MPUMALANGA, 28 October 2026 – Ehlanzeni TVET College is stepping up efforts to tackle youth unemployment and close the gap between classroom learning and workplace demands through stronger partnerships with businesses, government departments, training authorities and financial institutions.
The college brought industry stakeholders together at its Mthimba and Nelspruit campuses on 2 and 22 October, respectively, to assess its training programmes and identify opportunities for investment, workplace experience and skills development.
At the Nelspruit campus, stakeholders from organisations including the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency, Buscor, Huawei, Vodacom Business, the Department of Employment and Labour, various SETAs, ABSA and Nedbank toured the college’s facilities to see how students are being prepared for the world of work.
The visit included demonstrations in the engineering and renewable energy laboratories, where students were assembling and installing solar-powered inverters. Stakeholders also viewed student-built roof structures designed to accommodate future solar panel installations.
College principal Elias Mbuyane used the engagement to outline his 2030 Vision, which includes establishing modern laboratories and expanding the institution’s capacity to offer occupational programmes that respond to industry needs. The shift from traditional Report 191 programmes to occupational qualifications presents challenges for colleges and employers, but the institution says it is working to ensure it is ready for the transition.
A key outcome of the Nelspruit meeting was a pledge of investment from ABSA. The bank’s representative, Alfred Nkosi, praised the college’s direction and highlighted the importance of developing local talent to help reduce youth unemployment in Mpumalanga.
At the Mthimba campus, discussions focused on agricultural training, practical learning and ways to strengthen students’ access to employment opportunities. Several organisations pledged support for student funding, workplace placements and collaborative projects.
The engagements reflect a growing recognition that colleges cannot prepare graduates for the job market in isolation. Closer cooperation with employers will be essential to ensure students leave with skills that are relevant, practical and in demand.
For Ehlanzeni TVET College, the challenge now is to turn these commitments into lasting partnerships that translate into tangible opportunities for students and contribute to Mpumalanga’s economic development.
