The March to DHET: A Cry for Equity in TVET Funding

On April 13, 2026, hundreds of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students, spearheaded by the Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command (EFFYC), took to the streets of Pretoria's Central Business District. Their destination was the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) headquarters, where they sought urgent intervention in longstanding funding disparities. Chanting slogans and carrying placards decrying the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) shortcomings, the protesters highlighted the plight of students enrolled in occupational programmes at NQF levels 5 and 6.

The demonstration remained peaceful, with no reports of clashes with authorities. Upon arrival, the group handed over a memorandum of demands to DHET officials, underscoring their resolve to secure comprehensive support for vulnerable students.

Elvis Chiwawa and Student Voices Leading the Charge

Elvis Chiwawa, EFF Tshwane Youth Command coordinator, emerged as a key spokesperson. 'We are hoping that since on the 17th of April, NSFAS is going to distribute a living allowance, it must also include the occupational students,' he stated during the march. 'Now it’s 3 months without a living allowance and also they are not paying for their accommodation. We are hoping that the DHET will listen to us.'

Students echoed these sentiments, sharing personal stories of hardship. Many described skipping meals, dropping modules due to unaffordable materials, and facing eviction threats from landlords. One protester from Tshwane South TVET College noted, 'We chose occupational programmes for quick job entry, but without full NSFAS, we're stuck in poverty cycles.'

NSFAS Funding Gaps: The Heart of the TVET Student Protests

At the core of the Pretoria TVET student protests lies a critical disparity in NSFAS support. While students in National Certificate Vocational (NCV) programmes receive tuition, accommodation, living allowances, and learning materials, those in occupational qualifications—designed for faster workforce integration—get only tuition and accommodation. This exclusion leaves students without stipends for books, transport, or personal care, exacerbating dropout risks.

For 2026, NSFAS approved funding for over 1.24 million students, disbursing R6.3 billion early in the year. Yet, appeals surged past 100,000, with TVET occupational learners disproportionately affected. The Heher Commission recommended holistic funding, but implementation lags, fueling unrest.

TVET Sector in South Africa: Enrollment Boom Amid Systemic Strains

South Africa's public TVET system comprises 50 colleges serving nearly 700,000 students annually, with projections for 106,615 first-time entrants in 2026. These institutions offer practical skills in trades like engineering, hospitality, and IT, addressing youth unemployment hovering at 60% for ages 15-24.

TVET enrolment has pivoted from universities, with youth recognising vocational paths' employability edge—grads boast 20-30% higher placement rates in some sectors. However, the sector's potential is undermined by underutilisation, with only 20% capacity filled in quality programmes.

Infrastructure and Lecturer Shortages: Crumbling Foundations

TVET colleges grapple with dilapidated facilities: leaking roofs, absent labs, and unreliable electricity plague 40% of campuses. The DHET's infrastructure grant falls short, with R2 billion needed yearly versus R800 million allocated.

Lecturer vacancies exceed 15,000, as industry poaches skilled educators with better pay. Rigid hiring processes delay fillings, while uncompetitive salaries deter talent. Phasing out outdated N4-N6 certificates demands retraining, straining resources further.

These issues amplify dropout rates: 60% in the first year overall, 69% among NSFAS-funded TVET students failing progression criteria.

Photo by Mudadi Saidi on Unsplash

A History of Unrest: From FeesMustFall to #OccupyDHET

TVET protests echo the 2015-2016 #FeesMustFall movement, where EFF Student Command mobilised masses for free education. Recent flare-ups include 2025 marches over NSFAS delays at Ekurhuleni West and eThekwini TVET colleges, and February 2026 Durban University of Technology shutdowns rejected by EFFYC.

The current #OccupyDHET campaign builds on this legacy, demanding systemic overhaul amid NSFAS scandals like payments to 822 deceased students and R630 million outsourcing fraud probes.

Government Initiatives: War Room and Reforms in Motion

DHET Minister Buti Manamela launched a 'war room' for 2026 readiness, prioritising NSFAS timelines, accreditation, and student housing. NSFAS pledged April 17 payouts, but occupational inclusion remains pending.

Budget allocations rose: R54.3 billion for NSFAS 2026/27, plus TVET subsidies. Partnerships like PIC PPPs aim to transform infrastructure. Yet, critics argue reforms are reactive, not proactive.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Colleges, Unions, and Opposition Weigh In

• TVET Principals: Acknowledge funding shortfalls but urge violence-free dialogue.
• Unions like SAOU: Highlight lecturer poaching, call for salary hikes.
• Opposition (DA): Demands accountability on violent protests, faster NSFAS resolutions.
• USAf: Advocates TVET growth for employability, warns of 'tertiary space crisis'.

Balanced views emphasise collaboration over confrontation.

Economic Ripples: Youth Unemployment and Skills Mismatch

TVET disruptions compound South Africa's 33% overall unemployment, with graduates facing skills gaps. Despite better outcomes, 40% of TVET alumni remain jobless six months post-qualification due to economic stagnation.

Protests delay training, perpetuating poverty cycles. Resolving demands could unlock artisan pipelines for infrastructure projects like Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers.

Towards Solutions: Expanding Funding, Building Capacity

Proposed fixes include:

• Full NSFAS for occupational programmes.
• R5 billion infrastructure injection.
• Competitive lecturer incentives.
• Public-private apprenticeships.
• Digital platforms for NSFAS transparency.

DHET's Vision 2030 targets 2.5 million TVET students, demanding political will.

Photo by Dieu Huyen Hoang on Unsplash

Outlook: Hope Amid Tension for TVET Transformation

The Pretoria march signals deepening frustration but potential catalyst for change. With NSFAS payouts imminent, DHET's response will shape 2026's academic year. Sustainable TVET reforms promise economic dividends, equipping youth for a post-coal economy. Stakeholders must unite to prevent escalation, ensuring protests pave the way for progress rather than paralysis.