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On 29 October 2025, Deputy Minister Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube officially launched the 4IR Centre of Excellence at Flavius Mareka TVET College in Sasolburg. The initiative emphasize a major step toward strengthening TVET colleges’ responsiveness to emerging technologies and digital transformation.
What Happened
The Centre forms part of a national project by the ETDP SETA in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to establish 4IR Centres across selected TVET institutions. Located within the Sasol Industrial Hub, the Flavius Mareka site will serve as a strategic hub for innovation, applied research, and industrial collaboration.
Official Response
Deputy Minister Dube-Ncube said the Centre will “empower students with skills for the future while building lecturer capacity to deliver cutting-edge programmes.” She added that the collaboration with the Sasol Foundation and ETDP SETA strengthens the bridge between education and industry.
Community Impact
The Centre is expected to serve the Free State and neighbouring provinces, fostering youth and women’s participation in technology fields. It also supports the department’s campaign to make TVET colleges the first choice for 2026 applicants by aligning education with real industry needs.
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