"One of the key ingredients for economic growth and competitiveness is the ability to attract skills which the economy needs," said President Cyril Ramaphosa during his speech at this year's State Of the Nation Address (SONA).
The address took place on Thursday evening, 9 February 2023.
According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the first quarter of 2022, the unemployment rate was 63.9% for those aged 15-24 and 42.1% for those aged 25-34 years.
One of the key contributors to South Africa’s youth unemployment rate sitting at these alarming rates, is that young work seekers lack sufficient skills, training development and work experience.
Last year, Minister of Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimande, made a goal of placing over 10 000 TVET college graduates in employment. As of 2023, that figure has been passed and a new goal has been set.
The new target for 2023 is to have 20 000 TVET college graduates placed in employment.
A goal for TVET College enrolments (students entering a TVET institution) has also been announced by Ramaphosa:
The number of students entering artisan training in TVET colleges will be increased from 17,000 to 30,000 in the 2023 academic year.
Although there were almost 600 000 students enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges last year, many graduates find themselves unemployed despite having the skills, training and qualification from a tertiary institution.
Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande previously explained that workplace-based training is not only needed to increase job creation in the country, but also make TVET colleges the preferred option for young people to continue their education, encouraging employers around the country to open the doors of their workplace for the placement of TVET college students/graduates.
TVET colleges aim to equip students with practical and technical skills to ensure they are employable in the South African workforce. There are currently 50 TVET colleges in South Africa equipping students with these skills.
