By Charmaine Ndlela
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, on Friday led the relaunch of the Khetha Radio Programme at the SABC offices in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.
Dube-Ncube said the relaunch marked a significant milestone in strengthening Post-School Education and Training (PSET) communication in South Africa’s official languages.
The Khetha Radio Programme is implemented in partnership with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) through SABC Education, which is responsible for delivering the public broadcaster’s educational mandate.
The programme was initially introduced as a pilot on Ikwekwezi FM (isiNdebele) and later expanded to nine additional radio stations, including Ukhozi FM, Umhlobo Wenene FM, Lesedi FM, Motsweding FM, Munghana Lonene FM, Phalaphala FM, Thobela FM, Ligwalagwala FM and Radio Sonder Grense (Afrikaans)
The Khetha Career Development Services provides free career information, guidance and advice to learners, graduates and members of the public.
Originally launched in 2010 as a strategic media campaign of the Career Development Services then known as Career Advice Services, the programme was based at the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). It was initially introduced as part of commemorating the late former President Nelson Mandela.
The department said that the programme is the first of its kind in Africa, offering free career development services to the public.
The aim of the radio programme is to provide relevant and accurate career and study information on opportunities available within the PSET system in listeners’ own languages. It is a weekly live broadcast tackling a wide range of study and career topics for audiences of all ages.
According to the department, the shows are presenter-driven and feature a content specialist as a guest usually a Khetha Career Development Services advisor.
The programme also incorporates information from other branches of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), including TVET, Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, and Universities Education. It further works with entities and special projects such as NSFAS, SETAs, Indlela, NAMB, WorldSkills South Africa, the Centres of Specialisation, and others.
Over the years, Khetha has supported several national campaigns, including the NSFAS Application Campaigns, the Decade of the Artisan, the Central Applications Clearing House, the Apply Now! Campaign, and the Bogus College campaign
“This relaunch signals renewed energy and strengthened collaboration across the PSET system. We are bringing additional subject experts into the programme, including representatives from universities, TVET and Community Education and Training colleges, Sector Education and Training Authorities, and industry partners. This ensures that listeners receive comprehensive, accurate and coordinated information,” said Dube-Ncube.
She said that “Khetha” means “to choose”, emphasising that meaningful choice is rooted in access to knowledge.
“Choice is fundamental to dignity and empowerment, and meaningful choice can only exist where there is knowledge. This programme is about empowering individuals with the information they need to choose pathways aligned with their aspirations and the needs of the country whether that involves enrolling at a TVET college, pursuing university studies, entering an apprenticeship, accessing bursary opportunities, or starting a business,” she said.
The enhanced format of the programme will promote greater interaction with listeners through call-ins, social media integration and practical guidance segments.
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