By Thapelo Molefe
Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has said the transformation of South Africa’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector cannot be achieved without the voices, ideas and leadership of students.
Reforms must be shaped with students, not imposed on them, he said, while delivering a keynote address at the SATVETSA Student-Driven Academic Conference.
Manamela said the gathering marked a shift toward recognising students as central contributors to academic policy and curriculum reform.
He said the involvement of students was critical as the TVET sector adapts to rapid changes in the global labour market driven by automation, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
“We are meeting at a moment where entire categories of work are emerging while others are disappearing,” he said.
“South Africa must respond boldly, and the first place where that response must take root is the TVET college.”
Manamela told delegates that the TVET system was at a “defining crossroads” as it moves away from outdated, fragmented and legacy programmes toward modern occupational qualifications aligned to industry needs. He said these qualifications would integrate theoretical learning, practical skills, structured workplace exposure and competency-based assessment.
“This is a fundamental shift, and it is irreversible,” he said.
The minister also acknowledged long-standing weaknesses in the system, including the misalignment of NATED and NCV programmes with labour-market requirements.
He cited data showing that most NCV students from 2020 to 2022 were aged 20–24 and already held matric certificates, resulting in repeated qualifications at the same level and limited pathways into employment.
“Students deserve a system that is coherent in structure and meaningful in outcome,” he said.
He said the department was implementing its most significant curriculum reforms since 1994, including expanding digital skills training across the system.
New and existing programmes now incorporate coding, robotics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and renewable energy, supported by partnerships with technology firms such as CISCO and Huawei, and strengthened by SETA-funded 4IR centres, AI laboratories and smart manufacturing hubs.
Responding to concerns about lecturer readiness for the new qualifications, Manamela said government had rolled out one of the largest lecturer development programmes in the sector, with thousands of lecturers already trained in new technologies and occupational standards.
“These investments exist to ensure that no TVET student is disadvantaged in the global economy,” he said.
Manamela also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship training in TVET colleges, with 17 Centres for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubation now supporting students with mentorship, prototyping and business development.
He added that transformation must also improve the overall student experience, including safer campuses, psychosocial support, digital access, academic advising and structured work placements.
“Success is not measured only by throughput rates,” he said. “It is measured by whether students feel supported, capable and hopeful.”
Manamela closed his address by urging students to take up their role as central partners in shaping the future of the sector.
“You have the power to influence policy, shape curriculum and lead innovation,” he said. “This is your time.”
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