Oxford University Press SA steps up to empower TVET sector and SA’s youth

As South Africa confronts high youth unemployment, a growing number of voices are calling for urgent investment in practical skills development.

Leading this call is Oxford University Press SA (OUP SA), which has become a key player in strengthening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.

OUP SA vocational publisher Yondela Mbonyana Mlonzi said, “TVET colleges were created to equip young people with the skills they need to participate in the economy. But systemic challenges from limited funding to outdated perceptions are preventing them from reaching their full potential.”

Read more: TVET Colleges hold the key to tackling youth unemployment

According to the stats, with 20.8m South Africans aged 15 to 34, the country has a powerful demographic advantage.

But without relevant skills, this youthful population risks being left behind. Vocational education, Mlonzi argues, is one of the most direct ways to bridge that gap, and it’s time to treat it with the urgency and respect it deserves.

OUP SA has positioned itself as more than just a textbook publisher; it is a partner in skills development. “We provide learning materials aligned to the NATED and NCV curricula, covering high-impact subjects such as business, engineering, coding, robotics, and mathematics,” Mlonzi said.

But the support goes deeper, the university also offers lecturer workshops, upskilling educators in areas such as computer practice N4–N6, mathematics N4–N6, computerised financial systems N5 and N6, coding and robotics L2 and L3 and entrepreneurship and business management N4–N6.

“We’ve even developed a programme called Teaching Through Technology, which equips lecturers with digital tools to enhance their delivery.”

Through partnerships such as the one with Allan Gray Makers, OUP SA is helping TVET students prepare for entrepreneurial success.

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“We run pitch readiness training for students in the Inter-College Entrepreneurship Competition. These are the kinds of practical, empowering opportunities TVETs are all about.”

Despite the potential of vocational training, several structural issues continue to limit its reach. South Africa has 50 public TVET colleges across more than 260 campuses, yet enrollment remains far below demand.

Of the 615 429 matriculants who passed in 2023, only 166 634, just over 27%, were admitted to TVET colleges. The rest had to compete with other applicants for just 482 244 spots across the system.

Mlonzi points to admissions bottlenecks, funding shortfalls, and the persistent stigma around vocational education as major barriers. “Too often, TVETs are seen as a fallback, rather than a first choice. That narrative needs to change. TVET graduates often enter the workforce sooner, with real-world skills that are in high demand.”

TVET students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds, face financial pressures that extend beyond tuition. While the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and Setas provide essential support, these systems are stretched thin.

“Students often struggle with transport, food, and accommodation. Delays in funding disbursements and poor administration add stress that impacts both academic performance and mental health.”

A 2023 study by Higher Health revealed that 63% of university students relying on NSFAS reported high financial stress, a figure likely even higher for TVET learners, who often have fewer resources and less institutional support.

“Unlocking the potential of our youth means transforming TVET into a vibrant, respected sector. It’s going to take coordinated support from the government, the private sector, education providers, and communities. We have the people. We just need to give them the tools.”

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