THREE RIVERS – Sedibeng TVET College hosted a prestigious gala dinner aimed at fostering healthy partnerships with leaders from the business sector.
The event took place at the opulent Lords Signature Hotel, setting the stage for a night of meaningful conversations and strategic connections.
As the sun set over the peaceful landscape of Three Rivers, the hotel’s grand ballroom came alive with a deep sense of anticipation.
Distinguished guests, including captains of different industries, entrepreneurs, and education pioneers, met at the venue, united by a common goal – to explore the collaborations between academia and the business world.
Speaking at the gala Dr. Gwendoline Van der Berg Chairperson of the council in Sedibeng TVET said “Tonight we come together to celebrate the enduring spirit of education and industry collaboration. This event is a true testament to the relationship between academia and industry. A partnership that is driven by innovation, growth, and prosperity.”
“This is a partnership that bridges the rounds of practice, aspiration, achievement, and knowledge and most importantly the application of that very same knowledge. It is a partnership that has given rise to innovation, and economic development and transformed many lives,” she said.
Professor Dipiloane Phutsisi Principal of Motheo TVET College in Bloemfontein and President of the South African Public Colleges Organization commended the college for organizing the event.
“Let me congratulate you on this immaculate work that you are doing with your team. You are driving the vision of this institution together with your council. Business and industry are key partners to this particular vision driven by an institution,” she said.
Phutsisi said business and industry play a key role in the TVET college sector. “TVETS are institutions that provide practical skills training and education, and prepare individuals for employment. The involvement of businesses and industries in TVET colleges is to bridge the gap between education and the labor market. We must ensure that our graduates are equipped with skills and knowledge in demand by employers,” she said.
Sedibeng District Municipality MMC of Finance, Vincent Jones represented Mayor Lerato Maloka in her absentia.
“We acknowledge partners who deem it fit to assist with their resources for the college to produce and to thrive. The state of our municipalities is in need of such like-minded partners who would be able to realize the goals we have set for government, to alleviate poverty and unemployment.”
