Mthashana TVET College recently hosted its 20th graduation ceremony at the Vryheid Engineering Campus main hall.

Proud students, parents and family members gathered to celebrate a day of the graduates’ hard work, determination and success.

The graduation ceremony was held in two sessions, with council chairperson Mr Nkosi delivering the council address.

Deputy minister congratulates graduates

During the first session, Deputy Minister of Higher Education & Training Dr Dube-Ncube addressed the graduates and congratulated them on successfully obtaining their certificates.

Mrs Liversage, principal of the college, shared the graduation statement with the audience and said the graduates were an embodiment of the college’s mission.

She said the skills they had gained would serve as a foundation to prepare them to elevate, lead and contribute to the workforce and society.

“This year we have enrolled over 7000 students in our formal programmes and over 1500 students in our occupational and skills training programmes. Our pass rates average over 70%. We are very proud of the fact that the college achieved first position in KwaZulu-Natal and second position nationally in the semester one 2026 examinations.”

She added that Mthashana students did not only excel academically, but also in sport and culture, with some students selected to represent KwaZulu-Natal at national level.

Graduates urged to make a difference

Mr Dimba, a former principal of the college who served for 10 years, delivered the keynote address.

He congratulated the graduates and reminded them that their graduation certificates were more than just pieces of paper, but evidence that they had refused to allow their circumstances to determine their futures.

Dimba said the graduates came from different backgrounds, situations and homes, but had all managed to reach the milestone through determination and support.

He urged them to always remember the people who had made sacrifices to help them reach graduation, including their parents, grandparents and other family members who continuously supported them.

He also acknowledged the taxpayers who contributed towards the funding that enabled students to benefit from NSFAS.

“South Africa needs a workforce that is diligent, productive and trustworthy. When you enter the workplace, do not ask only, ‘What is my salary?’ Ask, ‘What value am I bringing?’” he said.

Graduates celebrate academic milestone

Dimba concluded his address by referring to Psalm 23, reminding the graduates to remain grounded regardless of where life takes them.

“No matter where life takes you, do not forget your Creator, your God.”

Graduates received qualifications in fields including Management Assistant, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Farming Management, Tourism, Public Management, Human Resource Management and Business Management.

The college choir entertained the guests during the graduation ceremony.

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.