By Phindile Zwane
Published: 16 June 2026
Category: Skills Development, TVET Opportunities, Youth Employment, Entrepreneurship
A fully funded skills programme can provide more than just training—it can create pathways to employment, self-employment, and long-term income opportunities.
Mthashana TVET College has opened applications for its National Skills Fund (NSF)-funded Skills Training Programmes for 2026. The initiative offers unemployed South Africans the opportunity to gain practical skills in either Food Preparation or Entrepreneurship, with training fully funded and monthly stipends available for successful participants.
The programmes run for three months and are specifically designed for individuals who want to improve their employability, gain hands-on industry skills, or explore opportunities to start their own businesses.
Applications close on 19 June 2026, and spaces are limited across the available training centres.
Why Skills Training Matters in Today’s Economy
South Africa’s labour market continues to evolve, with employers increasingly seeking candidates who possess practical, workplace-ready skills.
For many unemployed individuals, short-term occupational training programmes provide a valuable stepping stone toward:
- Employment opportunities
- Self-employment ventures
- Small business ownership
- Skills development
- Income generation
- Career advancement
Unlike traditional academic programmes, skills training focuses heavily on practical application, enabling participants to develop competencies that can be used immediately after completion.
About the NSF-Funded Skills Training Programme
The National Skills Fund supports initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment and strengthening workforce readiness across South Africa.
Through Mthashana TVET College, participants will receive:
- Fully funded training
- Practical skills development
- Monthly stipends
- Occupational learning opportunities
- Access to accredited training environments
Importantly, learners are not required to pay:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Consumable fees
- Placement testing fees
This makes the programme accessible to qualifying applicants who may otherwise face financial barriers to further training.
Food Preparation Programme: Skills for Employment and Small Business Opportunities
The Food Preparation programme is designed for individuals interested in food production, catering, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.
Participants will gain practical knowledge that may support careers in:
- Catering services
- Restaurant operations
- Food production
- Hospitality establishments
- Community feeding initiatives
- Food-related small businesses
Available Food Preparation Training Sites
Babanango Skills Centre
Area: Babanango
Centre Code: Vryheid Campus 06
Available Spaces: 15 Learners
Mashiyinduku Skills Centre
Area: Mange Area – Mkuze
Centre Code: Maputa Campus 05
Available Spaces: 15 Learners
Food Preparation Entry Requirements
Applicants must possess one of the following:
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
- Matric Certificate
- NQF Level 2 Qualification
The programme is particularly suitable for individuals seeking practical skills that can be used to secure employment or launch food-related enterprises.
Entrepreneurship Programme: Building Future Business Owners
The Entrepreneurship programme focuses on developing the knowledge and confidence required to start and manage a business successfully.
Participants will explore key areas such as:
- Business planning
- Financial management
- Opportunity identification
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Small business operations
- Self-employment strategies
With small businesses playing an important role in South Africa’s economy, entrepreneurial skills can provide alternative pathways to income generation.
Available Entrepreneurship Training Sites
Dan Nkosi Skills Centre
Area: Bilanyoni – Paulpietersburg
Centre Code: Vryheid Campus 01
Available Spaces: 20 Learners
Maputa Skills Centre
Area: Thandizwe Area – KwaNgwanase
Centre Code: Maputa Campus 05
Available Spaces: 20 Learners
Entrepreneurship Entry Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 / Matric Certificate, or
- NQF Level 4 Qualification
The programme is ideal for individuals interested in developing business knowledge that can support future entrepreneurial ventures.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet all general eligibility requirements before applying.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be unemployed
- Not currently be studying at any institution
- Not be registered for another programme
- Not have previously benefited from NSF-funded programmes
- Be willing to complete the full three-month programme
Disability Inclusion
Mthashana TVET College encourages applications from persons living with disabilities.
The programme aims to create inclusive opportunities that support skills development for diverse communities.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants should prepare certified and clearly readable copies of the following documents:
Required Documents
- Certified South African ID copy
- Certified copy of highest school results
- Proof of residence
Candidates should ensure all uploaded documents are legible and complete.
Poor-quality scans or unclear copies may negatively affect the application process.
Choosing the Right Programme for Your Future
Selecting the correct programme can significantly influence future career opportunities.
Food Preparation May Be Suitable If You Want To:
- Work in hospitality
- Join the catering industry
- Start a food business
- Develop practical cooking skills
- Enter food service environments
Entrepreneurship May Be Suitable If You Want To:
- Start a small business
- Become self-employed
- Learn business management principles
- Build financial literacy
- Develop entrepreneurial skills
Applicants should choose a programme aligned with their long-term goals rather than selecting based solely on available spaces.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Mthashana TVET College student portal.
Application Process
New applicants should:
- Register an online account.
- Create a student profile.
- Select the appropriate skills centre.
- Choose the desired programme.
- Upload required supporting documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Important Application Information
The college will not accept:
- Hand-delivered applications
- Faxed applications
- Emailed applications
Only online submissions will be considered.
Additional Benefits of the Programme
Successful participants can expect:
- Fully funded training
- Monthly stipend support
- No tuition costs
- No registration fees
- No placement testing
- Practical skills development
- Exposure to occupational training environments
These benefits help reduce barriers to participation while supporting learners throughout the programme.
Why Skills Training Can Increase Future Earning Potential
While short-term training programmes do not guarantee employment, they often improve a candidate’s competitiveness in the job market.
Skills-based training can help individuals:
- Strengthen their CV
- Improve employability
- Develop practical competencies
- Access entrepreneurial opportunities
- Build confidence and workplace readiness
For aspiring entrepreneurs, the skills acquired may also contribute to future business creation and income generation.
Contact Information
Applicants who require assistance may contact the Occupational Programmes Unit.
Telephone: 034 980 1010
Email: Info.Skills@mthashana.edu.za
Important Closing Date
Applications Close: 19 June 2026
With limited spaces available across all training sites, prospective applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
Available Spaces Summary
Food Preparation
- Babanango Skills Centre: 15 spaces
- Mashiyinduku Skills Centre: 15 spaces
Total: 30 Spaces
Entrepreneurship
- Dan Nkosi Skills Centre: 20 spaces
- Maputa Skills Centre: 20 spaces
Total: 40 Spaces
Editorial Analysis
The Mthashana TVET College NSF Skills Training Programme represents an accessible opportunity for unemployed South Africans seeking practical skills and career development.
The inclusion of both Food Preparation and Entrepreneurship pathways allows participants to choose between employment-focused skills and business-oriented training.
Combined with monthly stipend support and fully funded tuition, the programme lowers financial barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing skills development opportunities.
For applicants serious about improving their employment prospects or exploring self-employment, this initiative offers a valuable platform for personal and professional growth.
About the Author
Careers Insight Editorial Team
The SSETA Editorial Team researches and publishes information on South African learnerships, skills programmes, internships, bursaries, apprenticeships, and labour market trends. Our goal is to provide accurate, transparent, and practical information that helps individuals make informed career and education decisions.
Sources and References
- Mthashana TVET College Skills Training Programme Information
- National Skills Fund (NSF) Skills Development Initiatives
- South African TVET College Skills Development Frameworks
- Occupational Training and Workforce Development Resources
Publishing Transparency
This article is published for informational purposes only. Programme requirements, availability, stipend arrangements, and application procedures are subject to change by the training provider. Applicants should verify all information directly through Mthashana TVET College before applying. The publisher is not affiliated with Mthashana TVET College or the National Skills Fund and does not process applications on behalf of either organisation.
