Local security guard says you should never stop learning

A local security guard was looking for work one day when he came across an online training course and since then, he has completed more than 40 of those courses. And he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon …

Sipho Sonkwele, a security guard at a local bank, told the News that he had always dreamt of furthering his studies. Unfortunately, there were no opportunities to do so due to financial difficulties.

One day he came across an advert for Nedbank’s Move Up online courses while he was looking for work.

“After going through the content I realised that this might be a good opportunity for me to gain more knowledge and skills,” he said.

He also loves technology and said he always wanted to be up to date with everything that is happening around the world. Since seeing that ad Sipho completed 45 online courses and still has 27 pending. The duration of each course is between four and eight weeks.

Sipho who hails from a small town called Ntabankulu in the Eastern Cape explained that he realised that basic security courses did not provide enough knowledge, “… yet security personnel are expected to be professional. So I wanted to be competent and be able to communicate effectively and handle matters properly.”

Among the courses Sipho focuses on are management, digital marketing, health and safety, financial management, communication, ethics in law enforcement, and parenting.

“I am always eager to learn new things and be better equipped.”

His dream job will be one where he would be allowed to make a positive impact on others, and make decisions in line with his daily duties.

So where does he get the time? Sipho explained he usually uses his lunch breaks and off time to complete his courses.

“I would advise young adults to keep on studying and to appreciate the value of online courses because learning is part of brain training while getting informed and equipped at the same time.”