Emalahleni – The Nkangala TVET College, in partnership with the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA), launched its Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Centre of Excellence on 27 October 2025 in Emalahleni.
“This launch is beyond the celebration of a state-of-the-art facility,” said Dr Nick Bulkrishen from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). “It is a celebration of visionary leadership, collaboration and progress. Our TVET colleges are evolving into engines of creativity, digital learning and technological advancement. They are becoming spaces of invention where young South Africans learn to design, code, create and lead.”
The launch of the 4IR Lab positions Nkangala TVET College as a leader in digital education. By combining advanced technology, skilled training and strong partnerships, the college is preparing students for the demands of the modern economy and contributing to South Africa’s broader agenda.
Dr. Bulkrishen praised the collaboration between DHET and ETDP SETA as an example of effective partnership in education. “It demonstrates how collaboration between government, SETAs and industry can directly impact communities, empower youth and strengthen the future of our economy,” he said.
Adding to the occasion, Charlton Philiso, Regional Manager at ETDP SETA, emphasised the importance of equipping today’s youth for a rapidly evolving, technology-driven future.
“Today we celebrate a milestone that connects our past in mining with our future in technology,” said Philiso. “Coding teaches you how to think logically, to solve problems and to create solutions. Robotics teaches you how to work with machines to make life easier, smarter, and more efficient.”
He encouraged students to take ownership of the 4IR Centre and seize the opportunities it presents.
“Through coding and robotics, you can move from being a job seeker to becoming a job creator,” Philiso said. “This lab is not just an educational space, it is a legacy for the community, for your children and for generations to come. Make sure you grab this opportunity and run with it.”
Among the inspired attendees was Anele Kolobe, a student at Nkangala TVET College.“I’m excited about the 3D printer in the 4IR Lab. It’s amazing to see technology that can create physical objects from digital designs. This opens up endless possibilities for innovation and creativity,” said Kolobe. “The future of education and work will involve more technology and automation, but it will also create opportunities for people to focus on creative and high-value work. That’s why it’s essential to develop skills that complement technology like collaboration and innovation.”
Siyabulela Ndlala, Campus Manager at Nkangala TVET College, detailed the technologies available in the new facility and outlined ambitious plans for future academic offerings.
“We’ve got robotic arms, robotic cars that are fully programmed, virtual reality systems and two 3D printers capable of producing objects and products that can even be sold commercially,” said Ndlala. “We also have smart boards equipped with the latest technology from abroad. These tools are transforming how our students learn and innovate.”
He announced that the college will introduce a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Programme in Robotics and Programming in the 2026 academic year, following approval from the DHET.
“We’ve already received approval to offer this programme and we plan to start with about 30 students next year,” Ndlala said. “Our goal is to prioritise local youth from Emalahleni and surrounding areas, especially those with mathematics and science backgrounds.”
Ndlala added, “Next year, we’ll organise additional college-based training to make sure our educators are fully equipped to deliver these new courses effectively.”
He emphasised that the true measure of success for the 4IR Centre will be seen through student enrollment, skills development and graduate outcomes.
“The more students we enroll and the more graduates we produce both in formal and skills programmes the greater our success,” he said. “This initiative is about giving young people in and around Emalahleni real opportunities to learn, create and contribute to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
