IT students ready to take on life with new skills

SEKHUKHUNE – More than 150 students from Anglo American’s mining communities across the country are ready
to take up information and communications technology (ICT) jobs and opportunities after successfully completing a series of Google certificate courses.

The students, who belonged to the Class of 2021, completed the courses in IT support, UX/UI design, project management and data analytics through the Anglo American Google IT Sprint in 2021.

The Google IT Sprint forms part of the Anglo American SA Education Programme contained in Anglo American’s Sustainable Mining Plan, which aims to create skills and economic prosperity in the communities in which it operates.

This month, the students received their certifications. The top four won additional cash prizes and devices. Some
of the top achievers included Fatima Milazi, Mudumani Rhulani and Mohlabya Matlakala, all from Limpopo. Having completed the courses while still writing matric exams, they now have the chance to get their feet into a local ICT industry, which is constantly looking for skills.

“The opportunity helped me with career development and gaining IT skills, and to get a better idea of what career I want to follow. The discipline of the course also helped me do better in my schoolwork,” said
Rhulani.

“I learned a lot from the course. It gave me a chance to explore more of the IT world, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” said Milazi.
“ICT skills and career opportunities are a big part of our education programmes and journey in our communities. It’s important that our learners not only get access to postschooling opportunities in this field, but also build foundational ICT skills to thrive in their communities and workplace,” said Zaheera Soomar, Anglo American’s
head of education and community skills.

Apart from providing laptops and data to the students, 130 of the company’s employees volunteered to spend at least one hour of their own time a month to guide them through the courses.

Oswell Muzanenhama, an IT technician in Anglo American’s Global IM division, said IT opens a world of opportunities for young people in fields like software development, networking and hardware.

“We’re living in a digital age, in which everything revolves around technology. IT is not just impacting the mining industry, it’s literally changing lives and communities. I want students to know how marvellous the world of IT is. These courses can open their minds to greater possibilities in medical advancement, machine learning, and any
field of study you might think of,” said Muzanenhama.

Jayne Wagner, a systems enablement adviser in Anglo American’s supply chain division, said her passion for education saw her volunteer almost instantly.

“One of the best investments we can make in our country is to give our kids an education. I did most
of my post-school studies by correspondence while working and raising a family. I know how difficult it can be, and I know the benefits those extra qualifications bring.

These learners are our future, and we need to equip them to face the challenges they will encounter,” she said.