the economy,” said Minister Manamela.
He said the skills revolution required stronger alignment between education and training institutions and the changing demands of industry.
“The skills revolution we are driving must reach young people wherever they live. We need artisans, technicians and skilled professionals who can respond to the needs of our economy, and our TVET colleges have a critical role to play in producing those skills,” he said.
The launch also provided an opportunity to encourage learners to explore the range of programmes available through the TVET system and to understand that vocational education can provide credible pathways into further learning, workplace experience and employment.
NSF backs stronger pathways from training to the economy
As a key stakeholder within South Africa’s skills development landscape, the NSF participated in the launch to reaffirm its commitment to investments that strengthen the country’s Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system.
Delivering a message of support, NSF Chief Financial Officer Mr Zama Kubheka said investment in skills development must ultimately create opportunities that allow beneficiaries to move from education and training into productive economic participation.
“For the National Skills Fund, investing in skills development is ultimately an investment in people. Our responsibility is to ensure that the resources entrusted to us contribute towards opportunities that equip young South Africans with relevant skills and create pathways into workplace-based learning, employment and entrepreneurship,” said Mr Kubheka.
He added that collaboration between government, TVET colleges, employers and the broader skills development sector remains essential to improving the transition between training and the workplace.
“Funding alone cannot deliver the skills revolution. We need strong partnerships between our colleges, industry, employers and skills development institutions so that the training young people receive is connected to the opportunities and skills that the economy requires,” he said.
The NSF’s participation in TVET Month also reflects its broader role in supporting national skills development priorities, including occupational programmes, artisan development, workplace-based learning and strategic investment in the PSET system.
Building a skilled generation
TVET Month provides an important platform for government and its partners to take information about post-school opportunities directly to learners, parents and communities while challenging misconceptions surrounding vocational and occupational education.
For young people, the central message from the Margate launch was clear: choosing a TVET college can be the beginning of a meaningful career journey rather than an alternative of last resort.
