Cover Story - Majuba TVET College

Reaching Greater Heights Together

By Fiona Wakelin & Koketso Mamabolo

Nestled in the northwestern corner of KwaZulu-Natal, in Newcastle, is a mountain, that draws its name from the many white doves, aMajuba, which call it home. For Majuba TVET College, the name, the mountain, and the symbolism of a bevy of white doves rising up into the sky, are more than just a theme, they are a statement of the institution’s mission, one of ambition, aspiring, “reaching greater heights together.”

“With a commitment to addressing South Africa’s socio-economic needs, Majuba TVET College offers a diverse range of educational programmes aimed at empowering students for meaningful employment or entrepreneurial success,” says Dr Sanele Mlotshwa, College Principal of Majuba TVET College (one of 50 in the country) with over 32 000 students receiving highquality, practical training each year. These educational institutions are an integral cog in the realisation of the vision articulated in Chapter 9 of the National Development Plan and Vision 2030, which highlights the importance of improving education, training and innovation as a way of eliminating poverty and reducing inequality.

As Dr Mlotshwa explains, TVET colleges have a more hands-on learning approach, unlike traditional academic institutions, which increases the employability and income-earning potential of graduates embarking on careers in engineering, business, hospitality, agriculture and other high demand sectors. “This approach ensures that even those from disadvantaged backgrounds have an opportunity to gain meaningful employment or start their own businesses, breaking the cycle of poverty.”

A Forward Thinking Institution Linked to Industry

Majuba TVET College operates across seven campuses, which are strategically located around key areas in and around Newcastle, catering to a broad range of study fields which leverage the institution’s proximity to the industries that are the lifeblood of Newcastle’s economic activity: steel manufacturing, textile and clothing production, mining, tyre manufacturing, engineering and agriculture.

“By situating campuses within reach of local communities, the College ensures that education remains accessible to a diverse range of students, fostering inclusivity and skills development across various economic sectors,” explains Dr Mlotshwa.

This is what makes TVET colleges a tool for both poverty alleviation and empowerment. Students are given access to opportunities, which they can take full advantage of because the curriculum is based off what industries need. Students can seek job opportunities or start their own business fully armed with the practical skills they need in a fast moving world. And the kind of skills we need to stimulate growth.

The College’s training programmes are dynamic, informed by international standards and adapting to the pace of technological developments. “With rapid advancements in various industries, the College integrates digital skills, automation, and environmentally sustainable practices into its curriculum to keep graduates competitive in a globalised economy.”

Starting with the streamlined digital enrolment process, students are given an experience which leverages the power of technology. Through the use of digital platforms, they are able to access study materials and join interactive virtual classes from anywhere in the world.

“This integration of e-learning ensures that students remain connected to their coursework while also developing essential digital literacy skills, preparing for modern workplaces that increasingly rely on technology.”

The College’s engineering programmes produce the highly skilled artisans, technicians and engineers we need for industrial development. These careers offer stable and rewarding career opportunities and Majuba TVET College is a recognised Centre of Specialisation for boilermaking, fitting and turning, producing professionals who go out into sectors such as manufacturing, mining and energy. The students are exposed to industrystandard tools and machinery like advanced welding machines, automated manufacturing systems and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology

“The practical, hands-on training at Majuba TVET College ensures that graduates are equipped with advanced technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and workplace experience, making them highly competitive in the job market,” says Dr Mlotshwa.

Business courses impart the financial and management expertise entrepreneurs need to make their business ventures a success. Agricultural courses are provided in the context of “the country’s need for sustainable farming practices, agribusiness management, and food security initiatives.”

“These programmes equip students with practical skills in crop production, animal husbandry, agribusiness management, and modern farming techniques, preparing them for diverse career paths,” adds Dr Mlotshwa. These diverse paths include commercial farming, agro-processing, and environmental management.

The College’s hospitality programmes include hotel management, culinary arts, and customer service, creating a pathway for students in the booming tourism and food service sectors. The newly introduced Chef Qualification, accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), quickly became a popular choice, says Dr Mlotshwa, producing highly sought-after graduates with skills such as food preparation, menu planning, kitchen management, and culinary innovation, in modern kitchen facilities which mimic real-world working environments.

“One of its greatest advantages is the dual pathway it offersgraduates can either secure employment in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and cruise ships or embark on entrepreneurial ventures by starting their own catering businesses, bakeries, or restaurants.”

Public Management is growing in popularity, too, with the growing need for skilled professionals in the local government creating opportunities for those looking to build careers in the public sector. Human Resources Management has also proved very popular. This further highlights how TVET colleges are an engine for development due to the focus on employment and practical skills which create avenues for entrepreneurship. Dr Mlotshwa uses the example of a Mechanical Engineering student starting a business in the township using their qualification.

Majuba TVET College has formed partnerships which contribute to the holistic development of skills, working with the public and private partners for funding and work experience opportunities which bridge the gap between theory and practice. This includes global partnerships with public and private sector organisations for exchange programmes and employment opportunities in countries such as Finland, Egypt, China and Russia.

“One of the key collaborations is with the various Sector Education Training Authorities - SETAs - which provide funding for learnships, apprenticeship, and skills programmes,” says Dr Mlotshwa. “SETAs also offer bursaries and financial aid, making education accessible to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and ensuring that they complete their studies without financial constraints.”

“Collaborations with municipalities and government departments provide additional funding for infrastructure development, community training initiatives, and workforce development programmes.”

National Certificate (Vocational) – NC(V)

The NC(V) Qualification, offered at Level 2 to 4 of the National Qualifications Framework, combines theory and practice to address the country’s priority skills demand.

Engineering Studies Courses (NQF L2 – L4):

• Engineering and Related Design (Boilermaking, Fitting and Turning, Motor Mechanics, and Welding)

• Electrical Infrastructure Construction (Light Current / Heavy Current)

• Civil Engineering and Building Construction (Bricklaying/Plastering /Plumbing/Carpentry) Process

• Instrumentation

• Primary Agriculture

Business Studies Courses (NQF L2-L4):

• Office Administration

• Hospitality

• Tourism

Nated-Courses/ Report 191

The National N-Diploma qualification provides theoretical and practical knowledge designed to allow students to complete N1 - N6 courses in their chosen vocational field. The College offers both part-time and full-time courses

Engineering Studies Courses (N3-N6)

• Mechanical Engineering (Boilermaking/ Fitting and Turning/ Motor Mechanic /Diesel Mechanic/ Welding)

• Electrical Engineering (Light Current/ Heavy Current/ Instrument Mechanician/ Millwright)

• Civil Engineering (Bricklaying/ Plastering/ Plumbing)

• Chemical Engineering (Water and Waste Water Treatment)

Business Studies Coursees (N4-N6)

• Introductory Business Studies

• Chef Qualification (New Occupational Programme)

• Financial Management

• Human Resource Management

• Management Assistant

• Public Management

• Hospitality

Creativity, respect, integrity, service, and perseverance (CRISP) are the College’s values. How the College gives back through its CSI initiatives and tends to the needs of students are examples of these values in practice. To paraphrase the full description of their values, they are resourceful, according dignity to those they serve, in an honest, just manner which responds efficiently and effectively to the needs of staff and clients. This they do to the best of their abilities.

The community skills development programmes offer short courses to empower unemployed youth and the community at large. Students and community members are also given access to entrepreneurship training, mentorship and support for those interested in starting their own businesses.

“Majuba TVET College partners with local schools and NGOs to provide career guidance, mentorship, and resources to uplift education in surrounding communities.”

Another collaboration, with HigherHealth, involves health and wellness campaigns which promote overall health, “including HIV/AIDS education, mental health support, and fitness initiatives.”

Career guidance and counseling is available to students, with personal development workshops and academic mentors. Revision classes are organised for exam preparation, along with extra tutoring and study skills workshops.

The literary, cultural and athletic development of students is also encouraged. A reading culture is nurtured through literacy programmers and book review contests with an aim of also developing the communication and critical thinking skills of students. There are choral music groups, cultural events and competitions. Physical fitness and teamwork are encouraged through inter-campus and national competitions, in addition to the drive for students to participate in a range of sports. “As a college, we prepare students to compete in national and international skills competitions showcasing student talent in trades like welding, plumbing, electrical engineering and hospitality,” says Dr Mlotshwa.

The College’s all-around commitment to inclusion is evident in its disability support services, peer mentoring programmes and the Student Representative Council (SRC) which advocates for students.

The organisation has come a long way since he joined in the middle of 2014, says Dr Mlotshwa. Tensions were high during waves of student protests and the stability which Majuba TVET Colleges has maintained is testament to the work it’s done over the past decade. There are challenges such as funding gaps for students, and the lack of space to accept the hundreds of thousands (around 130 000 for the current academic year) of prospective students who applied. But as with the tensions of the past decade, Dr Mlotshwa sees solutions, in this instance online learning solutions such as the Open Learning Unit for distance learning.

“There is no better wish I may have in 2025 than to see more students succeeding in their studies, more students getting supported and getting their qualifications at the end,” says Dr Mlotshwa. “And to see them going back and changing the lives of their families, taking their families out of poverty and starting on a solid foundation. There is nothing I wish more than to see more students getting their diplomas and getting their certificates.”

It is clear that Sanele, who is also a pastor and recently obtained his PhD, has a deep belief in what Majuba TVET College, and the people in the organisation, can do for the students, contributing to the betterment of society through education and training. His hope is for the College to form more partnerships, both here and abroad, to give students even more opportunities and continue their mission of taking them, and the country, to greater heights.

Contact Details

Phone: 034 326 4888

Address: 83 Allen Street, Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, 2940

Website: www.majuba.edu.za