The establishment and development of a further education sector in South Africa with specific reference to the community colleges concept in the Gauteng Province

This research focuses on the establishment and development of South African community colleges. Gauteng is chosen as the focal area of the study, as it is in many instances, a leading province in South Africa in terms of the economic, social, educational and political arena. International perspectives of community colleges regarding policy issues relating to curricula, organisational and human resource development, funding and governance in the United States of America, Canada and United Kingdom are provided. Lessons from these countries are contextualised in the South African situation. In addition, attention is given to policy initiatives promoting the development of a South African community college concept. Questionnaires and interviews are conducted with the aim of developing an implementation framework for community colleges. Triangulation is seen as adding strength to the methodology adopted in this study. The study is focused on thirty-three technical colleges of the Gauteng Department of Education. Findings of the study are in line with the literature review that funding, governance, human resource development and curricula are critical in the development of community colleges. Findings also indicate strong support for partnership and advocacy campaigns for FET, student financing schemes, statutory and non-statutory governance structures, science and entrepreneurship training. This study is not just an academic exercise but an attempt to contribute to the betterment of the education system. It will serve as a guideline to policy makers. students, and educators who are tasked with the responsibility of making headway for further education and training in general and for community colleges in particular. Although this study was confined to Gauteng province, the issues raised are by no means irrelevant to other provinces. Part of the recommendations indicates that careful planning with the aim of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness should be the hallmark of community college development. There is also an urgent need for the establishment of a directorate for further education and training by the Gauteng Department of Education.