L’Oréal “Hair for Joy” launch

L’Oréal “Hair for Joy” launch

In celebration of a major milestone, Tshwane North TVET College hosted a prestigious event at the Pretoria Campus on 24 July 2025. The event was honoured by the presence of L’Oréal executives, representatives from various stakeholder organisations, and members of the media. Through this collaboration with L’Oréal South Africa, the college officially launched a state-of-the-art, L’Oréal-branded salon. This landmark partnership marks a significant step forward in advancing practical skills training and enhancing workplace readiness for hairdressing students.

This collaboration is set to provide TNC students with world-class, industry-aligned facilities, empower lecturers through the “Train the Trainer” initiative, and open stronger pathways to employment in the hair and beauty sector. This initiative is undertaken under the theme, “Optimizing the Hairdressing Qualification in TVET Colleges,” and it represents much more than a ceremonial partnership. It is, in fact, a declaration of intent. An intent to reimagine how we, as a public education institution, position ourselves within the broader skills development ecosystem of our country, alluded the college, principal Ms. Thembi Tsibogo.

This collaboration is fully aligned with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations’ Occupational Certificate: Hairdresser, a qualification registered at NQF Level 4. The qualification integrates knowledge modules, practical skills training, and workplace-based learning into a single coherent pathway, culminating in a trade test. It replaces outdated, fragmented legacy qualifications with a modern, industry-informed framework that includes Afro-textured hairdressing and addresses diverse client needs. This partnership brings the qualification to life, not merely on paper, but in classrooms, salons and future careers.

The keynote speaker Ms Bellinah Molaudzi, Director: TVET Curriculum and Institutional Support, said: “This initiative responds to national priorities—reducing youth unemployment, formalising the informal economy, and positioning TVET colleges at the heart of inclusive growth. With the backing of the QCTO and full funding from the DHET, hairdressing is now a recognised, respected career pathway. This is no small feat—it’s a breakthrough.”

A key highlight of the day was a live radio interview with Pheli FM (outside broadcast), featuring college principal Ms Thembi Tsibogo and L’Oréal General Manager, Mr David Bolon. In a symbolic moment, the official ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by the Deputy Chairperson of Council, Prof Mazibuko, alongside Mr Bolon, marking the formal opening of the salon.

Showcasing their skills in the newly opened “Hair for Joy” salon, students led by Senior Lecturer Ms Dumzela Bulela provided hair services to models during the event. The salon is also envisioned as a third-stream income initiative, where students will offer hairdressing services to the public on weekends.