It is my pleasure to present the fourteenth edition of the annual Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Research Bulletin on Post-School Education and Training (PSET). Each year, the Bulletin shares summaries of completed, current and planned research, including, summaries on event proceedings/announcements, reviews, research practices and statistics/Fact Sheets. This edition of the Bulletin covers a wide range of PSET issues, including those related to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), and Qualifications and Quality Assurance Bodies. Through this publication, the Department intends to continue building the relationship between research producers and users, thereby improving policy and practice within the PSET space. Since its inception in 2013 the Bulletin has served as a vital resource, and previous editions can be found on our website at www.dhet.gov.za.

This fourteenth edition of the Research Bulletin has produced the greatest number of summaries to date, indicating the level of commitment by our entities to investigate gaps in their respective spaces in an effort towards improving the support offered to citizens. The depth of research undertaken will certainly offer great insights into the PSET space and will highlight strengths and weaknesses in the system on where resources should be directed to better assist beneficiaries. We applaud all contributors as this edition proves to be rich, well crafted and informative. The research is extensive and shares a wealth of information from details on methodologies for differing research areas, research findings on critical areas in the PSET space, and recommendations for improvement. Thank you to all those that took the time share these new developments with us. Your efforts and commitment to the PSET sector’s growth, and to knowledge-sharing through this platform, is greatly appreciated.

We encourage readers to reach out to the authors for deeper insights.

Dr Nkosinathi Sishi

Director-General: Department of Higher Education and Training