South Cape TVET College Deputy Principal obtains a PhD degree

Dr Tercia (du Plessis) Terblanche is well known within the TVET College community.

Being the Deputy Principal Academic Services at South Cape TVET College for the past ten years, has given her a unique view of the TVET College sector.

Dr Terblanche’s story begins just like so many other South Africans. Born to a young single mother into poverty in the township of Tarka, Mossel Bay, in the Western Cape Province, Dr Terblanche was raised by her grandparents.

Her mother had to work away from home. The strict upbringing with an emphasis on hard work, morals and values, made her continuously strive to improve herself. It drove her to always do her best from an early age, especially in the academic arena.

During her early education days as a student, first at All Saints Primary and later at Hillcrest High School, her teachers believed in her academic strength. They motivated her to strive to always do better. During her high school years, her teachers assisted her with applying for financial support in order for Dr Terblanche to enter higher education.

Through all the motivation and assistance, she became the first person in her immediate family to go on to study after Grade 12. Much of this she attributes to her late grandparents Lesley and Sarah du Plessis. Not least, her teachers from both schools, who believed in her abilities, provided the necessary support and laid the foundation for her future academic aspirations.

Her life philosophy speaks volumes. “Don’t let your current circumstances determine your destiny.” Advice she has for others aspiring to make a success? Don’t be captivated by poverty. Work hard towards achieving your goals. Always be disciplined and persevere amidst all obstacles.

Believe in yourself and say “I CAN”. Dr Terblanche has been the Deputy Principal: Academic Services for the past 10 years at South Cape TVET College and has worked in education, more specifically the TVET College sector, for the past 24 years. She started her career as a business studies lecturer at the former RC Elliot Technical College in Kimberley, in the Northern Cape Province in 1993. This was under the leadership of Mr Brian Cadir.

She has held various academic management positions since then. Her journey to obtain a PhD was met with many challenges. This included the distance from George to the University of Stellenbosch.

Other distances traversed in her research were the distances to the five participating Western Cape TVET colleges, the library and other relevant academic services on offer to PhD candidates. The workload of a Deputy Principal Academic is frenetic and at times unpredictable.

Without the support of Professor Bitzer, her supervisor, this would not have been possible. His guidance and support throughout the thesis was invaluable. She is also thankful for the support she received from all the Western Cape TVET College principals and the staff who participated in the survey and interviews.

The PhD thesis title is “Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges in South Africa: a framework for leading curriculum change”. According to Dr Terblanche’s thesis findings (Terblanche, 2017), curriculum change is vital for enhancing student employability, knowledge and skills, including opportunities for articulation to further studies at higher education institutions.

The aim of the study was to develop and suggest a curriculum leadership framework for curriculum change that could assist with the training and capacity building of the TVET College sector leaders. It highlighted key factors such as leadership features that are necessary for TVET College leaders to effectively lead curriculum change in TVET Colleges. In addition, the study postulates a better understanding of vocational and occupational education in general. It is hoped that this study will make some modest contribution to research into higher education and the TVET College sector of South Africa.

Full detail of the thesis can be downloaded from Stellenbosch University repository: http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/102864.

Dr Terblanche dedicates her achievement to her supportive husband and two precious children, Keenan and Kelsey who remained steadfast in their love and understanding and who supported her every step of the way.

Sourced from TVET College Times – Volume 54 2018