Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College students are frustrated by the ongoing delays in receiving their diplomas and certificates. The issue has prompted a petition for reform within the DHET, which has already received more than 1,000 signatures.
These delays can have serious consequences, preventing students from securing employment or pursuing further education. Many employers require proof of qualifications, and certificate delays can result in missed job opportunities.
Graduates who are unable to prove their qualifications also face financial challenges, especially those relying on employment to support themselves or their families.
The DHET has acknowledged the petition and confirmed that significant delays were experienced in 2024. To alleviate the impact, the department issued confirmation letters to qualifying students, confirming the completion of their studies.
The DHET stated that the 2024 certificate backlog “has been resolved,” with 18,000 diplomas printed and distributed to eligible students. A dedicated team is continuing to process outstanding applications.
Students who are still waiting for their diplomas are advised to visit www.e-services.gov.za, where they can register and log their concerns.
These queries will be prioritised by the Department, which has committed to increasing temporary capacity to address delayed diploma applications.
Students have also raised concerns about the implementation of the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act. Confusion around the Act’s application has reportedly made it difficult for students to secure work placements, as some businesses are hesitant to offer opportunities due to data protection concerns.
Without access to work placements, students may be unable to complete the practical requirements needed to obtain their diplomas.
The DHET has assured students that it will engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure the POPI Act does not prevent them from qualifying.
The department is also working with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), the independent quality assurance body for N4–N6 and National N Diplomas.
The QCTO, under the Skills Development Act of 1998, has the legal mandate to quality assure the processing of diplomas. The Department is currently awaiting a directive from the QCTO on the matter.
In addition to the administrative issues, students have expressed concern over the lack of support from the DHET in helping them secure the work placements required to complete their qualifications.
To address this, the Department plans to engage with college principals to build partnerships with local businesses. It aims to sign memoranda of understanding with companies to support students in completing their logbooks.
TVET College principals have also been instructed to establish monitoring units. These units will ensure that student work placements are relevant to their qualifications and meet programme requirements.
