Assessing the Symbiotic Relationship between National Development Plan 2030 and the Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges National Certificate Vocational (NCV) programme

Abstract

Despite the successes that are liberating South Africans and changing educational policies, many citizens are still trapped in poverty and chronic unemployment, and the country remains a highly unequal society. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the nature of the symbiotic relationship between the Technical; Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges National Certificate; Vocational (NCV) programme; and NDP 2030 objectives. The qualitative research approach was adopted with a Case study design. Purposive sampling was used to select eight TVET college lecturers. The interpretive paradigm was used to describe the nature of the relationship the college has with other stakeholders. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews and analysed through a thematic approach. The findings revealed a lack of communication, poor relationships with relevant stakeholders, and infrastructural and resources as attributes that impede practices within TVET colleges. The other major challenge that emerged from this study is the lack of a responsive policy system which compromises practices within TVET colleges. Based on empirical evidence, it was recommended that the college requires a fully responsive TVET policy and synergistic efforts, pulling all resources together in achieving these objectives. The ultimate outcome contributes key knowledge that advances proper communication and a healthy relationship with different stakeholders that should be established and maintained for the success of TVET colleges. Keywords: Symbiotic Relationship, Development, National Development Plan (NDP)