Ehlanzeni TVET College holds breakfast business meeting

They regarded a business breakfast as one of the best perspective mediums of networking since it provides a good forum for most entities. It actively provides a platform to boost relationships and partnerships, and subsidises among each.

This was not a marketing or fundraising event, yet it was a platform that really added a different dynamic value and energy to the morning gatherings. It was supported by a live broadcast from Rise FM. Earlier this year, the college hosted a business breakfast at Mashishing Campus, aimed at providing the best platform for the college and businesses to share their attributes and to agree in accelerating relationship and partnerships.

There was a well-organised agenda and it was directed by Dr GM Sibiya acting Deputy Principal: Corporate Services. He called on the campus manager, BC Kwayiyo, to officially welcome the college officials and amalgamators. The college principal also participated in the programme and shared the purpose of the morning gathering as scheduled.

He then appreciated the opportunity granted and explained that they have gathered to expand their public relations. He also alluded to what was needed by the college in order to produce productive students. The principal further indicated that as a college they needed to have access to the most modern means of communications, teaching and learning, including having access to technological gadgets.

He then mentioned that last year the Thaba Chweu mayor donated two laptops to students. He added that the college has procured laptops for the lecturers. According to the college principal, a laptop alone cannot do the complete work. Some data connection is required.

He then directed his speech to where all government and amalgamators were seated: if there should be any contributions of data, the college could move to another standard and enable the core business of the college to continue, even conducting online classes from home and protect students from absorbing the Coronavirus. As the programme continued, the chairperson of the college Student Representative Council, T Mathaba, recognised personnel from the government, college officials and the amalgamators for having made the gathering a success.

He also made mentioned that he would be glad should the business owners also avail themselves more to the college. As the agenda was aimed at social networking, Thaba Chweu executive mayor, F Nkadimeng, acknowledged the contributions that she made and mentioned that she has been working very close with the college, especially Mashishing Campus.

She went on to say that she would be glad to see the college producing more engineers who could assist the local municipality and grow the area.

“It is important to unite collectively in order to confront the educational imbalance since the country caters various study systems,” she said.

The programme director went on to call on F Maluleke who is an official from Glencore mining company. Since Glencore has been in deep partnership with the college, particularly the Mashishing Campus. This has benefited both the Campus and Glencore as a mining institution. Maluleke outlined that they are exultant about skills offered by the college to their mining company. He went on to encourage the students.

“Tough times never last, but tough people do,” he said.

According to him the quote meant that no matter what difficulties students may encounter, they must not give up, but continue to strive and obtain the best. Bridget Mathebula from the Mining Qualification Authority further elucidated that the mining industry is now working very closely with accredited SETA. This helps them to provide relevant training and work exposure to students.

She also mentioned that they now they have a programme that funds lecturers to learn more about the industry. Honourable Masilela, a speaker from the provincial legislature, was invited as a guest speaker. She outlined significant points, including that the South African youth have to open businesses and the government will support them.

She added that since they are empowering youth, she would ensure working very closely with the college in order to meet that objective. Therefore, Masilela went on to say, as government they are embarking to implement strategies that are aimed at withdrawing the youth from an unpleasant activity in order to produce more civil engineering candidates.

She also declared a commitment that is mandated by the government to walk side by side to monitor all implemented programmes. In closing, FHJ Siboza conveyed special thanks to BC Kwayiyo as the host of the event and to all those who accepted the invitations and responded positively.

He had also shared the mandate of the college: to conduct teaching and learning in order to produce productive students.