Key Takeaways: Gert Sibande Essentials
- Location: Mpumalanga (Ermelo, Standerton, Evander, Balfour, etc.).
- Campuses: 6 Main Campuses + Skills Academy.
- Specialty: Engineering (Evander/Ermelo) and Primary Agriculture (Perdekop).
- Registration Mode: Hybrid (Online Application + On-Campus Registration).
- The “50% Rule”: Self-funded students must pay 50% of their fees upfront before they can register.
- Placement Test: Mandatory for all new Level 2 and N4 students.
In the coal-mining and farming heartland of Mpumalanga, Gert Sibande TVET College is the primary engine for skills development. Named after the famous anti-apartheid activist and farm workers’ leader, the college stays true to its roots by offering strong programs in Agriculture and Technical Trades.
However, Gert Sibande is known for being administratively strict. Unlike some colleges that allow you to register with a small deposit, this college enforces a tough financial policy for non-NSFAS students. If you do not have your funding sorted, you will not get a student card.
With six campuses spread across small towns, it is also a decentralized college. Students in Standerton often apply to Ermelo by mistake, not realizing the distance is significant. This guide clarifies the geography, the costs, and the specific online application steps you need to follow for the 2026 academic year.
1. The 6 Campuses: Where Must You Go?
Gert Sibande’s campuses are specialized. You cannot study every course at every campus.
1. Ermelo Campus (The Head Office)
- Location: Mel Mentz Street, Ermelo.
- Focus: Business Studies and Engineering.
- Vibe: This is the administrative hub. It is the busiest campus and offers the widest range of NATED (Report 191) courses.
- Specialty: Civil and Electrical Engineering.
2. Evander Campus (The Engineering Hub)
- Location: 37 Rotterdam Road, Evander.
- Focus: Engineering (Mining focus).
- Importance: Located near the Secunda Sasol complex, this campus focuses heavily on fitting and turning, instrumentation, and heavy current electrical trades. If you want to work on the mines, go here.
3. Standerton Campus
- Location: 2 Kruger Street, Standerton.
- Focus: Business and Engineering.
- Specialty: Known for Human Resource Management and Management Assistant courses.
4. Sibanesetfu Campus
- Location: Dundonald (near Mayflower).
- Focus: Community Skills and NCV.
- Vibe: A rural campus serving the local community with vocational courses designed to bridge the gap between school and work.
5. Balfour Campus
- Location: 110 Minnaar Street, Balfour.
- Focus: Business Studies and NCV Engineering.
- Specialty: A smaller campus that offers a more intimate learning environment for NCV students.
6. Perdekop Campus (The Agricultural Hub)
- Location: Plot 40, Koppie Alleen.
- Focus: Primary Agriculture and Farming Management.
- Specialty: This is the college’s “Farm School.” It is dedicated to training future farmers. It offers the NCV Primary Agriculture course, covering both plant and animal production.
7. Skills Academy & Artisan Development Centre
- Location: Standerton.
- Focus: Apprenticeships.
- What happens here: This is where you go for trade tests and practical artisan training (e.g., Bricklaying, Welding) if you are on a learnership.
2. Admission Requirements 2026
Gert Sibande follows the standard Department of Higher Education (DHET) requirements but is strict on documentation.
A. National Certificate Vocational (NCV) – Level 2
- Target: Grade 9, 10, or 11 school leavers.
- Minimum Requirement: A Grade 9 Pass.
- Math Requirement: For Engineering and Finance streams, you must have passed Grade 9 Mathematics. Students who failed Math are often redirected to Office Administration or Hospitality.
B. Report 191 (NATED) – N4 Level
- Target: Matriculants.
- Requirement: National Senior Certificate (NSC) or NCV Level 4.
- Engineering N4:
- You must have Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric (Level 3 or higher, i.e., 40%+).
- Math Literacy: Generally not accepted for N4 Engineering. You will be asked to start at the N2 or N3 level to bridge the gap.
- Business N4:
- NSC with a pass in English.
- Accounting is preferred for Financial Management, but not mandatory (though highly recommended).
3. The “Placement Test” (Compulsory)
Like most modern TVETs, Gert Sibande uses a pre-screening tool to prevent students from failing.
- The Tool: Usually the “Competency & Placement Assessment” (CAP Test).
- Who must do it: All New Students (entering Level 2 or N4 for the first time).
- What it tests: Numeracy (Math skills) and English Literacy.
- The Rule: You must complete this test before your application is processed. If you apply for Electrical Engineering but score 20% on the Numeracy test, the system will block you and suggest a different course.
- Where: You typically do this online via the student portal or at the campus computer lab during the application period.
4. How to Register Online (Step-by-Step)
Gert Sibande uses the Coltech student administration system.
Step 1: The Online Application
- Visit the official website.
- Navigate to the “Online Application” portal (i-Enabler).
- New Students: Select “New Applicant,” answer the pre-screening questions, and create a profile.
- Returning Students: Log in with your Student Number and PIN.
Step 2: Upload Documents
- You must upload clear, certified copies of:
- ID Document.
- Latest School Report / Matric Certificate.
- Proof of Residence.
- Parent/Guardian ID.
- Tip: Ensure your documents are certified within the last 3 months.
Step 3: Provisional Acceptance
- You will receive an SMS or email stating “Provisionally Accepted.”
- This is not final. It just means you meet the academic criteria.
Step 4: Registration (The Money Step)
- Once accepted, you must “Register” (select your subjects).
- NSFAS Students: If your NSFAS status is “Funded,” your registration is processed automatically.
- Self-Funded Students: You must upload proof of payment (Deposit) before the system unlocks your timetable.
5. Fees and The “50% Rule”
This is the most critical part of this guide for parents.
The Policy:
Gert Sibande TVET College has a strict policy for students who are not funded by NSFAS or a Bursary.
- Upfront Payment: You are often required to pay 50% of the total course fees on the day of registration.
- The Balance: The remaining 50% is usually payable in monthly installments over the semester.
Estimated Fees (2026):
- Business Studies (Semester): Approx. R3,000 – R4,500 per semester.
- Engineering Studies (Trimester): Approx. R2,500 – R4,000 per trimester.
- NCV (Year): Approx. R11,000 – R16,000 per year.
- Primary Agriculture: Fees are often higher due to practical consumables.
Residence Fees:
- Accommodation is limited.
- Cost: Approx. R25,000 – R30,000 per year (excluding meals).
- Note: You must apply for residence separately. It is not automatic.
6. 2026 Registration Dates
Based on the standard academic calendar for Mpumalanga colleges:
- Online Applications Open: Usually September 2025.
- Registration (Semester 1 & Trimester 1):
- Opens: 07 January 2026.
- Closes: 17 January 2026 (or when classes fill up).
- Late Applications:
- The college often publishes a list of “Available Spaces” on Facebook in the second week of January.
- Tip: The Perdekop Campus (Agriculture) and Balfour Campus often have space when Ermelo is full.
7. Course List: Specialized Programs
Primary Agriculture (Perdekop):
- Soil Science.
- Plant Production.
- Animal Production.
- Agri-Business.
Engineering (Evander/Ermelo):
- Electrical (Heavy Current).
- Mechanical (Fitting & Turning).
- Automotive Repair.
- Civil (Bricklaying/Plumbing).
Business (Standerton/Ermelo):
- Management Assistant (Office Admin).
- Financial Management.
- Human Resource Management.
- Marketing Management.
FAQ: Gert Sibande TVET College
Q: Can I apply for NSFAS at the college?
A: No. You must apply online via myNSFAS beforehand. However, the college has a Financial Aid Office at each campus that can assist you with “NSFAS Appeals” or uploading missing documents if you are stuck.
Q: Is there a hostel at Evander?
A: Yes, there is student accommodation near the Evander campus, but it is primarily for students from far away (more than 40km). Priority is given to NCV Level 2 and N4 students.
Q: Do they offer part-time classes?
A: Yes. The Ermelo and Evander campuses often run Saturday classes or afternoon classes for working adults doing NATED Engineering (N1-N6).
Q: What if I lost my Matric certificate?
A: You can apply with a certified Statement of Results from your school or the Department of Education. However, you must bring the original certificate as soon as it is issued.
Conclusion: The Mpumalanga Powerhouse
Gert Sibande TVET College is a serious institution for serious students. Its connection to the mines (Sasol) and the farming sector makes its qualifications highly valuable in the local economy.
However, the “50% Upfront” fee rule catches many families by surprise. Do not wait until January. Apply for NSFAS now. If you are rejected by NSFAS, start saving that 50% deposit immediately so that you don’t get turned away at the gate.
Action: Check the college Facebook page on 07 January 2026 for the “Walk-In” or “Late Application” links if you haven’t applied yet.
Disclaimer: Fees and dates are estimates based on previous academic years. Always consult the official Gert Sibande TVET College website for the final 2026 Prospectus.