The Gauteng Free State Marketing and Communication Forum (GFSMF) has officially launched its Drive-by Campaign with the theme ‘Addressing the Stigma Surrounding the TVET Sector ‘. The departments have collaborated to address concerns about TVET colleges and combat the stigma that communities associate with them.
Zuko Mbolekwa, Chairperson of the Marketing and Communication Forum, says the joint forum is made up of 12 TVET colleges, eight from Gauteng and four from Free State.
Mbolekwa said that the two provinces have joined to form one region to expand awareness and promote the fantastic opportunities within the TVET industry while combating the stigma associated with these colleges.
“Our intention is to try and fight against the stigma that is within our communities and the perceptions that people have about TVET colleges. People have perceptions that TVET colleges are for those who are academically inclined, and as a forum, we are trying to preach against that,” said Mbolekwa.
The chairperson highlights the issues that the TVET sector has experienced in the community. He further said that TVET colleges are perceived as being for those who are not “smart,” which the forum attempts to fight against by offering a diverse range of programs.
The forum intends to provide learners with options in terms of career possibilities and experience and create a platform for TVET students to be recruited alongside students from other sectors.
Mbolekwa emphasises that this partnership began with the goal of battling the stigma as a group rather than as separate colleges. He also states that the goal is to encourage people to register at TVET institutions without hesitation, as well as to disseminate information about TVET colleges to the general public.
The chairperson states that this forum is primarily aimed at marketing and communications departments due to the importance of informing and delivering messages to learners through marketing, allowing learners to make informed choices.
“Marketing is a gateway to any TVET college, and so it becomes important for us to preach a message to the prospective learners before they even come to the college,” Mbolekwa explains.
The collaboration between Gauteng and Free State is to form a single region, but Mbolekwa hopes to bring more provinces together in the future to join and address these challenges.
This program is held yearly in August, which is designated as the TVET month on the DHET calendar. He further said that the date may change each year, but the forum makes it a point to highlight the TVET sector every August.
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