Mthashana TVET College has opened online applications for NSF-funded Skills Training Programmes in Food Preparation and Entrepreneurship, running for three months with a monthly stipend for every participating learner. The Food Preparation programme accepts applicants from as low as Grade 10, and applications close on 19 June 2026.
Let that sink in: no registration fees, no tuition fees, no consumable costs — and instead of paying to learn, you get paid while you learn. For unemployed South Africans who’ve been locked out of opportunities by Matric requirements and study costs, this is the door that’s usually closed.
What Are These NSF Skills Programmes About?
The National Skills Fund (NSF) finances short, practical training designed to get unemployed South Africans work-ready or business-ready fast. Mthashana TVET College is delivering two of these programmes across its skills centres in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Both programmes run for three months, are fully funded, and pay learners a monthly stipend for the duration of the training. Successful applicants pay nothing — not for registration, not for tuition, not for consumables.
Skills Programme 1: Food Preparation – From Grade 10 Up
The Food Preparation programme builds practical catering and cooking skills, opening doors into:
- Catering businesses and food production
- Careers in the hospitality industry and restaurants
- Community feeding initiatives
- Entrepreneurship in food services
Entry requirements: Grade 10, Grade 11 or Grade 12 results, a Matric certificate, or an NQF Level 2 qualification.
Where you can train:
- Babanango Skills Centre (Babanango area, Vryheid Campus 06) — 15 learners
- Mashiyinduku Skills Centre (Mange area, Mkuze, Maputa Campus 05) — 15 learners
Only 30 seats in total for this programme — remember that number when you’re deciding whether to apply today or “later.”
Skills Programme 2: Entrepreneurship – For Matric Holders
The Entrepreneurship programme teaches participants how to:
- Start a small business and develop business ideas
- Manage business finances
- Understand entrepreneurship principles
- Operate sustainable enterprises
For unemployed individuals tired of waiting for someone to hire them, this programme builds the foundation to create your own employment.
Entry requirements: Grade 12 (Matric) or an NQF Level 4 qualification.
Where you can train:
- Dan Nkosi Skills Centre (Bilanyoni, Paulpietersburg, Vryheid Campus 01) — 20 learners
- Maputa Skills Centre (Thandizwe area, KwaNgwanase, Maputa Campus 05) — 20 learners
Do You Meet the General Requirements?
To qualify for either programme, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be unemployed
- Not currently be studying at any institution
- Not be registered for another programme
- Not be a former beneficiary of NSF-funded programmes
- Commit to completing the full three-month programme
Persons living with disabilities are specifically encouraged to apply.
Which Documents Should You Prepare?
Have these certified and ready before you start:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your highest school results
- Proof of residence
Make sure every document is clear, readable and properly certified — blurry uploads are a silent application killer.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Notice that each skills centre lists exactly how many learners it will take — as few as 15 per site. That means your choice of centre matters as much as your application. Pick the skills centre closest to where you actually live (your proof of residence should back this up), because colleges prioritise local applicants who can realistically attend every day for three months. And don’t sit on this one: with only 70 seats across both programmes and a deadline of 19 June, “I’ll apply on the weekend” is how people miss out.
How Do You Apply?
Applications are accepted online only — hand-delivered, faxed and emailed applications will not be accepted, and no placement tests are required.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the Mthashana TVET College online student portal
- Register a new account if you’re a first-time applicant
- Create your student profile
- Choose your preferred campus or skills centre
- Select the workshop listed under the 3-month training opportunities
- Choose your programme and complete the application
For enquiries, contact the Occupational Programmes Unit on 034 980 1010 or email Info.Skills@mthashana.edu.za
Applications close on 19 June 2026.
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Final Thoughts
Free training, a monthly stipend, no placement test, and entry requirements that welcome people from Grade 10 — programmes this accessible are precisely why the National Skills Fund exists, and they fill up the moment word spreads.
If you’re unemployed, in or near one of these communities, and ready to commit three months to changing your direction, register on the portal today. The deadline of 19 June 2026 is only a week away.
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