Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, led the Department’s first national outreach event focused on community colleges at Phakamile Community Learning Centre in Kariega. The event, held at the Eastern CET College campus, focused on giving back to the community while promoting the importance of community colleges in South Africa’s education system.
The outreach aimed to improve the learning environment and raise public awareness about the role these colleges play, especially for youth and adults who may have missed traditional schooling opportunities.
“I didn’t just read a report — I’ve seen the challenges. These colleges are a second chance for so many. Whether someone dropped out because they fell pregnant or couldn’t complete matric, community colleges offer a real way forward,” said Dr Gondwe.
As part of the initiative, Dr Gondwe partnered with seven Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), with the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA leading the charge. Together, they donated R100,000 to establish an entrepreneurship hub, upgraded facilities such as the welding workshop and ceilings, provided paint, and supplied sanitary towels.
In a show of broader community collaboration, hygiene packs were also handed out to around 200 students, courtesy of Old Mutual, while the Agricultural Research Council helped launch a vegetable garden with tools and seedlings.
Dr Gondwe emphasised that such efforts are just the beginning: “This is about making community colleges places of opportunity and choice — not just alternatives. Our goal is to ensure they’re properly equipped and recognised.”
