Nkangala TVET College’s Middelburg Campus hosted a vibrant double celebration on Friday, October 2, combining its Cultural Day with an academic awards ceremony.

The event brought staff together to recognise outstanding academic achievements and celebrate the rich cultural backgrounds represented on campus every day.

During the ceremony, top-performing lecturers were presented with academic certificates across fundamental subjects, business studies and engineering studies.

Alana Green-Thompson, the student support officer at the Middelburg Campus, shared her thoughts on the significance of hosting an event at the campus level.

“It’s a very, very special day on our calendar. Previously, we had awards at college level, but this one was ours at campus level. So, it’s special because more people get to be appreciated. As the campus manager emphasised, it’s a day wherein we recognise the hard work of so many people.”

Green-Thompson, who also served as the programme director for the occasion, spoke warmly about her experience hosting the event.

“Honestly, to me, it’s not a job. This is my family; I’ve been with them for more than 10 years now. I used to be the campus baby years ago, so for me really, it’s always a pleasure when I get to participate.”

She noted that while the institution holds several events throughout the year, campus-level gatherings offer a unique atmosphere.

Building unity through diversity

Campus manager Tebello Phalane emphasised the crucial role cultural celebrations play in fostering unity across the institution.

“We are harbouring a diverse culture of employees, around 96 from various cultures and backgrounds,” Phalane said.

“Our task, our mission, is social cohesion so we can get along because we are a family. Every day we spend a lot of hours here with everybody.”

Explaining the timing of the event, Phalane noted that because Heritage Day fell during the college holidays, the campus held its celebration as soon as staff returned.

“Beyond cultural heritage, the event focused heavily on student performance, recognising high academic passes and distinction achievements across multiple courses,” Phalane added.

In each stream, more than 10 students obtained distinctions in their courses.

Phalane added that this was because students participate in the practical assessments aligned with the Department of Higher Education and Training to encourage students to organise cultural events, share traditional dishes and collaborate.

“You need to adapt. Remember you are one, and there are 95. There is no way that you can influence 95 people to follow you if you don’t go to them, go down to their level and try to get to know them. I always use an open-door approach, anyone can come in to access things,” he added.

Planning under way for 2027

According to Phalane, the celebration marks the final campus event for the current academic year as their focus shifts to upcoming examinations.

He stated that preparations for the upcoming academic year are already under way.

“In November, we will be planning for 2027. All the events will then be announced in January when we reopen,” Phalane said, reassuring staff that financial support for student-focused initiatives and the Student Representative Council remains strong.