Tembisa learners were in the spotlight at an Ekurhuleni West College TVET graduation ceremony where they were honored for their excellent academic achievements.
The event was hosted at the Transnet Freight Rail Conference Facility in Essellen Park on May 26.
Learners from different faculties proudly ascended the stage to receive their diplomas and certificates for completion of their chosen courses.
Tebogo Mahlangu from Tembisa campus attained nine distinctions in Office Administration and was awarded two trophies and a R1 000 cheque for her achievement.
Tendamudzimu Ndou obtained six distinctions in Generic Management and was awarded a R1 000 as well as two trophies.
“There is a lack of employment in South Africa and that is why I am planning to become an entrepreneur. I want to create employment and build a better economy for my people,” said Ndou.
Mahlangu another graduate said she was very proud of herself.
“These qualifications will not only open doors for me in my quest for work experience, but will also enable me to take care of my family.”
She said that although the years of study had been hard, they had also been enjoyable.
Keynote speaker and member of parliament, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, motivated learners to “go out there” and create employment as opposed to being job seekers.
He said often times learners wanted to attain skills in order to get jobs and make a living for themselves.
“This is based on the promise that if we indeed get skills, we will find jobs. Yet, our country has been facing a long crisis of under-employment and unemployment in general – especially amongst black people” said Ndlozi.
He added that the problem existed not because of a lack of skills in the country but because there were no opportunities for skilled people.
Ndlozi explained that the South African economy has not been able to create jobs.
“You are adults. As you graduate you deserve to know the truth. Face this truth like you faced the hardships, obstacles and challenges you met on your journey to this achievement,” he said.
The MP reiterated that many attended the graduation ceremony to welcome the graduates into the real world.
“We need a generation of skilled people who can create jobs for themselves. Think of yourselves as job creators and not job seekers. Fight for means to be given to you so that you can start new industries and innovations,” said MP Ndlozi.
He said that was the only revolution left if the nation wanted to survive the ever-rising poverty, inequality and indignity of the current times.
One of the graduates, Ntsako Mabasa, said that education was the key to unlock any door.
“With education you can go wherever you want to go. Set an example to others that anything is possible in life,” concluded Mabasa.
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