Ms Portia Mange appointed as principal of Gert Sibande College

The Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology appointed Ms Portia Mange as principal of the Gert Sibande TVET College on 10 March.

Ms Mange has been acting as principal since 1 September 2017 and the college council announced the news to the central office staff, campus managers and head of departments during a meeting at the central office on 13 March.

Mr Bongani Mwale, council chairman, congratulated the college for the excellent academic results for 2019 academic year and said the council is privileged and proud to be part of a winning team.

He urged everyone at the college to support the principal.

“The principal is the face of the college and we all have to support her, Mr Mwale said.

“She must open a window of engagement with staff.”

He also took the opportunity to encourage staff members to further their studies, using the bursary opportunities that the college, SETAs and DHET provide.

“You cannot work for this college for many years and remain with the same qualifications you began working with,” Mr Mwale concluded.

Ms Mange thanked God for trusting her with this institution.

“God ordained our life path and appointments before we were even conceived in our mothers’ wombs and He plants us where He wants to achieve His purpose,” she said.

“There are people who can do this job better than me, but God chose me, because of His purpose.

“Every one of you is important to this great institution, continue to serve with excellence.”

She was also in appreciation of the college council for their support.

“The future is bright, let us serve our people with great humility and integrity,” Ms Mange concluded.

“I need your support to lead this college and build it for generations to come and for the thousands of young people, who rely on us for good quality training to change their lives and those of their families.”

Mr Marthinus Loots, council treasurer, said the council is privileged to announce Ms Mange as the new principal.

“You have already acted in this position and we know what you can do for the college,” Mr Loots added.

Mr Loots concluded by encouraging staff members to be ethical in whatever they are doing and to do their best to contribute to their departmental excellence.

“Being ethical means doing the right thing even when there is no one watching you.

“We have a great CEO and just need to come to the party and give her support.

Information: Mr Thokozani Ndhlovu, Acting Assistant Director: Stakeholders Relations, Marketing and Communication.