SAPCO President speech at Retail Motor Industry Engagement on the 22 July 2024, Irene Country Lodge
“Good afternoon, esteemed guests!
A warm welcome from the heart of the Free State! I’m Professor Phutsisi, Chairperson of SAPCO, the South African Public Colleges’ Organisation, and Principal of Motheo TVET College in Bloemfontein. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.
The Power of Public TVET Colleges
SAPCO plays a vital role in supporting and promoting the success of public TVET colleges across South Africa. We advocate for their interests, fostering collaboration and resource sharing, while building strong relationships with key stakeholders like SETAs and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Our ultimate goal? To create a thriving ecosystem where TVET colleges can empower our youth and contribute significantly to South Africa’s development.
Beyond Advocacy: Investing in the Future
SAPCO goes beyond simply advocating. We actively partner with SETAs to fund lecturer scholarships, upskilling programs for staff, and innovative projects like the National Skills Fund initiative for digital learning in STEM fields. These investments ensure a future-proof TVET sector equipped to meet the evolving needs of our nation.
Collaboration is Key: Partnerships for Progress
To achieve this future, collaboration is key. SAPCO seeks partnerships with local and international organizations to address our focus areas. We applaud the recent project between the Chamber of Crafts Erfurt and the RMI, which provided practical training for lecturers in electric mobility. Such initiatives are crucial for keeping our curriculum relevant and our instructors up-to-date.
Challenges and a United Front: Equipping Lecturers for Success
While we strive for continuous improvement, there’s always room to do more. Our focus now shifts to ensuring TVET lecturers are equipped to deliver the best possible education and training. This requires a united front, with a focus on:
Advanced Pedagogical Training: We need lecturers who can effectively impart knowledge and skills using a variety of teaching methods, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in students.
Technical Expertise: The rapid pace of technological advancement necessitates ongoing technical training for lecturers. This ensures they can teach students the latest industry standards and tools, preparing them for the real-world workplace.
Industry Collaboration: Building strong ties with industry leaders allows lecturers to stay abreast of emerging trends and ensures training aligns with current employer needs. This collaboration can involve industry professionals guest lecturing, providing feedback on curriculum development, and offering internship opportunities for students.
All TVET Colleges Must Lead by Example
The responsibility for excellence doesn’t fall solely on SAPCO. All TVET colleges must lead by example. This means actively participating in these efforts:
Encourage Lecturer Development: Colleges should actively encourage lecturers to pursue further pedagogical and technical training opportunities. Support can come in various forms, such as financial assistance, flexible scheduling, or providing access to online learning resources.
Industry Partnerships: Building strong relationships with industry leaders is crucial. Colleges should proactively seek these partnerships to enhance their curriculum and provide valuable real-world experiences for students. These experiences can include industry internships, guest lectures, or joint research projects.
Together, we can create a thriving TVET sector where all colleges are actively engaged in continuous improvement.
Learning Together, Building a Brighter Future
SAPCO is eager to collaborate on initiatives that address these challenges. We want to understand industry expectations and best practices for on-the-job training. By working together, we can develop innovative approaches that ensure young learners graduate with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be assets in the workforce and make their employers proud.
Together, let’s create a thriving TVET sector that empowers our youth and drives South Africa’s success!“