The Department of Higher Education and Training: Shaping South Africa’s Skills and Knowledge Economy

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The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) plays a central role in building South Africa’s knowledge base, workforce capacity, and long-term economic sustainability. As the government department responsible for post-school education and training, DHET oversees universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, community education colleges, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), and skills development initiatives across the country.

In a nation facing high youth unemployment and growing demand for critical skills, the department’s mandate extends far beyond education — it is a driver of economic transformation and social mobility.

The Mandate and Strategic Vision

DHET was established to consolidate all post-school education and training under one department. Its mission is to:

• Expand access to higher and vocational education

• Improve the quality of teaching and learning

• Strengthen skills development for employability

• Address historical inequalities in education

• Align training with labour market needs

Through policy frameworks such as the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, DHET aims to produce a skilled and capable workforce that supports inclusive growth and industrial development.

Key Sectors Under DHET

1. Universities

South Africa has 26 public universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. DHET provides funding, oversight, and policy direction to ensure institutions maintain academic standards while expanding access to disadvantaged communities.

Universities are central to research, innovation, and professional development in fields such as engineering, health sciences, law, finance, and technology.

2. TVET Colleges

TVET colleges focus on vocational and occupational training, equipping students with practical skills in areas like:

• Electrical engineering

• Plumbing

• Hospitality

• Business studies

• Information technology

• Automotive repair

These colleges are vital in addressing artisan shortages and bridging the gap between theory and practical workplace competence.

3. Community Education and Training (CET) Colleges

CET colleges provide opportunities for adults and out-of-school youth to complete basic education or gain foundational skills. They support lifelong learning and promote social inclusion.

4. SETAs and Skills Development

DHET oversees various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), which are responsible for facilitating learnerships, internships, apprenticeships, and workplace-based training within specific industries.

SETAs work closely with employers to ensure training responds directly to industry needs, thereby improving employability.

Student Financial Support

One of DHET’s most impactful interventions is the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which provides financial assistance to qualifying students from low-income households. NSFAS covers tuition, accommodation, and learning materials for eligible university and TVET students.

This initiative has opened doors for hundreds of thousands of young South Africans who would otherwise be excluded from higher education due to financial barriers.

Challenges Facing the Department

Despite progress, DHET continues to face complex challenges:

• Funding constraints amid growing student demand

• Infrastructure backlogs at colleges

• Mismatch between graduate skills and labour market needs

• High dropout rates in some programmes

• Administrative inefficiencies within certain institutions

Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts between government, industry, and educational institutions.

Opportunities for Youth

Beyond formal qualifications, DHET supports:

• Internships and graduate programmes

• Apprenticeships and artisan development

• Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements

• Skills programmes aligned to scarce and critical skills

For many young South Africans, DHET initiatives provide a pathway from unemployment to sustainable careers.

The Future of Higher Education and Training

As South Africa adapts to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), DHET is increasingly focused on:

• Digital skills and technology integration

• Innovation and entrepreneurship development

• Green economy and sustainable skills

• Expanded online and blended learning

The department’s success will depend on its ability to modernise education while ensuring inclusivity and quality.

Conclusion

The Department of Higher Education and Training is more than a policy institution — it is a cornerstone of South Africa’s economic future. By expanding access to education, strengthening vocational training, and investing in skills development, DHET empowers individuals while building national capacity.

In a country where youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges, the work of DHET is not only educational — it is transformational.

DRIVERS (4 POSTS)

Salary: R193 359 per annum (Level 02), plus applicable public sector benefits

Centres and Reference Numbers:

• Alexandra – Ref No: CJC/ALE/013/2026

• Smit – Ref No: CJC/SMT/014/2026

• Riverlea – Ref No: CJC/RIV/015/2026

• Parktown – Ref No: CJC/PKT/016/2026

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 10 / Standard 8 qualification

• Valid Code 08 driver’s licence

• 7–12 months of relevant experience

Knowledge Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of:

• Relevant legislation, policies, and procedures

• Vehicle maintenance procedures

• Storage requirements

• Messenger services and registry processes

• Office support functions

• Photocopying and document handling

• Vehicle operation procedures

• Trip authorisation procedures

• Completion of vehicle logbooks

• Recording fuel usage and kilometres travelled

Skills Required

• Competent driving skills

• Reading and writing ability

• Ability to change flat tyres and perform minor vehicle maintenance

• Vehicle cleaning and upkeep

Key Responsibilities

• Operate light and medium motor vehicles to transport passengers and deliver mail/documents

• Perform routine maintenance on allocated vehicles and report defects promptly

• Accurately complete logbooks and required documentation related to vehicle usage and goods transported

• Provide clerical and messenger support services within the relevant office

• Assist registry functions

• Support photocopying, faxing, and collection/delivery of documentation within the college

Enquiries

Mr. MB Khakhu
Email: khakhum@cjc.edu.za
Tel: (011) 351 6000

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via:
https://cjcz83.ngnscan.co.za/apply

Important Notes

• Applications must include:
  (a) A fully completed and signed online Z83 form, clearly stating the post and reference number
  (b) An updated CV

• Only shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit certified supporting documents.

• Shortlisted candidates (including SMS level) will undergo two pre-entry assessments:

  • A practical exercise

  • An Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment

• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

• Separate applications must be submitted for each post applied for.

• Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA.

• No emailed, faxed, posted, or hand-delivered applications will be accepted.

• The college reserves the right to withdraw the posts at any time.

• If you do not receive feedback within 60 days after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

• The institution is an equal opportunity employer.

Closing Date: 13 March 2026 at 23:59

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