In Conversation With Kgabo Legodi Youth Capital Community Facilitator
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Youth Capital is a non-profit organisation that advocates for improved access to education and economic opportunities for young people in South Africa, with a strong focus on funding, policy reform and student support systems.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges form a key part of South Africa’s post-school education system, overseen by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
These institutions are designed to equip students with practical and technical skills in fields such as engineering, construction and hospitality, with the aim of improving employability and addressing skills shortages in the economy.
However, the TVET sector has long faced systemic challenges, including underfunding, poor infrastructure, administrative inefficiencies and delays in the disbursement of student allowances through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
Students have also raised concerns about inadequate accommodation, lack of resources for practical training and disparities in financial support compared to university students.
In recent years, government has acknowledged these shortcomings and committed to reforms aimed at strengthening the TVET system. Initiatives have included infrastructure upgrades, the introduction of new technologies and efforts to reposition TVET colleges as viable and attractive pathways for young people.
Former Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane previously highlighted the need to better promote TVET colleges and their role in producing skilled graduates who can enter the labour market or start their own businesses.
Despite these efforts, advocacy groups like Youth Capital argue that more urgent and concrete interventions are needed to ensure that TVET students receive adequate financial and institutional support.
The ongoing debate reflects broader concerns about inequality within the higher education system and the need to create a more inclusive and well-resourced environment for all students, regardless of the institution they attend.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges form a key part of South Africa’s post-school education system, overseen by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
These institutions are designed to equip students with practical and technical skills in fields such as engineering, construction and hospitality, with the aim of improving employability and addressing skills shortages in the economy.
However, the TVET sector has long faced systemic challenges, including underfunding, poor infrastructure, administrative inefficiencies and delays in the disbursement of student allowances through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
Students have also raised concerns about inadequate accommodation, lack of resources for practical training and disparities in financial support compared to university students.
In recent years, government has acknowledged these shortcomings and committed to reforms aimed at strengthening the TVET system. Initiatives have included infrastructure upgrades, the introduction of new technologies and efforts to reposition TVET colleges as viable and attractive pathways for young people.
Former Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane previously highlighted the need to better promote TVET colleges and their role in producing skilled graduates who can enter the labour market or start their own businesses.
Despite these efforts, advocacy groups like Youth Capital argue that more urgent and concrete interventions are needed to ensure that TVET students receive adequate financial and institutional support.
The ongoing debate reflects broader concerns about inequality within the higher education system and the need to create a more inclusive and well-resourced environment for all students, regardless of the institution they attend.
