HEADLINE: "Rurality Is Not Your Destiny" — tvet-graduates-rural-economic-growth-mthashana-vryheid

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Thursday, 10 September 2026 – TMGNews

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has issued an urgent call to young South Africans: stop waiting. Apply for TVET college NOW.

With applications for the 2027 academic year closing on 30 September 2026, Manamela warned prospective students against waiting until January, when many opportunities will already be gone.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Key Point Details
Deadline 30 September 2026
Who Should Apply Any young person wanting practical, job-ready skills
How to Apply Use your previous year's results — don't wait for final marks
Funding NSFAS funds all 50 public TVET colleges
Message EXPLORE. CHOOSE. APPLY.

"Not a Second Choice"

Manamela pushed back hard against the perception that TVET colleges are inferior to universities.

"They are not a second choice for young people who do not get admitted into a university. They are one of the pathways provided for in the PSET (Post-School Education and Training) sector and central to the Skills Revolution," he said.

The Minister called on parents, guardians, teachers, and Life Orientation educators to support young people during this critical period.

"We are building a Post-School Education and Training system that connects learning to the skills our economy needs and creates pathways from education to opportunity."

🏫 TVET Colleges Currently Open for Applications

Here is a list of public TVET colleges across South Africa that are currently open for applications. All are NSFAS-funded for eligible students .

Gauteng (8 Colleges)

College Location
Central Johannesburg TVET College Johannesburg
Ekurhuleni East TVET College Springs
Ekurhuleni West TVET College Germiston
Sedibeng TVET College Vereeniging
South West Gauteng TVET College Roodepoort
Tshwane North TVET College Pretoria
Tshwane South TVET College Pretoria
Western TVET College Carletonville

Western Cape (6 Colleges)

College Location
Boland TVET College Stellenbosch
College of Cape Town Cape Town
False Bay TVET College Muizenberg
Northlink TVET College Goodwood, Cape Town
South Cape TVET College George
West Coast TVET College Malmesbury

KwaZulu-Natal (9 Colleges)

College Location
Coastal KZN TVET College Durban
Elangeni TVET College Pinetown
Esayidi TVET College Port Shepstone
Majuba TVET College Newcastle
Mnambithi TVET College Ladysmith
Mthashana TVET College Vryheid
Thekwini TVET College Durban
Umfolozi TVET College Richards Bay
Umgungundlovu TVET College Pietermaritzburg

Eastern Cape (8 Colleges)

College Location
Buffalo City TVET College East London
Eastcape Midlands TVET College Uitenhage
Ikhala TVET College Queenstown
Ingwe TVET College Mount Frere
King Hintsa TVET College Butterworth
King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College Mthatha
Lovedale TVET College King William's Town
Port Elizabeth TVET College Gqeberha

Limpopo (7 Colleges)

College Location
Capricorn TVET College Polokwane
Lephalale TVET College Lephalale
Letaba TVET College Tzaneen
Mopani South East TVET College Phalaborwa
Sekhukhune TVET College Groblersdal
Vhembe TVET College Thohoyandou
Waterberg TVET College Mokopane

Free State (4 Colleges)

College Location
Flavius Mareka TVET College Sasolburg
Goldfields TVET College Welkom
Maluti TVET College Phuthaditjhaba
Motheo TVET College Bloemfontein

Mpumalanga (3 Colleges)

College Location
Ehlanzeni TVET College Mbombela
Gert Sibande TVET College Standerton
Nkangala TVET College eMalahleni

North West (3 Colleges)

College Location
Orbit TVET College Rustenburg
Taletso TVET College Mahikeng
Vuselela TVET College Klerksdorp

Northern Cape (2 Colleges)

College Location
Northern Cape Rural TVET College Upington
Northern Cape Urban TVET College Kimberley

📝 What You Need to Apply

Before you apply, gather these documents :

· ✅ Certified copy of your ID
· ✅ Certified copy of your latest results (Grade 9, 11, or 12)
· ✅ Proof of residence
· ✅ Two passport-sized photos

💰 NSFAS Funding

All 50 public TVET colleges are NSFAS-funded for eligible students. This means if your household income is R350,000 or less per year, you may qualify for full funding covering tuition, accommodation, and allowances .

🎯 TMGNews Verdict

South Africa has a youth unemployment crisis. TVET colleges offer a practical pathway to employment, entrepreneurship, and further learning.

The Minister's message is clear: don't wait.

Applications close 30 September 2026. That's 20 days from today.

If you know a young person who is unsure about their future, share this article. Encourage them to explore, choose, and apply.

The opportunity is there. The funding is there. The only thing missing is the application.

📞 Need More Information?

· Department of Higher Education and Training: www.dhet.gov.za
· NSFAS: www.nsfas.org.za
· TMGNews WhatsApp Tip Line: 062 342 3114 — send us your application stories or issues

Sources: SAnews.gov.za, Department of Higher Education and Training, NSFAS, TVETmap, Careers Portal