History Of Tvet Colleges In South Africa
History Of TVET Colleges In South Africa
History Of TVET Colleges In South Africa
From FET to TVET: The Transformation of Vocational Education in South Africa:
The history of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges in South Africa reflects the country’s ongoing effort to provide practical, skills-based education that supports economic growth and employment. TVET colleges have their roots in the early technical schools and vocational institutions established during the 1900s to meet the demand for skilled workers in industries such as mining, engineering, and manufacturing. Initially, these institutions were limited in scope and often separated along racial lines under apartheid policies, restricting access for many South Africans.
After the democratic transition in 1994, the government recognized the need for a unified vocational training system that could address skills shortages and provide equal opportunities for all. This led to the restructuring of old technical colleges and the creation of what we now know as TVET colleges. In 2001, the Further Education and Training (FET) Act merged around 152 technical colleges into 50 public institutions, laying the foundation for today’s TVET college system. These institutions were later renamed TVET colleges to align with international standards and emphasize their focus on both technical and vocational training.
Today, South Africa has 50 public TVET colleges with multiple campuses across all nine provinces. They offer nationally recognized qualifications such as the National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] and NATED (Report 191) programmes. The evolution of TVET colleges shows a strong commitment to equipping students with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and further education. Understanding the history of TVET colleges highlights their vital role in transforming the education landscape, closing the skills gap, and building a workforce ready to meet the demands of a modern economy.
Application date for TVET Colleges in South Africa
- On 1 September 2025, the applications for TVET Colleges open for the academic year and will be closing on 30 November 2025. Therefore, all those who want to apply for TVET College Online should do so before the application deadline.
Courses And Programmes Offered at TVET Colleges In South Africa
Below are the courses offered at TVET Colleges in South Africa:
- Wholesale and Retail Operations
- Water and Wastewater Treatment
- Water Reticulation Services
- End-User computing
- General Security Practice
- Sports coaching
- Accounting Technician
- Fibre Processing and Manufacturing ( FP & M SETA)
- Furniture Making
- Health and Wealth (HWSETA)
- Fitting and Turning
- Electrical
- Automotive
- Education, Training, and Development Practices ( ETDP-SETA)
- Early Childhood Development
- Wholesale and Retail SETA
- Wholesale and Retail Operations
- Education and Development
- Finance, Economics, and Accounting
- Information Technology and Computer Practice
- Mechatronics
- Office Administration Tourism
- Civil Engineering and Building Construction
- Electrical Infrastructure Construction
- Engineering and Related Design
- Safety In Society
- National Skill Fund ( NSF Project )
- Automotive Repair and Maintenance
- Fitting
- Mechatronics
- Motor Mechanic
Documents Needed To Apply for a TVET College in South Africa
Before applying to the college, the following documents are required:
- 3 certified copies of the ID of the Learner
- 3 certified copies of the ID of the Parent/Legal Guardian
- One ID-size photo
- Copy Certified of the latest school report/Grade 9 or Higher
- A unique Email address and cellphone number
The colleges mainly offer courses on Levels 1 to 4 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), although some colleges offer Higher Certificates on Level 5 with 120 credits.
The two main courses offered by TVET colleges are:
- National Certificate (Vocational) qualifications, the NC (V), and
TVET colleges offer the following additional qualifications and programmes:
- Selected UNISA and other qualifications registered on the NQF,
- Occupational work-integrated programmes: leadership and apprenticeships, as well as trade tests,
- Skills programmes and non-formal short courses, and
How To Apply For TVET Colleges In South Africa
Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Get your application form first:
All new applications are now available online:
- Consent to the TVET College using my e-mail address and cellphone number to communicate with me throughout the application process. During the application process, please make sure you include a valid and working e-mail address as well as one telephone number.
Step 2: Fill out the application form completely:
- E-mail, ID, and cell phone number verification.
- Your ID, e-mail, and cell phone are used to verify your identity.
Step 3: Ensure that all supporting documents are attached:
All applicants who are beginning a new qualification must submit the following certified documents:
- Birth Certificate/Identity Document (Proof of New ID/Passport Application)
- Certificates/Qualifications
- Recent Academic Achievements
- Other account statements/billing documents for municipalities (not older than 3 months)
- A current study permit (for Foreign national students)
- The Evaluation Certificate of the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) (foreign qualifications).
Step 4: Fill out and submit your application:
- A confirmation email will be sent to you with all the application information.
TVET Colleges In South Africa
TVET colleges are open for 2026 applications:
Gauteng:
- Central Johannesburg TVET College
- Ekurhuleni East TVET College
- Ekurhuleni West TVET College
- Sedibeng TVET College
- South West Gauteng TVET College
- Tshwane North TVET College
- Tshwane South TVET College
- Western TVET College
KwaZulu-Natal:
- Coastal TVET College
- Elangeni TVET College
- Esayidi TVET College
- Majuba TVET College
- Mnambithi TVET College
- Mthashana TVET College
- Thekwini TVET College
- Umfolozi TVET College
- Umgungundlovu TVET College
Western Cape:
- Boland TVET College
- College of Cape Town
- False Bay College
- Northlink TVET College
- South Cape TVET College
- West Coast TVET College
Eastern Cape:
- Buffalo City TVET College
- Eastcape Midlands TVET College
- Ikhala TVET College
- Ingwe TVET College
- King Hintsa TVET College
- King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
- Lovedale TVET College
- Port Elizabeth TVET College
Free State:
- Flavius Mareka TVET College
- Goldfields TVET College
- Maluti TVET College
- Motheo TVET College
Limpopo:
- Capricorn TVET College
- Lephalale TVET College
- Letaba TVET College
- Mopani South East TVET College
- Sekhukhune TVET College
- Vhembe TVET College
- Waterberg TVET College
Mpumalanga:
- Ehlanzeni TVET College
- Gert Sibande TVET College
- Nkangala TVET College
Northern Cape:
- Northern Cape Urban TVET College
- Northern Cape Rural TVET College
North West:
- Orbit TVET College
- Taletso TVET College
- Vuselela TVET College
Contact Information
- Visit: 123 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria, South Africa
- Private Bag X174, Pretoria, 0001
- Contact Details: 0800 87 2222/+ 27 12 312 5911
- Email: callcentre@dhet.gov.za
The history of TVET colleges in South Africa reflects the country’s journey toward inclusive, skills-driven education. From their early beginnings as technical schools to the merger of institutions in the early 2000s, these colleges have continually adapted to meet the needs of a changing economy. Today, with 50 public TVET colleges across nine provinces, they play a significant role in preparing students for employment, entrepreneurship, and further studies. Visit the Official TVET Colleges Of South Africa For More.
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