MLab begins New Project To Support Innovation-led Enterprise In SA TVET Colleges
MLab begins New Project To Support Innovation-led Enterprise In SA TVET Colleges. In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) continues to reshape economies, industries, and societies worldwide. As this digital transformation accelerates, it becomes increasingly essential to ensure that all segments of society, particularly the youth, are equipped to participate meaningfully. One such effort to bridge this gap is the recent launch of an innovation-driven initiative by mLab aimed at transforming South Africa’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Bridging the Digital Divide in TVET Colleges
Despite their importance in the South African education landscape, many TVET colleges face significant challenges. These include limited institutional funding, outdated curricula, and insufficient access to technology infrastructure. As a result, TVET graduates often find themselves ill-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the digital economy.
To address these challenges, mLab a leading mobile solutions laboratory and accelerator has partnered with the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF). This initiative is spearheaded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Its mission: to empower aspiring tech entrepreneurs and innovators within the South African TVET ecosystem.
The Higher Education Innovation Fund: A Catalyst for Change
The HEIF initiative represents a strategic move towards aligning education with industry needs. Through this program, mLab will implement entrepreneurship training and incubation programmes at five strategically selected TVET colleges in South Africa. These programmes aim to empower not just students, but also academic staff, with hands on knowledge and practical skills in innovation led business development.
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneurial Skill Development | Equip students with skills to turn ideas into viable businesses. |
| Staff Empowerment | Train educators to deliver and sustain entrepreneurship training. |
| Innovation Ecosystem Integration | Connect TVETs to funders, industry, and infrastructure providers. |
| Governance and Support | Create enabling environments for innovation within colleges. |
According to Nicoli Koorbanally, CEO of mLab, the goal is to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. “This initiative gives students the opportunity to become problem-solvers, equipped with the necessary tools to launch startups that address community challenges,” she said.
Participating TVET Colleges
The project will be rolled out at several key TVET colleges, chosen for their regional significance and potential for growth. These institutions include:
- Umgungundlovu TVET College – KwaZulu-Natal
- Capricorn TVET College – Limpopo
- Ekurhuleni West TVET College – Gauteng
- Northern Cape Rural TVET College – Upington and Namaqualand campuses
- Northern Cape Urban TVET College
These colleges will serve as innovation hubs, where entrepreneurship is not only taught but embedded into the culture of learning. The initiative seeks to deepen the relevance of TVET colleges in the broader innovation ecosystem.
mLab Strategic Goals in TVET Institutions
The goals mLab aims to achieve through this initiative include:
- Reinforcing the role of TVET colleges as active players in national innovation.
- Rebuilding trust and collaboration among education stakeholders.
- Strengthening connections between colleges and key industry players.Removing barriers to innovation through capacity building and support.
By implementing these strategies, mLab hopes to create a sustainable impact, where innovation becomes a long-term driver of economic empowerment for youth.
Supporting South Africa’s Youth in the Digital Economy
Speaking on behalf of the UNDP, Phumla Hlati, Head of the Inclusive Growth Portfolio, emphasized the importance of youth empowerment in South Africa’s socio-economic development. “Strengthening the TVET ecosystem is not just an educational initiative it’s a national imperative,” Hlati said.
She further highlighted the need for access to future-fit skills, tools, and platforms that allow young people to innovate, lead, and adapt in an ever-changing world. According to Hlati, the UNDP sees this effort as critical to building a more resilient and inclusive economy.
Why Innovation-Led Entrepreneurship Matters
The shift towards innovation-led entrepreneurship is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. In countries like South Africa, where youth unemployment remains high, equipping students with the tools to create their own opportunities is key to long-term stability and growth.
Key Benefits of Innovation-Led Training
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Economic Empowerment | Encourages job creation and self-employment. |
| Community Development | Students build solutions for local problems. |
| Sustainable Learning | Staff training ensures ongoing skill dissemination. |
| Inclusive Growth | More students gain access to high-value skills. |
This type of training encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration—all essential skills for success in the digital age.
Building the Future of South Africa’s Workforce
By investing in the TVET sector, the HEIF-mLab partnership is doing more than just teaching students how to build businesses; it’s redefining what education means in the 21st century. It positions TVET colleges as breeding grounds for innovation, creativity, and resilience.
The future of work is being rewritten in real-time. As automation, AI, and other technologies continue to evolve, initiatives like this ensure that South African youth are not left behind, but rather, are empowered to lead.
Conclusion
The collaboration between mLab, DSTI, and UNDP through the Higher Education Innovation Fund represents a bold step toward transforming South Africa’s education system. By integrating entrepreneurship and innovation training into the curriculum of TVET colleges, the program is preparing students for real-world challenges while promoting a culture of self-reliance and innovation.
