As the 2026 academic year approaches, South Africa's public TVET colleges are preparing to enroll thousands of students amid severe shortages of qualified teachers and leadership gaps. Experts warn that these issues could hinder efforts to address the country's skills crisis. Officials outline plans to modernize programs and improve funding, but systemic problems persist from the previous year.
South Africa's 50 public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are set to reopen for the 2026 academic year, but they confront significant hurdles in staffing and resources. Professor Mbulungeni Madiba, Dean of Education at Stellenbosch University, highlights a critical shortage of lecturers, especially in fields like mechatronics, driven by better industry opportunities and poor retention due to heavy workloads, administrative burdens, and inadequate infrastructure.
"Retention is further undermined by heavy workloads, excessive administrative demands, frequent curriculum changes, poor infrastructure, outdated equipment and governance challenges that create demoralising working conditions," Madiba stated. He pointed to slow public-sector hiring and historical underinvestment as key factors.
Leadership issues persist, as seen in 2025 when Taletso TVET College in North West operated without a permanent principal until MZ Nkomo was appointed on 1 April 2025. Similar vacancies exist at colleges like King Hintsa, Lovedale, Mthashana, and Gert Sibande, with recruitment ongoing, according to Deputy Director-General Sam Zungu. The Department of Higher Education and Training is providing bursaries to upskill lecturers in scarce areas.
Last year's NSFAS funding delays sparked protests, including damage at Northern Cape Urban TVET College in June 2025. Zungu noted that 2026 plans address this through timely upfront funding, transparent systems, and better communication to prevent unrest. "Provide funding on time and upfront, make systems transparent and trackable for students," he said.
Deputy Minister Mimmy Gondwe emphasized governance improvements, industry partnerships, and demand-led skills programs. "We are prioritising demand-led skills programmes aligned with sector masterplans, expanding workplace-based learning opportunities," she explained. Collaboration with Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas) will fund lecturer attachments and apprenticeships to boost employability.
Minister Buti Manamela projected 170,000 first-year spaces in September 2025, with NSFAS confirming direct bank payments for allowances as of 6 January 2026. Madiba urged viewing TVET as a premier option for high-achieving students to combat youth unemployment.