TVET graduates demand jobs, say qualifications restrict them

Some TVET graduates in Tshwane took to the streets on Thursday, protesting a lack of job opportunities and accusing the Higher Education system of sidelining them, saying their qualifications limit their employment prospects.

Scores of protesters gathered outside the Department of Higher Education and Training offices in Tshwane, where they handed over a memorandum outlining their grievances.

The group says their qualifications largely restrict them to lecturing at TVET colleges, limiting their chances of teaching in primary and high schools.

They claim repeated attempts to engage the department have yielded little progress, describing responses as unfulfilled promises.

One protester who is an honours student, Lourens Shoatja, vowed to camp outside the department’s offices until their concerns are addressed.

“It’s fine, we came prepared. As you can see we came with luggage. We are going to camp here. We are not going anywhere until they respond to us. That’s the only thing we are going to do. We are prepared to die Infront of their gates. That’s what we are prepared to do. We are not leaving today,” Shoatja said.

The group also alleges that some foreign nationals are being considered for positions despite not being registered with relevant professional bodies or meeting required qualifications.

They are calling for recruitment processes to be aligned with existing policies, as well as the introduction of a centralised employment database for TVET graduates.

Many say they have been unemployed since as far back as 2021 and need a system that allows vocational graduates to access and apply for job opportunities more easily.

Ofentse Mgidi, who studied technical vocational teaching at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), says he has been unable to find work despite completing a two-year internship.

“We need to survive we need to make money in order for one to survive each and every day of our lives. We are frustrated. I can’t even register for honours because now there is a backlog of a student debt with a qualification that does nothing for me. I need to cover my previous debt from my TVET qualification. What’s the purpose of this qualification if we are not going to get employed!? They even consider foreigners over us,” Mgidi added.

Mgidi added that his internship was not renewed and he has not been considered for a lecturing post.

The group is also calling on the department to adhere to the Labour Relations Act, which they say requires prioritising South Africans in employment opportunities.

Graduates further criticised the South African Council for Educators’ (SACE) annual fee, saying it places an unfair burden on unemployed graduates.

They say they are required to pay R198 annually, with penalties for non-compliance, despite not earning an income.

One graduate, Glen Hlako, described the situation as deeply frustrating.

“We went to school for so many years but still we don’t find jobs and yet we are still being charged to pay for the certificates that we have. It’s would have been better if they allow us to pay the fee on my after we secure jobs but now we are unemployed but we are expected to pay,” Hlako said.

The group is also demanding broader opportunities, including the ability for TVET graduates to teach in primary and high schools.

In response, the Department of Higher Education and Training says it will compile a report following the protest.

Deputy Director for Lecturer Development and Support, Rev. Paul Mngadi, has committed to escalating the matter to senior officials.

Mngadi acknowledged that many of the graduates’ qualifications are aligned with TVET policies but pointed to broader systemic challenges.

“The lecturers who are in the system who counts about 11 500 for the whole country in 50 colleges, 66%of those, according to the research which we have done, have qualifications for schools. We are trying to encourage them to pursue qualifications which are policy aligned. I also want you to know that we are also dealing with an issue of highly skilled lecturers leaving the system because of age and gaps are beginning to open up,” Mngadi added.

He added that the concerns would be escalated to the Deputy Director-General of the TVET branch, Sam Zungu, and potentially to Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela.

“I cannot really confirm as to when the response will come because these people are not available and I was delegated to stand in the place of somebody. I am however committing to you that I will be developing a report based on what I have heard,” Mngadi said.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao