The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) welcomed the inaugural cohort of students from various TVET colleges following their return from the People’s Republic of China at a ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in Arcadia on January 23.

According to a statement compiled by Blessing Dlamini, spokesperson for the Gert Sibande TVET College, the TVET collaboration between South Africa and China was formalised in January 2018 during a delegation visit of South African TVET college principals to Chinese TVET colleges.

“A total of eight South African principals and more than 30 principals from China signed an agreement to establish the China and South Africa Vocational and Technical Education and Cooperation Alliance,” stated Dlamini.

He explained that the objective of this alliance is to facilitate student internships, teacher training and cooperation between TVET colleges.

According to Dlamini, 36 students from various colleges were selected to undertake an 18-week programme at the School of Mechanical Engineering at Beijing Polytechnic College, forming the first pilot cohort under this alliance. These students were engaged in areas of electric vehicles and automation, which are global critical skills.

“The students were called upon to lead with purpose in direct support of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector objectives: to expand access to quality education, strengthen relevant and responsive skills development, and contribute to innovation, research, and inclusive economic growth,” stated Dlamini.

The students were also encouraged to take on mentorship roles to foster person-to-person relationships within this collaboration.
Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, highlighted the importance of this relationship in empowering South Africa’s youth with relevant skills and ultimately driving economic growth.

“This relationship is very important because it is where we ensure that it is beneficial and it is helping us to skill our young people,” stated Dube-Ncube.

Nine learners from the Gert Sibande TVET College had the opportunity to form part of this collaboration: Mndawe Siphesihle (Mechanical Engineering), Shongwe Nokuthula (Electrical Engineering), Nkosi Sthembile (Electrical Engineering), Nkosi Surprise (Mechanical Engineering), Lamola Luntu (Electrical Engineering), Nkosi Simphiwe (Electrical Engineering), Dube Sebabatso (Mechanical Engineering), Ngobeni Lucky (Electrical Engineering), and Mosi Tsepiso (Mechatronics).

Zine Beku-Matlala welcomed the students, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this journey possible: the Office of the DPI under the leadership of Mr BJ Motha, coordinator Ms T Mafata, sister college coordinator Ms Mgwena from Vhembe, the Department of Higher Education, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, the National Skills Fund, and all other stakeholders. Your contributions in empowering our students are highly appreciated, and we look forward to future opportunities to collaborate.”

Sphesihle Paris Mndawe, a student at the Gert Sibande TVET College, spoke about her experience during this collaboration.
Stating that this opportunity has given her the chance to enhance her career and broaden her horizons.