Exchange students from Gert Sibande College are positive

Gert Sibande TVET College held a welcoming ceremony for Ms Nkululeko Eunice Ngcobo (27) and Mr Thabo Michael Rathaba (28) who returned from China after completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Automation at Henan University of Technology.

The event was held at Isiqalo Guesthouse on July 20.

The college’s statement said the students got an opportunity to fly the South African flag abroad as part of the skills exchange programme between South Africa and China.

They were awarded a scholarship to study abroad as part of collaboration between the Chinese and South Africa cultures through the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA).

The initiative focuses on selecting top performing students from all the 50 TVET Colleges across the country to participate in an internship opportunity for 12 months in China.

According to the statement, the internship programme covers both theory and practical training within the workplace, intending to enhance knowledge and bridge the critical shortage of technical skills as per the SETA’s Sector Skills Plan in South Africa.

Acting College Principal, Ntombenhle Ntuli, welcomed and complimented the students with achievement certificates.

“We understand that the past years were really difficult with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, but the important thing is that you were resilient and you rose above the occasion,” Ms Ntuli said.

“You have worked hard and definitely deserve these accolades.”

Ms Nkululeko Ngcobo is a graduate from Sibanesetfu Campus in NC (V) Electrical Infrastructure Engineering, who achieved several distinctions.

“Don’t let your background and past define your future,” Ms Ngcobe said.

“Nothing comes easy in life and we are a living testimony of those words.”

She added that they learnt a lot in China and were grateful for their hospitality.

“We are ready to implement the knowledge and skills we acquired.”

Mr Thabo Rathaba, whose name suggest ‘Joy’, is also a graduate from Standerton Campus in NC (V) Electrical Infrastructure Engineering,

He mastered Mandarin and gave acknowledgement to the college for the opportunity.

“With the hard times we are currently facing, being away from your family, culture and your familiar lifestyle, is not an easy experience, but with determination and belief, nothing is impossible,” Mr Rathaba said.

“We are grateful for the daily prayers of our families and I would like to thank the college for the opportunity.

“ I am happy beyond my name.”

Their families were at the event and excited to see their children returning safe and healthy, after a long time away from home.

“Nkululeko has made me so proud,” her grandmother, Ms Albertina Xaba, said.

“ She is the oldest child in our family and seeing her returning home safe, brought me peace and joy.

“I’m grateful to the college, may God bless you all.”

“In life, you have to seize opportunities and face challenges,” Thabo’s aunt, Ms Ntheba Rathaba, said.

“I remember when he told me that he received a call from the college and is going to China.

“ I was scared and happy at the same time, but I knew that God will never forsake us.

“Today, I see him returning home healthy and happy and that alone brought me so much hope.

“I wish him all the best for the future.”