Youth Month Outreach Empowers Mpumalanga Students with On-Site Higher Ed Support

In a proactive bid to improve student access to key higher education support services, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), in collaboration with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the Helpdesk of Deputy Minister Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, hosted a Youth Month Community Outreach Programme this week at Ehlanzeni Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Mpumalanga.

This initiative formed part of the department’s broader effort to commemorate Youth Month 2025 by ensuring that government services are brought directly to students and youth in their communities. Held in Nelspruit, the outreach event was designed to address issues affecting young people pursuing further education and training, with a focus on responsiveness, transparency, and empowerment.

Bringing Government Support to the Student Doorstep

The outreach programme provided a critical platform for students to raise concerns and receive real-time assistance. Among the key services delivered on-site were:

• NSFAS-related support: Applications, appeals, allowance disbursement tracking

• Academic progress support: Delayed results, diploma issuance, and certification

• Admissions and institutional verification: Ensuring students were enrolled in accredited institutions

Deputy Minister Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, who attended and directly engaged with students, emphasized the government’s commitment to being present, proactive, and student-focused.

“The Youth Month Community Outreach Programme aims to deliver higher education support services directly to students. It is important for us as a department to always be visible, responsive, and impactful, so our students can progress well academically,” said Gondwe.

Helpdesk: A Rapid Response Platform for Students

A cornerstone of the department’s support structure, the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk was a central feature of the outreach. Since its establishment by Dr. Gondwe upon assuming office, the Helpdesk has become a critical escalation platform for student concerns within the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.

Operating with real-time responsiveness, the Helpdesk liaises closely with:

• The Examinations and Diplomas division

• The TVET and University branches within DHET

• The NSFAS administrative team

To date, the Helpdesk has managed 27,658 student queries, with an impressive 89% resolution rate, reflecting a strong culture of responsiveness and accountability.

“I am encouraged by the positive and visible impact the Helpdesk is making. It provides students and stakeholders with a trusted platform to escalate their issues,” Gondwe said. “I urge students to continue using this service and to contact us at DMsdesk@dhet.gov.za.”

Youth-Centered Approach During Youth Month

The event at Ehlanzeni TVET College was part of a national tour scheduled throughout Youth Month. It prioritizes face-to-face engagement with students, particularly those in rural and under-resourced areas, who may struggle to access assistance through conventional channels.

Students participating in the outreach expressed appreciation for the direct access to departmental officials, noting that such interventions reduce delays and frustrations, especially in critical areas like:

• Financial aid processing

• Academic certifications

• Accreditation concerns

The platform also served to educate youth on the available services and pathways in the PSET sector, promoting awareness and participation in opportunities that many students remain unaware of.

Next Stop: Western Cape

Building on the success in Mpumalanga, the Youth Month Community Outreach Programme will next move to the Western Cape, where similar engagements are planned at regional TVET colleges and university campuses.

The department’s long-term vision is to institutionalize mobile support services and leverage youth-centered campaigns as annual fixtures that help bridge the gap between government and students.

Government in Action for Youth Empowerment

With South Africa’s youth grappling with issues of unemployment, access to education, and service delivery challenges, the DHET’s outreach model reflects a hands-on, people-first governance approach. By going beyond administrative boundaries and into the communities, the department is redefining service delivery in the education sector.

The initiative not only helps resolve student concerns but also restores faith in public institutions and strengthens the social contract between government and young citizens.