TZANEEN – Masingita Ngobeni from Makhushane and a student from Mopani South TVET College (Sir Val Duncan) represented South Africa at the world skills competition hosted in France recently.

The 22-year-old says although he did not win the robotics competition, the experience served as a learning and networking platform.

He entered the competition last year and advanced from the college, district, provincial and national level.

Before they went to Lyon in France, they spent a few weeks in China to train for the competition.

He says he has always been fascinated by robotics. When he realised there was a robotics course at college, he did not hesitate to enrol.

“My advice to students is to take advantage of this competition which is currently running for next year. It is not only about competing, but it broadens your mind, and you can learn from others and form friendships. I now have friends from across the world, because of this programme,” he says.

Students who also want to be part of the competition can apply until October 31.

The competition is open to students from TVET colleges, universities and other technical institutions from study fields such as cooking, aircraft, hairdressing, chemical engineering, electrical installation and fashion technology, among others. More information is available from the various campuses.