TVET Colleges Governors' Council - TVETCGC

MESSAGE OF SUPPORT FOR KING SABATHA DALINDYEBO TVET COLLEGE STAKEHOLDER SESSION

Delivered by Mr. Sthembiso Khanyile, President of TVETCGC
Thursday, 11 June 2026

Good morning, Programme Director of the Session.

I stand on the already established protocol acknowledging all dignitaries and important stakeholders in attendance at this auspicious occasion.
I had sincerely hoped to join you in person at Dan’s Lodge, not only to deliver this message of support, but also to engage and network with colleagues and stakeholders present. Unfortunately, whilst undertaking organisational work and stakeholder engagements in Gauteng, I became unwell with flu symptoms. Please accept my sincerest apologies for not being able to attend in person.
Chairperson of Council, Mr. Temba Tinta,
I am delighted to extend my support and best wishes to King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College as you convene this important Stakeholder Session.
Today, more than ever before, our vocational and technical education institutions must function as integrated ecosystems. The challenges confronting skills development in South Africa cannot be addressed in silos. We must foster meaningful collaboration between:
The College, as the anchor institution for skills development;
Industry partners, bringing practical expertise and employment pathways;
Government entities, providing policy direction and strategic resources; and
SETAs, aligning training with sector-specific skills demands.
When these stakeholders work together with a common purpose, we create a sustainable cycle where education translates directly into employability, entrepreneurship, productivity, and economic growth.
However, collaboration alone is insufficient.
Sound governance must remain the bedrock upon which all our efforts are built. Transparent decision-making, accountability, ethical leadership, and strategic planning ensure that:
Resources are utilised effectively;
Quality standards are maintained and continuously improved;
Stakeholder interests are balanced;
Institutions build trust and credibility; and
Skills development initiatives create meaningful and lasting impact.
When governance is strong, partnerships flourish, and meaningful skills development becomes possible.
In a recent article I authored, published in both The Herald and Daily Dispatch, engaging in the public discourse on the future — or lack thereof — of SETAs, I argued that:
“Reform is not an option, but an imperative. Reform must be about more than what SETAs are able to offer. It is our contention that reformed SETAs must become strategic enablers that position our public colleges firmly within an occupational and workplace-ready programming direction.”
South Africa’s most urgent socio-economic challenges — including persistent youth unemployment, entrenched inequality, and structural poverty — remain unresolved. The TVET sector occupies a central position in the national effort to address these challenges.

I therefore encourage all stakeholders present to engage authentically, listen actively, and commit themselves to the collaborative spirit that will drive King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College towards even greater excellence and impact.

Together, we build a skilled workforce.
Together, we build our future.

Thank you.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐝 | 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 | 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝟖
Seta Reform: Strengthening SA's Vocational Training Ecosystem

By Sthembiso Khanyile, President - TVET Colleges Governance Council

Twenty-five years after Setas were established, the debate about their future has reached a boiling point. Many are calling for them to be scrapped entirely. Sthembiso Khanyile, writing on behalf of the TVET Colleges Governance Council, argues that dismantling Setas would be a costly mistake.

His position is clear: the model is not broken beyond repair, but it has stalled and needs serious reform. Scrapping Setas would wipe out decades of institutional knowledge, employer relationships and the skills levy funding that generates billions of rand for development.

The TVETCGC is calling for Setas to be repositioned as strategic enablers that actively co-design curricula with employers, support work-integrated learning, fund college infrastructure upgrades, and use real-time labour market data to forecast skills demand three to five years ahead.

The Council has put forward a six-point reform agenda covering governance, performance metrics, dedicated funding, mandatory employer participation, formal TVET partnerships and accountability in reporting.

The argument is not whether Setas are still needed. It is how they evolve to deliver on the promise they were built on.

TVETCGC President, Mr Sthembiso Khanyile, participating at the Hikvision Audio & Visual Partner Forum 2026 in Hangzhou, China, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships, support digital transformation, and advance innovation within South Africa’s TVET sector.

23 May 2026 marks a historic milestone for the entire TVET community as Orbit College takes to the field for their final PSL match against Orlando Pirates!

Orbit College's incredible journey represents the aspirations of thousands of TVET students, educators, and stakeholders across South Africa.

To the players, coaching staff, and management: we stand with you in complete solidarity. You have carried our banner with pride, proving that excellence knows no boundaries. Leave everything on the pitch on Saturday, victory is within reach!

Let’s rally behind our team!

Boland College News | TVETCGC oversight visit

Boland College recently welcomed the TVET College Governance Council (TVETCGC) for an oversight visit, reaffirming the College's shared commitment to accountability, quality assurance, and continuous improvement within the TVET sector.

The visit provided an important platform for engagement between College Management and the Council, focusing on governance practices, institutional performance, and key strategic priorities shaping the future of the College.

A key area of discussion included the sector-wide transition towards Occupational Programmes, which Boland College will be introducing from Semester 2. These programmes are designed to strengthen industry alignment, enhance workplace readiness, and equip students with practical, job-ready skills that respond directly to labour market demands.

Through open dialogue and collaborative reflection, the engagement highlighted the College’s proactive approach to embracing change, ensuring readiness for implementation, and maintaining high standards in teaching, learning, and student support.

Speaking on the visit, Mr Charles Goodwin, Principal of Boland College, said: “As we move towards the introduction of Occupational Programmes, engagements such as these play a critical role in ensuring that we are aligned, prepared, and responsive to the evolving needs of our sector. We remain committed to delivering quality, industry-relevant education that empowers our students for success.”

Boland College continues to strengthen partnerships and governance practices that support innovation, relevance, and excellence in education. TVET Colleges Governors' Council - TVETCGC

On behalf of the TVETCGC, we wish to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Tsheneke Lethabo Tloubatla, (Council Member of Waterberg TVET College / Chairperson of ARC).

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this incredibly difficult time. We hope you find strength and peace in the days ahead.

DHET DDG, Mr. S Zungu addressing the TVETCGC and SAPCO Meeting

Giving Back: TVETCGC Golf Day Handover to Keiskammahoek Child & Youth Care Centre.

​We are proud to share a special throwback to the handover of proceeds from our recent TVETCGC Golf Day.

​As part of our commitment to community development and empowerment, the proceeds were officially handed over to the Kieskammahoek Child and Youth Care Centre.

This contribution is aimed at supporting the vital work the centre does in providing a safe and nurturing environment for children in need.

​A huge thank you to all our sponsors, partners, and golfers who joined us on the green. Your participation went beyond the game, it helped us make a tangible difference in the lives of these young people.

​It was an honor to have our Head of Projects, Ms. Neo Moerane, lead the handover and witness first-hand the incredible spirit of the centre.

​ SocialResponsibility SouthAfrica Impact