Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande, MP, on the establishment of the Community Education and Training Colleges (CETCs)
In line with the Continuing Education and Training Act, 2006 (Act No.16 of 2006), I have approved the establishment of the Community Education and Training Colleges (CETCs). In 2011 I appointed a Ministerial Task Team to conceptualise a workable institutional model for community education and training.
The report was published for public comments and subsequently approved by Cabinet. The establishment of this institutional type is a culmination of extensive work the Task Team undertook.
The Community Education and Training Colleges (CETCs) represent a third tier of institutions alongside Universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and will be known as Community Colleges.
This establishment is in response to the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training (2013) which sets out the policy direction for the establishment of Community Colleges. The White Paper articulates the rationale for the establishment of a Community College system.
Following the publication of the draft National Policy on Community Colleges in December 2014 for public comments, the draft Policy now provides the initial process to establish the overarching institutional framework for the establishment of Community Colleges and provides a transitory policy framework for the migration of the function of the Adult Education and Training (AET) Sector from the Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) with effect from 01 April 2015.
The Community Education and Training Colleges will enable the merger of existing public adult learning centres into Community Colleges.
There will be nine (9) locations for these Community Colleges with each province having one. The choice of seats and locations is informed by the National policy on Community Colleges which is the first policy instrument to enable the merger of public adult learning centres into CETCs. The draft National Policy is at the stage of finalisation.
I have also approved the publication for the nomination of members from the public and relevant stakeholders to serve in the governing councils of the nine Community Colleges.
The department has been putting all measures in place to ensure the smooth transition of the function for Community Colleges to officially exist on 1 April 2015.
For inquiries:
Khaye Nkwanyana
Media Liaision Officer
Cell: 083 952 9723
E-mail: Nkwanyana.K@dhet.gov.za
