The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), in partnership with the Service Sector Education and Training Authority (Service SETA), has committed R90 million to revitalize Community Education and Training (CET) colleges across South Africa.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Mimmi Gondwe announced the allocation alongside Services SETA Administrator Lehlogonolo Masoga during the launch of an infrastructure upgrade project at the Mlandeleni Community Learning Center (CLC) in Ndwedwe, north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The investment will support infrastructure upgrades and enhance teaching and learning conditions across all nine CET colleges in the country – one in each province.
The R90 million will be distributed equally, with R10 million allocated to each of the nine CET colleges, benefiting not only the main campuses but also their satellite centers in different provinces, which play a key role in delivering adult education programmes.
Keep up with the latest headlines WhatsApp | Linkedin
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to transform CET colleges into leading adult education centers that provide 'second chance' learning opportunities for out-of-school youth. The initiative aims to position these institutions as key drivers of inclusive education and skill development.
Speaking at the event on Monday, the Deputy Minister expressed his gratitude to Services SETA for their support and investment in the community education and training sector, and highlighted the urgency of dealing with the increasing number of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) in the country.
“We know that our country faces a significant challenge with the NEET group, that is, young people and adults who are not in employment, education or training. We cannot ignore this problem.
Gondwe said, “CET Colleges demonstrate that it is never too late to learn, rebuild and participate in the economy. It is imperative to address youth unemployment and lack of opportunities.”
Masoga said the investment is part of Services SETA's efforts to increase access to learning opportunities in different communities.
“Sewa SETA has taken a deliberate decision to invest in the public education system as part of its contribution to skills development and inclusive access,” Masoga said.
Mlandeleni CLC is one of the first beneficiaries of this initiative, receiving R5 million for renovation and upgrades. The centre, which houses more than 1,000 students, will undergo improvements, including roof repairs, renovation of shower and training facilities, painting of classrooms, installation of smart boards and other urgent needs.
The launch event also saw additional contributions from key stakeholders to support the development of the Centre.
Additional support includes:
· National Student Financial Aid Scheme donated five laptops to increase access to digital learning programmes.
· Fiber Processing and Manufacturing (FP&M) SETA donated 10 sewing machines to enhance practical training, expand learning and equip learners with skills for economic participation.
· The Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA) pledged a borehole drilling truck to train youth and community members, improve water access and enhance practical skills and local services.
· Old Mutual, in partnership with Services SETA, donated Dignity Packs to all learners at Mlandeleni CLC.
The Deputy Minister stressed that support for Mlandeleni CLC and all CET colleges goes beyond infrastructure upgrades, underscoring the need to restore the prominence of CET colleges within the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.
“This support is about reaffirming the vital role of CET colleges and ensuring that they are no longer forgotten in the PSET sector, but recognized as vital institutions in our education system,” Gondwe said.