*A Nation That Works Must First Train Its Workers* By Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Cape Town – The State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2024 was an opportunity to reflect on the progress and challenges facing our country. One of the critical issues that South Africa must urgently address is skills development and local manufacturing—not just as policy concepts, but as the foundation of an economy that truly works for all. That is why, at SONA this year, I chose to walk the red carpet in the work suit of an artisan from North Link TVET College, joined by Professor Dipiloane Phutsisi, CEO of Motheo TVET College, one of the strongest advocates for the advancement of vocational education in South Africa. This was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a statement about the value of vocational skills, technical training, and the industries that depend on them. In his address, President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Community College sector plays a leading role in economic transformation, recognizing that “We must intensify efforts to align skills development with the needs of the economy, ensuring that our youth are prepared for work in fields that will drive South Africa’s growth.” The Skills That Build Nations For too long, TVET colleges and vocational careers have been undervalued in South Africa. Yet, they are the very backbone of an industrialized, self-sufficient economy. No country can build infrastructure, expand manufacturing, or drive innovation without skilled artisans, engineers, and tradespeople. As I have said before, a nation that cannot produce its own plumbers, welders, and cobblers does not have the luxury of dreaming about sending people to Mars. The global shift towards re-industrialization and self-sustaining economies demands that we reframe our priorities: ✅ TVETs and skills-based careers must be central to job creation and economic growth. ✅ Work-integrated learning should be expanded, ensuring graduates have real pathways into employment. ✅ Government and industry partnerships must be strengthened to align TVET and Community College curricula with market needs. South Africa’s 50 public TVET colleges, spread across 360 campuses, are already providing training in engineering, ICT, hospitality, agriculture, construction, and a range of trades that are critical to economic growth. Additionally, our Community Colleges, which focus on adult education and skills development for those who were previously left out of the formal education system, are becoming a vital force in equipping South Africans with lifelong learning opportunities. Yet, despite their importance, these institutions remain underutilized and underfunded, with many young people unaware of the pathways they offer to employment and entrepreneurship. As Professor Phutsisi noted during SONA, we need to elevate the status of TVETs and Community Colleges and ensure they are recognized as essential pillars of South Africa’s development, not as alternatives for those who did not attend university. Strengthening Industry Partnerships for Job Placement To ensure that graduates from TVETs and Community Colleges are job-ready, the government is expanding partnerships with industries, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, construction, energy, and ICT, where South Africa faces a growing demand for skilled workers. We are also finalizing plans to integrate industry-led training into TVET curricula, so that companies can directly participate in shaping the skills pipeline. This will include upskilling TVET lecturers, ensuring that training is aligned with the latest industry standards. Buying Local to Build South Africa Beyond the conversation on skills, I also used SONA 2024 to champion the “Buy Local” movement, reinforcing the urgent need to support South African manufacturing and local businesses. Every time we purchase a locally made product, we invest in jobs, industry growth, and national self-reliance. But buying local is not just about consumer choices—it must extend to policy decisions, procurement strategies, and industrial planning. The government, private sector, and citizens must actively support South African-made products, including those produced by TVET-trained artisans and manufacturers. The Way Forward: From Words to Action The overwhelming response to these issues at SONA confirms that South Africans understand the importance of skills development and local manufacturing. But conversation alone is not enough. We must commit to: 📌 Expanding access to TVET and Community College education and increasing funding for work-integrated learning. 📌 Ensuring that every TVET and Community College graduate is equipped with employable skills that match industry needs. 📌 Prioritizing local procurement in government and private sector projects. 📌 Strengthening incentives for businesses that hire and train artisans and tradespeople. As we move forward, this must not be a once-a-year debate tied to SONA. It should be the guiding principle of our economic policies. South Africa’s future will not be built in boardrooms alone—it will be shaped by the hands of skilled workers, artisans, and tradespeople who keep our industries running. Deputy Minister Buti Manamela Ministry of Higher Education and Training 📍 Join the conversation online: #tvetsmatter #skillsrevolution #buylocaltocreatejobs #anationthatworks