The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Dube-Ncube officially handed over Ingwe TVET College, Ngqhungqhushe campus recently. The occasion brings together two significant investments at Ingwe TVET College’s Ngqungqushe Campus through a strategic partnership between the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA). Dr. Dube-Ncube espouse departmental commitments that the newly developed Ngqungqushe Campus represents government’s continued investment in expanding access to quality post-school education and training, particularly for young people in rural communities. The Renewable Energy Training Centre, established through EWSETA in partnership with the Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre (CCIEEC), will contribute to developing the skills required to support South Africa’s growing renewable energy sector and Just Energy Transition, she said. While Ms. Mellisa Erra, Acting Chief Executive Officer of National Skills Fund expressed the importance of inter-governmental partnerships that the co-launch demonstrates the value of strategic collaboration and coordinated investment among institutions within the Post-School Education and Training system. Government alone cannot be a silver bullet; there is a need to strengthen public-private partnerships to ensure that the National Skills Fund contribute to key departmental strategic priorities.
The partnership between the NSF and EWSETA further provides an important example of how government entities and SETAs can work together to maximise the impact of available resources, complement one another’s investments and avoid duplication, she added.
The Deputy Minister extended congratulatory message to National Skills Fund for delivering an outstanding state of the art facility especially in the rural area. This state of-the-art campus reflects the departmental commitment to build inclusive TVET Colleges which enable the smooth transition from legacy to occupational programmes. This facility features modern simulation rooms, workshops, kitchens and gardens which meet the standard of the industry. This handover is the practical initiative which aligns with 2026 TVET Month theme “TVET: The inclusive home of occupational excellence, driving the skills revolution” which connotates that young people need to know what to innovate, how to innovate using brains supported by the hands. Through this initiative, the campus will offer variety of programmes including occupational short-learning programmes, Diplomas and Recognition of prior learning, she highlighted.
The celebratory event provided an opportunity to showcase how investment in the contemporary TVET infrastructure, future-focused skills and strategic partnerships can create meaningful opportunities for young people and communities, Deputy Minister concluded.