Minister of Higher Education Champions Tech Innovation with the Help of China
Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education and Training, recently led a high-level delegation to China from 15 to 26 November, with a focus on advancing the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
The delegation’s itinerary included a visit to the Yalong Intelligent Equipment Group, a leader in cutting-edge education tools and skills competition platforms. The site visit highlighted innovative approaches to vocational training that could transform skills development in South Africa.
Further engagements included a visit to the China University of Geosciences and the Wuhan Vocational College of Software and Engineering. These institutions showcased China’s forward-thinking approach to higher education, providing valuable insights for South Africa’s TVET institutions to adopt and adapt.
One of the trip’s highlights was a visit to the Tianjin Coastal Polytechnic, where the Minister and her team experienced innovation in action. Students proudly demonstrated their projects, showcasing the tangible results of a robust vocational education system.
A significant milestone of the visit was the launch of the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) Pilot Sister Cities and International Exchange Programme for Municipalities in Wuhan. This program aims to foster collaboration between South African and Chinese municipalities, emphasizing skills development and cultural exchange.
Dr. Nkabane’s visit underscores the importance of global partnerships in strengthening South Africa’s TVET sector. By learning from international best practices, South Africa is poised to equip its students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
