On 21 April, the High Commission had the honour of hosting a distinguished delegation from South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in Ottawa. The visit forms part of the delegation’s participation in the CICan Connections Conference, hosted by Colleges and Institutes Canada.
The CICan Connections Conference is a premier platform that brings together education leaders, policymakers, and institutional partners from across the globe to exchange insights on skills development, vocational training, and innovation in post-secondary education. The presence of the DHET delegation underscores South Africa’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that support inclusive and future-oriented education systems.
During the visit, discussions focused on expanding collaboration between South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and Canadian institutions. Key areas of interest included curriculum innovation, digital learning transformation, lecturer development, and strengthening pathways between education and employment.
The High Commission highlighted the importance of fostering strategic partnerships that align with South Africa’s national priorities, particularly in addressing youth unemployment, enhancing skills development, and building institutional capacity within the post-school education and training sector.
Engagements at the conference and bilateral meetings provided valuable opportunities to explore joint programmes, exchange best practices, and deepen cooperation in areas such as green skills, entrepreneurship education, and industry-linked training models.
South Africa and Canada share a longstanding relationship built on mutual respect and collaboration. The DHET delegation’s participation in the CICan Connections Conference reflects a shared vision to equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The High Commission remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen educational ties and unlock new opportunities for cooperation between South Africa and Canada.
