Category: News

Published: 18 June 2026

Mopani TVET College hosted a Partnership Gala Dinner at its Phalaborwa Campus, bringing together strategic partners, industry representatives, employers, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), government stakeholders, and other valued collaborators.

The event celebrated the College’s longstanding partnerships while creating opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and establish new collaborations that will support student success and institutional growth.

These partnerships play a vital role in expanding workplace-based learning opportunities, strengthening skills development initiatives, and ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge and practical experience required by industry.

The College remains committed to building meaningful partnerships that contribute to economic development, innovation, and quality vocational and occupational education.

Together with its stakeholders, Mopani TVET College continues to create opportunities that empower students and build a skilled workforce for South Africa.

“Excellence is Always Our Choice.”

Published: 09 June 2026

Mopani TVET College hosted its 3rd Annual Academic Summit at the Coach House Hotel and Spa in Tzaneen, bringing together College management, academic staff, and strategic stakeholders to strengthen academic excellence and institutional performance.

The summit provided an opportunity to evaluate progress made since the previous Academic Summit while identifying priorities for the future of teaching, learning, research, and innovation.

Discussions focused on:

• Academic performance and service delivery
• Progress on resolutions adopted during the 2025 Academic Summit
• Occupational programme implementation
• Lecturer development and capacitation
• Qualification accreditation processes
• Identification of new industry-aligned qualifications

The summit also addressed the ongoing transition towards occupational qualifications, ensuring that programmes remain responsive to evolving labour market needs and produce graduates equipped with practical, industry-relevant skills.

The annual Academic Summit continues to play a significant role in shaping the College’s academic strategy and promoting student success.

08 May 2026

Congratulations to Masinga K.H, currently a Level 3 student in NCV: Electrical Infrastructure and Construction, for being recognised as the Overall Best Student for his outstanding performance during Level 2 in 2025.

Speaking about his achievement, Masinga shared that receiving the award “means the world” to him, as it reflects the hard work, discipline, and determination he invested throughout his academic journey. He explained that past disappointments motivated him to work even harder and strive for success.

Masinga believes that consistency and good time management played a major role in helping him stand out academically. Although being named the Overall Best Student felt overwhelming, he expressed gratitude for the recognition and support he received along the way.

He also encouraged fellow students to remain focused and committed to their dreams, reminding them that hard work and perseverance can lead to great achievements. Masinga gave special thanks to his mother for her continuous support and encouragement throughout his studies.

Congratulations once again on this outstanding achievement and for setting an inspiring example to other students at Mopani TVET College Sir Val Duncan Campus.

Published: 14 April 2026

As part of the process to fully implement occupational programmes, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) continues to roll out training initiatives aimed at capacitating lecturers and facilitators within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. Mopani TVET College is honoured to host a five day Early Childhood Development (ECD) training programme, which is currently taking place at the Phalaborwa Campus Conference Room from 13 to 17 April 2026. The training is conducted in partnership with Services SETA and focuses on capacitating lecturers and facilitators in the ECD Occupational Programme through an introduction to the theoretical components of the curriculum. This initiative forms part of broader reforms led by DHET to phase out NATED (Report 191) programmes in favour of occupational qualifications that are guided by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). The transition reflects a policy shift towards practice oriented training that responds directly to labour market demands and industry requirements. The Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development is one of the new occupational programmes to be offered by the College. It is a nationally recognised qualification designed to equip practitioners with practical competencies, pedagogical knowledge, and applied skills required to support holistic child development in early learning environments. Lecturers and facilitators from various TVET colleges across the country are in attendance. The training demonstrates a significant step towards strengthening lecturer and facilitator preparedness and ensuring the effective implementation of occupational programmes within the TVET sector.

Published: 05 March 2026

Mopani TVET College hosted a two-day Labour Relations Workshop at its Phalaborwa Campus from 5–6 March 2026, bringing together Labour Relations practitioners from TVET colleges across South Africa alongside officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

The workshop focused on strengthening labour relations practices, improving compliance, and enhancing leadership capacity within the TVET sector.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by DHET Limpopo Regional Manager, Mr F.L. Ramonyate, who highlighted the importance of effective labour relations in promoting institutional stability and organisational performance.

Delivering the keynote address, Associate Professor Prof K. Majola from the University of Limpopo emphasised the importance of compliance with labour legislation and institutional policies. He noted that strong labour relations form the foundation of well-governed institutions and encouraged colleges to view compliance as a strategic safeguard rather than an administrative obligation.

Professor Majola further stressed the importance of equipping line managers with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage grievances before they escalate into formal disputes.

The programme also featured a presentation by Mr L. Thindisa, Provincial Manager of the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) in Limpopo, who provided practical guidance on dispute resolution procedures, conciliation, arbitration, and the implementation of Collective Agreement 3 of 2018.

The workshop formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen labour relations management and promote best practices across South Africa’s TVET sector.

Published: 20 February 2026

Mopani TVET College, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), hosted a Start Your Own Business training programme at its Phalaborwa Campus from 16 to 24 February 2026.

The initiative forms part of the internationally recognised Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme and is designed to equip students with practical entrepreneurial skills needed to identify business opportunities, establish sustainable enterprises, and contribute to economic development.

Throughout the programme, participants were introduced to business opportunity identification, market assessment, business planning, financial management, marketing principles, and operational planning. The practical approach enabled students to transform innovative ideas into viable business concepts.

Participants completed two internationally recognised modules:

• Generate Your Business Idea
• Start Your Business

Upon successful completion, students received certificates recognising their newly acquired entrepreneurial competencies.

Speaking during the programme, facilitator and college lecturer Ms P. Ramphadi highlighted the value of entrepreneurship education in preparing students for self-employment.

She explained that the programme not only equips students with the skills to develop business ideas but also builds their confidence to present business concepts effectively to potential investors and funding institutions.

The programme was facilitated by Ms P. Ramphadi, Mr L. Lekoloane, Mr M.R. Phakula, and Mr M.G. Shikwambana.

This initiative reflects Mopani TVET College’s commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, youth empowerment, and economic participation.

Published: 04 February 2026

Mopani TVET College convened its annual Examination Results Analysis Meeting at the Phalaborwa Campus Conference Room to review academic performance across all campuses and programmes.

The meeting brought together Executive Management, Heads of Departments, senior lecturers, and academic specialists to analyse examination outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies that will enhance student success.

The analysis revealed significant improvements in academic performance across the College.

Highlights included:

• NCV Full-Time Programmes achieved an impressive 92% pass rate.
• Report 191 Programmes improved from 82% in Semester 1 to 91% in Semester 2.

While celebrating these achievements, management emphasised the importance of continuous improvement through targeted academic interventions, campus improvement plans, and evidence-based teaching strategies.

The annual review remains a key component of the College’s quality assurance processes and supports its commitment to the motto:

Mopani TVET College successfully concluded its registration process for the 2025 academic year, following a well-coordinated and efficient enrolment period across all campuses. The College implemented strategic measures to streamline the process, including clear communication, simplified procedures, and dedicated on-site support to guide prospective students. The institution also strengthened its outreach by engaging local municipalities and traditional councils within Ba Phalaborwa to raise awareness about available programmes and application processes. Campuses were opened every Friday to assist applicants, ensuring improved access to registration services. In line with industry demands, the College reviewed its programme offering. Certain programmes with limited absorption, such as Marketing at Phalaborwa Campus, were phased out and replaced with occupational programmes that provide practical training and improve employability. The process was supported by a dedicated team that ensured efficient handling of applications and timely responses. The College received over 35 000 applications for the 2025 academic year, indicating a strong demand for the programmes it offers.

Mopani TVET College hosted a disability management workshop aimed at promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. The workshop brought together educators, administrators, and stakeholders to discuss challenges and explore strategies for creating accessible learning and working environments. A central theme of the workshop was “Nothing about us without us,” emphasising the importance of involving people with disabilities in decisions affecting them. Discussions focused on inclusion across all sectors, highlighting representation in education, employment, and leadership roles. Participants also examined Rights & Accessibility, exploring policies to overcome barriers such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and employment challenges. The workshop further addressed the implementation of Equity Plans, advocating for genuine integration rather than mere compliance.

Mr Mhlongo FA, Assistant Director: Human Resource Management, stressed the need to move beyond token representation and create sustainable opportunities. The workshop was facilitated by the National School of Government and marked an important step in Mopani TVET College’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

Mopani TVET College successfully conducted a leadership training programme for its newly elected 2025/2026 Student Representative Council members from 12 to 16 February 2025 at Sanibonani Resort in Hazyview. The programme inducted the SRC members into student leadership roles and governance responsibilities. The training covered key institutional frameworks, including College Statutes, the SRC Constitution, and relevant legislative prescripts. Emphasis was placed on procedural compliance, ethical conduct, and effective participation in institutional platforms such as council, academic board, and financial aid committees.

The Deputy Principal Registrar, Mr Motubatse MS, provided guidance on leadership responsibilities, highlighting the importance of discipline, knowledge of governance, and informed decision making. SRC Secretary General Mmaletsatsi Tiba said the training offered clarity on managing conflicts, engaging students transparently, and leading effectively. The 14 elected officials were tasked with applying their newly acquired skills across campuses and supporting class representatives. The College reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the SRC and ensuring that student voices remained integral to decision making.