Dr Mimmy Gondwe Champions TVET and Global Collaboration at London Summit

South Africa's Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, is leading a high-profile delegation to the Going Global Conference 2025, currently taking place in London, United Kingdom, from 28 to 30 October 2025. The annual conference, hosted by the British Council, is one of the world's premier gatherings for leaders in international higher education, offering a platform for dialogue, networking, and shaping the future of global learning systems.

South Africa's Leadership Role in Global Higher Education

Dr Gondwe's participation underscores South Africa's growing influence in global education policy and its commitment to enhancing technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Speaking ahead of the conference, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent the country on an international stage, highlighting that the event provides a vital platform to share local innovations while learning from other education systems.

"I am honoured that the British Council invited me to represent South Africa and our department on a global platform," Gondwe said. "Our engagement here allows us to take part in crucial conversations about the future of skills development and to gain insights we can implement to strengthen our TVET and higher education institutions at home."

Spotlight on TVET and Skills for the Future

One of the Deputy Minister's key engagements is participation in a panel discussion on "Opportunity-driven TVET: The Future of Skills Development", scheduled for Wednesday. The panel brings together education experts from the United Kingdom, European Union, Malawi, and Ghana, who will explore how technical and vocational institutions can better equip students for the rapidly evolving global labour market.

Dr Gondwe is expected to highlight South Africa's strategic investments in expanding TVET colleges, aligning curricula with industry needs, and promoting digital skills training for young people. Her message will focus on how TVET can serve as a bridge between education and employment, empowering youth to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Focus on Resilience in a Changing World

On Thursday, Dr Gondwe will join another high-level discussion themed "Building Resilience for a Volatile Future." The session will examine how higher education institutions can remain agile and relevant amid global disruptions, including technological change, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical shifts. Experts from Türkiye, India, and the UK will join her in exploring strategies for building sustainable and future-ready education systems.

The Deputy Minister is expected to advocate for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital literacy into higher education curricula, stressing that technology should be seen as an enabler rather than a disruptor. She will also share South Africa's experiences in navigating post-pandemic educational recovery and enhancing institutional resilience.

Strengthening Global Partnerships and Opportunities

Beyond the conference panels, Dr Gondwe's working visit includes bilateral meetings with education leaders and funding partners aimed at expanding international collaboration in skills development and higher education. Key areas of interest include exchange programmes, scholarship opportunities, and partnerships for youth empowerment.

According to the Department of Higher Education and Training, Gondwe's engagements are part of a broader effort to position South Africa as a regional leader in international education cooperation. The department is exploring ways to create global pathways for South African students, ensuring they have access to international exposure and cutting-edge training.

Building a Future-Ready Education System

The Going Global Conference 2025, themed around innovation, resilience, and inclusivity in education, brings together policymakers, university leaders, and international organisations from over 50 countries. It serves as a platform for redefining higher education's role in addressing 21st-century challenges—from the digital economy to climate change and social equity.

Dr Gondwe's participation reaffirms South Africa's commitment to developing a skilled, adaptable, and globally competitive workforce, aligned with the objectives of the National Skills Development Plan and Post-School Education and Training (PSET) framework.

"As we engage with global peers, we are reminded that education is not only a national priority but a shared responsibility," she said. "Through collaboration and innovation, we can ensure that our institutions are not only resilient but transformative."