Enhancing management and leadership systems in technical vocational education and training at selected colleges in KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

The Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in South Africa faces systemic challenges that undermine its ability to produce a highly skilled workforce, implement effective management practices, and position itself as the preferred choice for students pursuing technical and vocational careers. The governance structures of the country’s 50 public TVET colleges are characterised by inefficiencies, inadequate resource allocation, and limited institutional capacity, impeding their ability to fulfil the National Development Plan (NDP) objective of enrolling 2.5 million students by 2030. These deficiencies further weaken the sector’s capacity to mitigate critical socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, inequality, and poverty. This study critically examines the management and leadership structures of three selected TVET colleges in KwaZulu-Natal, Coastal TVET, Umfolozi TVET, and Mnambithi TVET. To identify strategies for improving institutional efficiency and governance. Anchored in an interpretative research paradigm and employing a phenomenological research strategy, the study adopts a qualitative methodological approach. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations, with a purposive and convenience sample of 41 participants, including senior managers, college council members, and student representatives. Findings reveal systemic deficiencies within TVET colleges, including inadequate infrastructure, constrained resources, weak industry linkages, limited stakeholder engagement, insufficient technological integration, governance challenges, and ineffective student support services. These barriers significantly impede institutional performance and the sector’s contribution to national development objectives. The findings reveal structural deficiencies, including inadequate infrastructure, financial and human resource constraints, weak industry partnerships, limited stakeholder engagement, insufficient technological integration, governance challenges, and ineffective student support services. These impediments significantly compromise institutional performance and the sector’s contribution to national development imperatives. To address these challenges, the study proposes an Integrated Management and Leadership Model designed to enhance governance, foster collaboration, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and promote transformational leadership within the TVET sector. This model advocates for strategic coordination, operational efficiency, and continuous institutional improvement. Its implementation would enable TVET colleges to improve governance, enhance educational outcomes, and increase graduate employability. Strengthening leadership and management structures within the TVET sector is imperative for advancing national workforce development, fostering economic growth, and promoting social equity in South Africa.