Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe Helps Elangeni TVET College Raise Over R1 Million at Fundraising GalaHigher Education and Training

Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe has played a key role in helping Elangeni TVET College secure more than R1 million for vital infrastructure upgrades and skills-boosting projects. This achievement came during the college’s 3rd Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner, which took place on 21 November 2025 at the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga, north of Durban. The event brought together key players from business, industry, and education to support the growth of technical and vocational education in South Africa.

Through partnerships with local companies, the gala raised a total of R1 075 400. This money came from financial pledges, table sponsorships, personal donations, and bids at an auction. Around 150 guests attended, including representatives from businesses, industries, academic bodies, and individual entrepreneurs. Their presence showed strong backing from the community and private sector for improving the TVET system and pushing forward the country’s skills development goals.

Event Highlights and Theme

The gala dinner carried the theme “Partnerships with Purpose: TVET Innovation for Economic Growth”. It focused on building stronger links between education, industry, and communities to drive progress. Dr Gondwe served as the keynote speaker, sharing her views on the importance of working together to support young people in TVET colleges. She also moderated a panel discussion, where experts talked about ways to strengthen public-private partnerships in the sector.

During the evening, guests heard stories of how TVET education changes lives and helps build a skilled workforce. The event included networking sessions, where business leaders pledged support for specific projects at the college. These funds will go towards fixing and expanding facilities, buying new equipment, and running programmes that teach practical skills needed in today’s job market.

Dr Gondwe praised the college for putting on such a successful gathering and for creating real partnerships with businesses. She called on industries and communities to do more for TVET students. “A culture of giving does not emerge accidentally, it is deliberately cultivated,” she said. “The event demonstrated what becomes possible when communities, businesses, and government work together with a shared purpose. Building a culture of giving is not just about raising funds; it is about opening doors of opportunity for young people who rely on the TVET system for a better future.”

Elangeni TVET College Principal TJ Kula thanked Dr Gondwe for her help and for speaking at the event. “Her leadership in strengthening public-private partnerships across the TVET sector inspires our ongoing efforts to connect education, industry, and communities,” Kula said.

Background on Dr Mimmy Gondwe

Dr Mimmy Martha Gondwe, born on 7 February 1977, has been the Deputy Minister of Higher Education since July 2024. She brings a strong academic background to her role, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Philosophy from the University of Cape Town, a Bachelor of Laws from Rhodes University, a Master of Laws in Mercantile Law from Rhodes University, a Master of Laws in International Economic Law from the University of South Africa, and a Doctor of Laws in Competition Law from Rhodes University.

Before her current position, Dr Gondwe served as a Member of Parliament for the Democratic Alliance. She has focused on issues like education, economic growth, and skills development. In her work, she pushes for graduates to play active roles in the economy, including starting businesses and even exporting goods. Dr Gondwe has also led efforts to improve higher education links with other countries and has taken strong steps against illegal institutions, like closing down an unregistered school of African medicine in Ladysmith recently.

Her support for TVET colleges fits into her wider goal of making education a tool for better lives and stronger communities, especially in rural areas.

Elangeni TVET College’s History and Role

Elangeni TVET College has a rich history that started in 2002 when three public technical colleges merged: Pinetown, Sivananda in KwaMashu, and Ntuzuma. At first called Sivananda FET College, it changed to Elangeni TVET College. It made history in 2008 as the first FET college in South Africa to get ISO 9001 for quality and OHSAS 18001 for health and safety standards.

Today, the college has eight campuses spread around Durban, near the Umgeni River and on lands with deep cultural roots. It offers practical training in fields like engineering, business, hospitality, and information technology. Elangeni works closely with industries to make sure its programmes match job needs, helping students find work or start their own ventures.

The college is known for stories of success, like women breaking into male-dominated fields such as electrical work. It runs initiatives to empower learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and builds a skilled workforce for KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.

Previous Fundraising Success with Goldfields TVET College

Elangeni TVET College is the second place to get direct fundraising help from Dr Gondwe. In August 2025, she assisted Goldfields TVET College in the Free State to raise nearly R300 000. That event happened at the Tosa Campus in Welkom, after Dr Gondwe met with local businesses to encourage their support.

The Goldfields fundraiser was part of a bigger visit where Dr Gondwe also spoke at a Student Representative Council leadership summit. The money raised there went towards skills development and infrastructure, much like at Elangeni. This shows Dr Gondwe’s ongoing commitment to helping TVET colleges across provinces build stronger ties with the private sector.

Impact on South Africa’s Skills Development

These fundraising efforts highlight the growing need for partnerships in the TVET sector. South Africa faces challenges like high youth unemployment and a skills gap in key industries. By bringing in private funding, colleges like Elangeni and Goldfields can improve their facilities and programmes, giving students better chances to succeed.

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