A free three-month training programme can be the difference between waiting for an opportunity and building one. Mthashana TVET College is opening NSF-funded Skills Training Programmes for unemployed South Africans who want practical skills in Food Preparation or Entrepreneurship, with no tuition fees and monthly stipend support.
The programmes are funded by the National Skills Fund and run for three months. They are designed for unemployed applicants who are not currently studying and have not previously benefited from NSF-funded programmes.
This is a practical opportunity for people who want to improve their employability, gain hands-on skills or prepare for small business opportunities.
Applications close on 19 June 2026, so applicants should prepare their documents early and complete the online process before the deadline.
Why should unemployed applicants take this opportunity seriously?
Many unemployed people do not only need a certificate. They need a skill they can use.
That is what makes this opportunity strong.
The Mthashana TVET College NSF Skills Training Programmes focus on practical areas linked to income, employment and self-employment. Food Preparation can support entry into catering, hospitality and food services. Entrepreneurship can help participants understand how to build and manage small business ideas.
The biggest advantage is that the training is fully funded. Successful applicants do not pay registration fees, tuition fees or consumable costs.
What are the quick programme details?
Programme Provider: Mthashana TVET College
Funding Partner: National Skills Fund
Programme Type: Skills Training Programmes
Duration: 3 months
Training Areas: Food Preparation and Entrepreneurship
Location: Selected Mthashana skills centres
Monthly Stipend: Yes
Application Method: Online only
Closing Date: 19 June 2026
The official Mthashana notice confirms that online applications for skills training programmes were posted on 12 June 2026, with the college directing applicants to its online application system.
Which Food Preparation training sites are available?
The Food Preparation programme is aimed at applicants who want practical catering, cooking and food service skills.
This programme may suit people interested in:
- Catering businesses
- Hospitality opportunities
- Food production
- Restaurant work
- Community feeding projects
- Food service entrepreneurship
Available sites include:
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
Applicants for Food Preparation must have one of the following:
- Grade 10, Grade 11 or Grade 12 results
- Matric Certificate
- NQF Level 2 qualification
Which Entrepreneurship training sites are available?
The Entrepreneurship programme is designed for applicants who want to understand how to start, manage and grow a small business.
It may help participants learn how to:
- Develop a business idea
- Understand basic business principles
- Manage money in a small business
- Think like an entrepreneur
- Build confidence for self-employment
Available sites include:
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
Applicants for Entrepreneurship must have one of the following:
- Grade 12 / Matric
- NQF Level 4 qualification
Who can apply for the Mthashana TVET College NSF Skills Training 2026?
Applicants must meet the general requirements before submitting an application.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be unemployed
- Not be currently studying at any institution
- Not be registered for another programme
- Not be former beneficiaries of NSF-funded programmes
- Be willing to complete the full three-month programme
Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
This opportunity is best suited for applicants who are serious about attending, completing the training and using the skills afterwards.
What documents must applicants prepare?
Applicants should prepare clear, certified documents before starting the online application.
Required documents include:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of highest school results
- Proof of residence
Make sure all documents are readable before uploading them.
A blurry ID copy or unclear results document can weaken an application before it is even reviewed.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Choose the programme that matches your real goal. If you want to sell food, work in catering or start a food business, Food Preparation makes sense. If you want to start or manage a small business, Entrepreneurship is the stronger fit. Do not pick randomly just because spaces are available.
How can applicants submit their online application?
Applications must be submitted online through the Mthashana TVET College student portal.
Applicants can use the official Mthashana TVET College student portal to start the online application process.
New applicants should register an account, create a student profile, select the relevant campus or skills centre, and choose the available three-month skills programme they want to apply for.
No hand-delivered, faxed or emailed applications will be accepted.
What should applicants remember before submitting?
Applicants should keep these points in mind:
- Placement tests are not required
- Training is fully funded
- Monthly stipends will be paid to participating learners
- No registration fees are required
- No tuition fees are required
- No consumable fees are required
- Applicants must commit to the full three-month programme
- Applications must be submitted online only
- Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply
For enquiries, applicants can contact the Occupational Programmes Unit.
Telephone: 034 980 1010
Email: Info.Skills@mthashana.edu.za
When is the closing date?
Applications close on 19 June 2026.
Because spaces are limited at each training site, applicants should not wait until the final day.
Food Preparation has 30 listed spaces across two sites, while Entrepreneurship has 40 listed spaces across two sites.
Grow Your Career with SETACareers
Access the latest learnerships, internships, bursaries, scholarships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and practical SETA guides designed to help you succeed.
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Apprenticeships
- Bursaries
- Scholarships
- Fellowships
- Career Advice
- SETA Guides
Final Thoughts
The Mthashana TVET College NSF Skills Training Programmes 2026 offer unemployed South Africans a short, practical and fully funded way to build useful skills.
For applicants interested in food services, hospitality or catering, the Food Preparation programme can open a practical pathway. For those who want to start or manage a small business, Entrepreneurship can provide a strong foundation.
With free training, monthly stipend support and a short three-month commitment, this is an opportunity worth taking seriously before applications close on 19 June 2026.
