Inaugural AET/CET Colloquium on the findings of the research report on Community Learning Centres

Kagiso Trust convened its first Adult Education and Training (AET) and Community Education and Training (CET) Colloquium on 28 May 2025 in Polokwane, Limpopo. Themed “Igniting Human Capacity,” the hybrid event brought together education stakeholders, government officials, and civil society to reflect on the role and effectiveness of CET institutions in addressing adult and out-of-school education.

The colloquium marked the launch of Kagiso Trust’s latest research publication:A Strategic Roadmap for Systematic Reform and Inclusive Learning, a case study on Limpopo’s CET/AET landscape that informs the national discourse on post-school education reform.

Insights from the Research

The report, conducted in partnership with Wits Business Enterprise, presents critical findings on the current state of CET and AET in South Africa. Key challenges identified include:

• A misalignment between the curriculum and learners’ lived experiences, leading to low engagement and limited impact
• Ineffective teaching methods and a lack of multilingual, learner-centred approaches
• Underdeveloped educator training, particularly in adult learning and bilingual instruction
• Inadequate infrastructure and governance structures at learning centres
• A noticeable gap in community involvement and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS)

The study emphasises the urgent need to reframe adult education as a dynamic platform for lifelong learning, skills development, and social inclusion. It proposes a strategic roadmap focused on curriculum transformation, improved teaching practices, governance reform, and enhanced support for CET colleges.

The full research report is available for download here: A Strategic Roadmap for Systematic Reform and Inclusive Learning

This publication is part of Kagiso Trust’s ongoing contribution to evidence-based policy engagement and education system strengthening.

The programme featured insights from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Limpopo CET College and Kagiso Trust leadership, and the research team, followed by a panel discussion and stakeholder engagement session. If you were unable to attend, the full event recording can be viewed below: