EAST LONDON- Stakeholder engagement session sparks collaborative efforts for skills development and employment opportunities.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in the Eastern Cape recently joined forces with Eastern Cape Community Education Training College(CET) to host a stakeholder engagement session at East London Premier Hotel on 21st August 2025.
The event aimed to foster partnerships and linkages, enhancing the college’s ability to provide relevant skills training and support to students.
According to Acting Regional Manager at DHET in the province Richard Mediore, “The Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system must equip individuals with relevant and marketable skills that meet the evolving demands of the labor market.”
Mediore emphasized that that skills and occupations in high demand should be prioritised to ensure that trainings translates into tangible employment opportunities.
In addition Student Representative Council President Lihle Dlova, was grateful about the engagement, “We needed this session, as we’re struggling with poor infrastructure, nutrition, and funding. Now with stakeholders being in one room listening to the needs of students, there’s going to be change.”
The event highlighted challenges faced by colleges in rural areas, including inadequate funding and infrastructure. Stakeholders like Sector Education and Training Authority(SETA)were urged to provide funding to support these institutions.
Furthermore, the stakeholder engagement session focused on collaborative strategies for skills development and improved student exit support. By strengthening linkages with industry and stakeholders, Eastern Cape CET College can better equip students for the workforce, contributing to provincial economic growth.
Outcomes of the conference were to enhance partnerships between DHET, Eastern Cape CET College and industry stakeholders. Improving skills development and student exit support. To increase funding and infrastructure support for rural colleges.To add is to better-equip students for the workforce, contributing to provincial economic growth.
The success of this event highlights the potential for collaborative efforts to drive positive change in education and skills development in the region.
By working together, stakeholders can create a more sustainable and effective education system that benefits students and the broader community. This strategic partnership between DHET and Eastern Cape CET College is a significant step towards improving the quality of education and skills development in the region.
By fostering collaboration and partnerships, the college can better equip students for the workforce and contribute to the province’s economic growth.
Photograph: DHET
