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Recognizing Excellence in Technical and Vocational Education at UNISA Gala Dinner

Recognizing Excellence in Technical and Vocational Education at UNISA Gala Dinner. In a remarkable celebration of dedication and academic achievement, the University of South Africa (Unisa) along with the South African Public Colleges Organisation (SAPCO) and numerous influential partners, including the Education Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA),

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), and the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre, recently culminated the first International Conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ICTVET 2024). This significant event took place from September 25th to 27th, 2024, and was followed by a gala dinner in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, on the evening of September 26th.

The gala was not just a social event but a pivotal moment to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of TVET lecturers who have excelled in their Unisa degree programs. This function stood as a powerful testament to the successful partnerships between educational bodies committed to enhancing the sector’s standards through higher education.

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A Night of Accolades

Highlighting the evening was the recognition of Nombulelo Nxesi, the CEO of ETDP SETA. Nxesi was honored with the prestigious Book of Abstracts award, a compilation of concise research papers authored by TVET lecturers who achieved their master’s degrees through the support of ETDP SETA. This accolade not only celebrated her unwavering dedication to the advancement of TVET lecturers but also underscored her role in fostering significant academic progress within the community.

Strategic Educational Initiatives and Their Impact

Professor Sello Mokoena, the chair of ICTVET2024, took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of such educational initiatives. He recounted the origins of the TVET Colleges Master’s Degree Research Project, which began as a pilot at Majuba TVET College in 2016. The initiative aimed to boost the quality of education by enabling a cadre of lecturers to pursue and complete their master’s degrees under the guidance of Unisa’s expert supervision.

The success of this pilot paved the way for its broader application across other public TVET colleges nationwide. Since its expansion, nearly a hundred lecturers have graduated with master’s degrees, and currently, twenty are pursuing their PhDs at Unisa with financial backing from ETDP SETA.

This project aligns with the Medium-Term Strategic Framework’s goal (MTSF 2014-2019) to elevate the qualifications of lecturers across the board, thereby enriching the educational landscape of TVET colleges.

Ongoing Commitment to Education and Development

Dr. Meiya Nthoesane, Director of Unisa Press, reiterated Unisa’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating women who excel in their respective fields and contribute significantly to national development. The accolade presented to Nxesi exemplifies this commitment, celebrating her pivotal role in advancing educational research and lecturing standards across TVET colleges.

In her acceptance speech, Nxesi expressed gratitude towards all stakeholders involved and lauded the TVET lecturers who achieved their qualifications. She looked forward to future collaborations, aiming to continually enhance the TVET sector’s contribution to South Africa’s economic growth.

Nxesi’s concluding remarks highlighted the overarching goal of these partnerships: to forge a legacy of a capable and highly qualified workforce in the TVET sector, offering programs that are not only relevant but crucial for the developmental trajectory of both educators and students.

A Beacon of Educational Excellence

Events like the ICTVET2024 and the subsequent gala dinner serve as critical platforms for recognizing achievements, sharing knowledge, and strategizing on future educational endeavors. They play a key role in shaping a skilled workforce that can significantly contribute to the nation’s socio-economic development. Such initiatives underscore the essential role of continuous learning and capacity building in adapting to changing economic landscapes and ensuring sustainable growth.

Conclusion

The ICTVET2024 gala dinner exemplified the collaborative spirit necessary for advancing TVET education in South Africa, celebrating academic achievements and reinforcing the commitment to developing a skilled workforce poised to drive sustainable economic growth.