King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College Application 2026: Online Process & Courses

Key Takeaways: The “O.R. Tambo” Powerhouse

• The Location: KSD is the largest TVET college in the Mthatha region, serving the rural Eastern Cape.
• The System: Applications are 100% online via the Coltech / iEnabler portal. There are NO paper applications at the gate.
• The “Golden” Rule: You MUST complete the “Career Guidance Assessment” on the portal before the system lets you apply. No test, no application.
• The Campuses:
  • Mthatha (Cicira): Main hub for Engineering and Business.
  • Zimbane: Specializes in Business and Utility Studies.
  • Mapuzi (Coffee Bay): Focuses on Tourism and Hospitality.
• Dates: Semester 2 applications usually open April/May 2026. Trimester 2 opens March/April 2026.

In the Eastern Cape, King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) TVET College is a lifeline. Named after the AbaThembu King, it provides critical skills training to thousands of youth in Mthatha, Ngcobo, and Libode.

However, KSD is strict. They have seven campuses, and they are spread far apart (some are 100km from the main office). If you apply to the wrong one, you could end up accepted for a course in Coffee Bay when you live in Mthatha.

Here is the definitive guide to applying correctly for the 2026 intake.

1. The 7 Campuses: Where Must I Apply?

Do not just apply to “KSD.” You must pick the campus that offers your specific trade.

Campus	Location	Focus & Courses
Mthatha (Cicira)	Cicira Village (R61 to Queenstown)	The Main Hub. Engineering (Civil, Electrical), Business Management, IT.
Zimbane	Zimbane Location (Mthatha)	Business Studies. Marketing, HR, Public Management.
Ngcobo	Ngcobo Town	Engineering & Business. A mixed campus serving the western region.
Mapuzi	Coffee Bay	Tourism & Hospitality. (Perfect location for hotel training).
Mngazi	Port St Johns	Engineering & Business.
Libode	Libode Town	Administration & Utility Studies.
Ntabozuko	Elliotdale	Skills & Agriculture.

Warning: If you want to study Electrical Engineering, you generally must go to Mthatha (Cicira) or Ngcobo. Zimbane does not usually have heavy engineering workshops.

2. 2026 Application Dates

KSD TVET operates on the standard DHET calendar.

Engineering Studies (Trimester)

• Trimester 2: Opens March/April 2026.
• Trimester 3: Opens July/August 2026.

Business Studies (Semester)

• Semester 2: Opens April/May 2026.
• Note: Semester 1 applications for Jan 2026 are likely closed. You are now applying for the mid-year intake.

NCV (National Certificate Vocational)

• NCV is a year-long course (Jan-Dec). Applications for 2026 closed in November 2025. You will likely have to wait for the 2027 intake unless there are late walk-ins.

3. The Application Process (Step-by-Step)

KSD uses the Coltech system. It is not mobile-friendly. Go to an internet café with a proper computer.

Step 1: The Compulsory Pre-Screening

KSD will not let you apply blindly. You must prove you fit the course.

1. Go to the KSD website: www.ksdcollege.edu.za.
2. Look for the “Career Guidance / Pre-Entry Assessment” link.
3. Complete the test. It asks about your marks, your interests, and your logic skills.
4. Save the Proof: The system links this result to your ID number.

Step 2: The Online Portal

1. Go to the application URL (often ienabler.ksdcollege.edu.za).
2. Select “New Application”.
3. Create a profile with your ID Number and Email.
4. Create a Pin: The system will ask you to create a 5-digit PIN. Write this down!

Step 3: Submit the Application

1. Log in.
2. Click on “Submit Application”.
3. Select Year: 2026.
4. Select Campus: (Refer to the table in Section 1).
5. Select Course: e.g., “N4 Human Resource Management.”

Step 4: Upload Documents

• ID Copy: Certified PDF.
• Results: Certified Grade 12 or N3 results.
• Proof of Residence: Critical for NSFAS Transport Allowance.

4. Entry Requirements

For NATED (N4-N6):

• Engineering: Matric with Maths and Science. (Math Lit is usually rejected for Heavy Current/Civil).
• Business: Matric Pass.

For NCV (Level 2):

• Grade 9 Pass.
• Note: NCV is designed for students who failed Matric or left school early. If you have a good Matric, rather do NATED.

5. Residence and Transport

KSD is a rural college. Most students travel far.

• Hostels: The Mthatha (Cicira) campus has limited hostel space. It fills up instantly.
• Transport: If you live within 40km, NSFAS provides a Transport Allowance.
• Private Accommodation: Many students rent rooms in Zimbane or Ngangelizwe. Ensure your landlord is accredited if you want NSFAS to pay.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

1. The “Application Fee” Trap

• In the past, KSD charged a manual application fee.
• Current Status: Most online applications are free, but verify on the portal. NEVER pay an “agent” via WhatsApp or Money Market. Only pay into the official college bank account if the portal explicitly asks for it.

2. Applying to the Wrong Campus

• If you apply for “Tourism” at the Ngcobo campus, and they don’t offer it, your application will sit there as “Pending” forever. Check the prospectus first.

Summary: Apply Early

KSD services a massive population. The queues in January are legendary. Avoid them by applying online now.

Action Plan:

1. Go to the Website: Take the Career Guidance Test today.
2. Scan Documents: Get your ID and Results certified at the police station.
3. Log in: Create your iEnabler profile so you are ready when the semester button turns green.

Disclaimer: Campus course offerings change based on lecturer availability. Always verify with the KSD Central Office.