Parliament, Wednesday, 29 January 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has noted that students often consider technical, vocational and education training (TVET) colleges as a last resort, rather than their first choice to pursue their studies, due to management and image issues at TVET colleges.
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education is continuing its oversight of post-school education institutions in the North West Province. Yesterday, the committee engaged with Vuselela TVET College and the North West Community Education Centre (CET) in Klerksdorp to assess their readiness for the 2025 academic year.
The committee noted that infrastructure issues remain a significant problem in the TVET sector. The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Tebogo Letsie said, “Colleges must understand that regular maintenance of infrastructure is crucial to the college’s image and can positively impact on teaching and learning. We cannot let facilities deteriorate, as this will require much-needed funds to be redirected for maintenance.”
Mr Letsie expressed concern, stating, “It is troubling that Vuselela TVET College is renting additional spaces to accommodate its staff. The Deputy Director-General responsible for TVET colleges must collaborate with the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to secure suitable buildings. This step will not only address the issue but also significantly boost staff morale and foster a conducive work environment.”
Additionally, the committee noted that Vuselela TVET college focuses more on data capturing and end-user computing rather than integrating fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies into their classrooms. This must be addressed to ensure students are exposed to 4IR interventions.
Labour representatives informed the committee that the post-provisioning norms, a model for allocating posts and resources in TVET colleges, do not provide career growth and advancement opportunities for their members.
Meanwhile the Student Representative Council commended the on-time delivery of text books, however they had concerns about their outdated computers and various challenges related to financial assistance, residences and the general wellbeing of the student body.
The committee commended the North West CET for achieving a clean audit for the 2022/23 financial year. Despite most CETs operating under the Department of Basic Education premises, the committee praised the North West CET for introducing skills development to their learners instead of solely focusing on academic progress.
The committee will today conduct an oversight visit to Taletso TVET College in Mafikeng.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION , MR TEBOGO LETSIE.
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