Modelling TVET Colleges as Alternative Centres to Deliver eSkills Training in Rural Communities of Eastern Cape

Abstract

The National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA) has adopted, among other objectives, a focus and dedication of time and resources in upskilling people to be digitally competent. This objective is delivered through provincial e-Skills CoLabs distributed around South Africa which have the mandate to roll out the necessary digital skills (e-skills) courses for various ICT user groups usually at ICT Centres with adequate infrastructure. This is necessary as it is public knowledge that while people may own ICT devices, they still face challenges utilising them to work, get further training and conduct business. However, many ICT Centres that are either donated or provided by various stakeholders have failed due to sustainability. This study interrogates the potential of Eastern Cape Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges (TVETs) as ICT centres to deliver e-skills training. Most of these TVET college campuses are located in rural areas; therefore provide a means to bridge the digital gap between and develop the capacity of our rural communities and up skill people. Informed by the brief background above, the research question guiding this study is “What is the state of readiness of TVET colleges as ICT centres of choice to service communities”? To respond to this question, 6 Eastern Cape TVET colleges of Eastern Cape were sampled.