Our Matric Programme is designed with the adult learner in mind, meeting their work, family and education commitments. It offers a simplified, flexible curriculum that can be completed within one year, with up to six subjects.

We ensure participants' success by providing a supportive learning hub with textbooks, study guides, a computer centre and an online classroom for remote learning. In-person interaction with tutors, psychosocial support and career guidance, including one-on-one sessions with Social Workers are also available.

• Hybrid classes held twice a week at the Vulamathuba Community Learning Centre in Brooklyn and online classes starting on the first Saturday of July each year.
• Largely subsidised offering with a registration fee of R500,00 and a fee of R300,00 per subject per annum.
• Exams take place during the May/June examination period.
• Upon completion, participants are eligible to apply for the Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund and/or sponsorship to obtain their Driver's licence.

Admission Criteria

• Must be 21 years and older
• Must have a General Education and Training Certificate (GETC), or
• Provide a Grade 9 school report (or Standard 7) confirming successful completion of Grade 9, or
• Hold a recognised equivalent qualification at NQF Level 1, demonstrating competence in two official languages
• Open to adult learners aged 21 and older with an incomplete Senior Certificate qualification

This initiative equips youth and job seekers with the essential capabilities and opportunities required to build meaningful, sustainable careers. By integrating career guidance, digital enablement, financial tools and academic pathways, the programme enables participants to navigate post-school education and successfully transition into the workforce.

The programme provides access to career guidance and job readiness support, digital infrastructure and literacy training, financial literacy development and pathways to further education and employment opportunities, equipping participants with the tools needed to make informed career decisions and engage effectively in the labour market.

Applicants are required to sign a commitment form pledging full attendance of all training workshops and scheduled coaching sessions. No prior computer experience is required for participation in the digital literacy track; however, a willingness to learn is essential.

Admission Criteria

• Must be unemployed or underemployed youth or adult job seekers
• Applicants should be South African citizens or permanent residents aged 18 to 50
• Must reside within the City of Cape Town Metro Region
• A minimum education level of Grade 9 or equivalent ABET Level 4 qualification is required

Through strategic sector partnerships, Vulamathuba Empumelelo facilitates targeted, accredited skills development initiatives aligned directly with South Africa's national critical skills shortages. Our training interventions consist of high-impact unit standards bundled into structured Skills Programmes. Because these short courses carry official credits on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), participants can progressively accumulate modules to build toward a full qualification over time.

We place a strong emphasis on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). We actively encourage individuals who possess extensive on-the-job workplace experience, but lack formal certification, to leverage these accredited short courses to formalise their capabilities, maximise their earning potential, and boost their employment prospects.

The VEBF provides financial aid to talented, economically under-resourced candidates including individuals with disabilities, who demonstrate academic determination. Operating with a holistic student-support framework, the VEBF combines direct financial aid with active mentorship, psychosocial support, and community service initiatives to foster accountability and a spirit of Ubuntu.

The bursary covers predetermined registration and tuition fees up to a maximum value of R40 000, and provides up to R5 000 for prescribed textbooks. It supports accredited undergraduate qualifications up to occupational certificate level, with priority given to students enrolled at public TVET colleges and universities. Preference is granted to qualifications identified as scarce and critical skills within relevant Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) Sector Skills Plans.

Admission Criteria

• Open to South African citizens or permanent residents aged 19 to 50
• Applicants must reside within the City of Cape Town Metro
• Limited to households with a combined gross annual income of R400 000 or below (validated via a financial means test)
• Must be enrolled in or accepted into an accredited undergraduate qualification (up to occupational certificate level)
• Recipients must complete prescribed volunteer service. The bursary converts to a loan if the student abandons or fails their course of study.

Vulamathuba Empumelelo facilitates work-based Learnership Programmes that culminate in qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). These programmes combine 30% learning with 70% practical workplace experience under professional mentorship, in line with the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP).

Historically, Vulamathuba has successfully delivered Social Auxiliary Work (SAW) Level 4 learnerships through accredited partnerships and SETA sector funding. Participants receive essential financial support, including fully covered training fees and a monthly learner stipend.

To enhance regional economic mobility, the initiative is actively expanding its scope to introduce new, high-demand qualifications, such as Social Counselling Work, Community Development Work and artisan roles.

Admission Criteria

• Applicants must be currently unemployed or volunteering at a non-profit organisation.
• Open to South African youth and adults
• Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID and a local bank account to facilitate stipend payouts
• Must reside within the City of Cape Town Metro Region
• Must have completed Grade 12 (Matric) with a valid Senior Certificate
• Must have no formal, paid work experience directly related to the specific field of study, as the programme is designed to provide first-time work exposure