National Skills Fund (NSF) Food Preparation & Entrepreneurship Short Skills Training Programmes 2026

Who can apply

• To qualify for these programmes, applicants must:
• Be South African citizens
• Be unemployed
• Not currently be studying at any institution
• Not be registered for another programme
• Not be former beneficiaries of NSF-funded programmes
• Be willing to complete the entire three-month programme

Documents you will need

• Applicants must prepare the following certified documents:
• Certified copy of South African ID
• Certified copy of highest school results
• Proof of residence
• Ensure that all documents are clear, readable, and certified according to application requirements.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to National Skills Fund NSF - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

If you are unemployed and looking for a funded training opportunity that can help you gain practical skills, improve your employability, or even start your own business, then the Mthashana TVET College NSF-funded Skills Training Programmes for 2026 may be worth considering.

Mthashana TVET College has officially opened online applications for several short skills programmes funded by the National Skills Fund (NSF). These programmes are designed to provide unemployed South Africans with practical, workplace-relevant skills while also offering a monthly stipend for the duration of the training.

The training programmes run for three months and are fully funded, meaning successful applicants will not have to pay registration fees, tuition fees, or consumable costs.

Applications close on 19 June 2026, making it important for interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Quick Overview

• Programme Provider: Mthashana TVET College
• Funding Partner: National Skills Fund (NSF)
• Programme Type: Skills Training Programmes
• Duration: 3 Months
• Location: Various Mthashana Skills Centres in KwaZulu-Natal
• Monthly Stipend: Yes
• Application Method: Online Only
• Closing Date: 19 June 2026

Who Can Apply?

• South African citizens
• Unemployed individuals
• Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Applicants not currently studying
• Applicants not previously funded by NSF programmes

Skills Programme 1: Food Preparation

The Food Preparation programme focuses on developing catering and cooking skills.

This programme may be suitable for individuals interested in:

• Catering businesses
• Hospitality industry careers
• Food production
• Community feeding initiatives
• Restaurant employment
• Entrepreneurship in food services

Training Sites and Available Spaces

Babanango Skills Centre

• Area: Babanango
• Centre Code: Vryheid Campus 06
• Number of Learners: 15

Mashiyinduku Skills Centre

• Area: Mange Area - Mkuze
• Centre Code: Maputa Campus 05
• Number of Learners: 15

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Grade 10, Grade 11 or Grade 12 results, OR
• A Matric Certificate, OR
• An NQF Level 2 qualification

Programme Duration: 3 Months

Skills Programme 2: Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship remains one of the most valuable skills in today’s economy.

This programme is designed to teach participants how to:

• Start a small business
• Manage business finances
• Develop business ideas
• Understand entrepreneurship principles
• Operate sustainable enterprises

For unemployed individuals who wish to create their own employment opportunities, this programme can provide a strong foundation.

Training Sites and Available Spaces

Dan Nkosi Skills Centre

• Area: Bilanyoni - Paulpietersburg
• Centre Code: Vryheid Campus 01
• Number of Learners: 20

Maputa Skills Centre

• Area: Thandizwe Area - KwaNgwanase
• Centre Code: Maputa Campus 05
• Number of Learners: 20

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Grade 12 (Matric), OR
• An NQF Level 4 qualification

Programme Duration

• 3 Months

General Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for these programmes, applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Be unemployed
• Not currently be studying at any institution
• Not be registered for another programme
• Not be former beneficiaries of NSF-funded programmes
• Be willing to complete the entire three-month programme

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following certified documents:

• Certified copy of South African ID
• Certified copy of highest school results
• Proof of residence

Ensure that all documents are clear, readable, and certified according to application requirements.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the Mthashana TVET College Student Portal.

• Step 1: Visit the student portal: https://mthashana.coltech.co.za/#year
• Step 2: If you are a new applicant, register a new account.
• Step 3: Create your student profile.
• Step 4: Select “Register a New Account.”
• Step 5: Choose your preferred campus or skills centre.
• Step 6: Select the available workshop or skills programme listed under the 3-month training opportunities.
• Step 7: Choose the specific programme you want to enrol for and complete your application.

Enquiries

For further information, applicants can contact the Occupational Programmes Unit:

Telephone: 034 980 1010

Email: Info.Skills@mthashana.edu.za

Important Notes for Applicants

• Placement tests are not required.
• Hand-delivered applications will not be accepted.
• Faxed applications will not be accepted.
• Emailed applications will not be accepted.
• Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Monthly stipends will be paid to participating learners.
• Training is fully funded.
• No registration fees are required.
• No tuition fees are required.
• No consumable fees are required.
• Applicants must commit to the full three-month programme.

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Edupstairs Advice

Before applying, take time to ensure that your documents are certified and up to date.

Keep copies of:

• Your ID
• School qualifications
• Proof of residence
• Application confirmation

Because these programmes are fully funded and include monthly stipends, competition is likely to be high. Submit your application as early as possible rather than waiting until the closing date.

If you qualify for the Entrepreneurship programme, think carefully about the type of business you may want to start in the future. Having a clear business idea can help you get maximum value from the training.

For Food Preparation applicants, consider how the skills learned could be used in catering services, food production, community projects, or hospitality careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is there an application fee?

No. The programmes are fully funded and no registration fee is required.

• Will learners receive a stipend?

Yes. The advertisement confirms that participating learners will receive monthly stipends.

• How long is the programme?

The training programmes run for three months.

• Can employed people apply?

No. The opportunity is specifically intended for unemployed individuals.

• Can persons with disabilities apply?

Yes. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

• Can I submit my application by email?

No. Applications submitted by email, fax, or hand delivery will not be considered.

• Can I apply if I previously benefited from an NSF-funded programme?

No. Previous beneficiaries of NSF-funded programmes are not eligible.

• What is the closing date?

Applications close on 19 June 2026 (Friday).

You can also:

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only. Applicants should always verify details directly with Mthashana TVET College before submitting their applications. Programme requirements, learner intake numbers, stipend arrangements, and other conditions may change at the discretion of the institution.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 - 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

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