Mthashana TVET College inspires learners during TVET Month
Vryheid learners explored TVET opportunities and heard an inspiring journey from a Transnet civil engineer.
Mthashana TVET College has concluded its 2026 TVET Month celebrations, using the initiative to connect with communities and encourage young people to explore opportunities in technical and vocational education.
College opens doors to the community
From 17 to 21 August, the college opened its doors to members of the community, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and the programmes and opportunities available at the college.
The celebrations concluded on 27 August with an event held at the college’s Vryheid Engineering Campus.
Learners and educators from six high schools attended the event, where they listened to presentations from college lecturers and representatives from partner organisations, including Transnet, Ncome and Thwalokuhle Group.
Engineer shares journey of perseverance
Among the speakers was Portia Mhlanga from Hammerskraal, a civil engineer who has worked for Transnet for more than five years.
Mhlanga shared her journey into engineering, telling learners that setbacks should not prevent them from pursuing their goals. She revealed that she failed three times while studying at the University of the Witwatersrand but remained determined to graduate.
“After failing, I finally made my parents proud. When you wear a gown from university or college, you make your whole community proud and everybody starts to look up to you,” said Mhlanga.
She encouraged young people not to allow their circumstances to determine their future.
“Young people, you can be in a position where one day you see yourself as a leader, but you need to work hard, be determined and do not allow your background to stand between you and your future. You can be a success wherever you come from,” she said.
Students showcase their cultural talent
The event also showcased the talents of Mthashana students from the Vryheid and KwaGqikazi campuses, who entertained guests with traditional dance performances.
The college thanked the participating schools, partners, stakeholders and everyone who contributed to the success of the 2026 TVET Month celebrations.
The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
