South African and Madagascan officials met on February 26 to discuss the role of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in equipping young people with the skills needed for the job market. The gathering, hosted by South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Tshwane South College (TSC), and the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA), provided a platform for knowledge-sharing between the two nations.
The engagement follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent State of the Nation Address, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding artisan training through TVET colleges to support economic growth. One such initiative, the “Project for Capacity Development of Pilot TVET Colleges for Artisan,” was recently completed in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project was implemented at TSC in Pretoria and Northlink College in Cape Town, producing promising results in skills development.
During the discussions, speakers from both countries examined the impact of TVET on career pathways for school leavers. They exchanged best practices, identified challenges, and explored practical solutions for strengthening vocational training.
The event featured key representatives from DHET, including Chief Director of the Special Projects Unit, Sabelo Buthelezi, and Skills Development Branch Director, Nomsa Gumbi. Other speakers included TSC Acting Principal Goodman Mnisi, Deputy Principal Nomsa Mathye, MQA Executive Manager Mashudu Mavhungu, and Julien Salava, Secretary General of Madagascar’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESUPRES).
