Gauteng Free State Marketing & Comms Forum

✨ *Celebrating Our Own Region – Gauteng & Free State Spotlight* ✨

This Youth Month, the spotlight shines directly on our very own *Gauteng and Free State Region* , profiled through the inspiring journey of *Tshifhiwa Mutwanamba* . Her dedication, excellence, and collaborative spirit embody the values we champion as a collective.

As the Gauteng Free State Marketing and Communications Forum, we deeply appreciate this recognition. It affirms the impact of our region’s professionals who strengthen systems, connect institutions, and drive the TVET sector forward. Tshifhiwa’s story is not only her own — it is a reflection of the resilience, innovation, and commitment that define our region.

Together, we continue to showcase the power of communication, coordination, and youth leadership in shaping opportunities and building a nation that works for all.

On June 16, we remember the courage of 1976 and celebrate the promise of today’s youth. Gauteng & Free State TVET and CET Colleges are opening doors of opportunity through Occupational Programmes, ensuring that young people, and communities are empowered. Together, we build futures of skills, dignity, and hope.

YOUTH MONTH 2026 ✨

June is a time to celebrate the resilience, skills, and innovation of South Africa’s youth. 🌍💡

Gauteng & Free State TVET and CET Colleges are leading the way with modern Occupational Programmes — empowering young people with practical, industry‑aligned training that builds careers, strengthens communities, and shapes our nation’s future.

📢 Share your story of empowerment and let’s inspire the next generation!

The Gauteng Free State TVET and CET Colleges Marketing and Communications Forum GFSMCF convenes to strategize the implementation of occupational programmes

The Gauteng Free State Marketing and Communication Forum hosted a 2-day meeting to discuss the implementation of Occupational Programmes (OPs) in the colleges in our region. The meeting convened at Flavius Mareka TVET College, Sasolburg campus, on 30-31 March 2026.

It aimed to share best practices on OP advocacy strategies to help the colleges that are lagging behind. These programmes were introduced to replace the legacy programmes or Report 191, which are industry aligned. They will ensure that the students are employable and also pave the way for them to tap into entrepreneurship.

There were a number of challenges that were raised in relation to advocacy for occupational programmes. These called for colleges to find working strategies. The importance of internal advocacy was raised as a point of departure. Most of the colleges have indicated that they started with internal advocacy. This includes hosting staff information sessions, internal career guidance targeting students, production of posters, and email banners.

In terms of external advocacy, most of the colleges are communicating these programmes on social media platforms, career expos, and sharing print materials with the targeted stakeholders. Some colleges are as far as securing slots on mainstream and local media to market the occupational qualifications.

Again, the forum used the platform to plan the annual regional Drive-by Advocacy Campaign that is to be held later this year. The campaign covers the schools in the Free State and Gauteng province.