Computer programme empowers more than 70 youth in South Durban community

“I HOPE to unlock all the doors with this certificate I have received from Engen Community Computer School today. It has been a long journey for us, but eventually, we made it.”

These were the words of one of the graduates, Sithembisesihle Made, after she received her certificate for completing a computer course.

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Made from Montclair was among a group of over 70 students who registered for a four-month computer course who have graduated from the Engen Community Computer School. The programme has equipped them with essential computer skills to enhance their employability.

A graduation ceremony was held on May 3 at the Engen Durban Marine Terminal (formerly the Engen Refinery) in Wentworth, which celebrated the achievements of the first cohort of 2024 graduates and highlighted the impactful legacy of the Engen Community Computer School in transforming the lives of South Durban residents.

Since its inception in 2009, the Engen Community Computer School has empowered 3 019 South Durbanites by offering them a free basic computer skills qualification to significantly boost their employment prospects.

With 40% of the 2023 graduates having secured employment or gained acceptance into learning institutes or learnerships to study further, and with several graduates being offered positions even before completing the course, it demonstrates the tangible ongoing benefits of the Engen-sponsored training.

Msawakhe Trueman Chilizia, who secured a call-centre position in one of the insurance brokers in Wentworth, credits the skills taught by the Engen Community Computer School’s exceptional teachers for his success.

“I’m doing great, selling car insurance, capturing data and making calls. I’m grateful for this opportunity,” shares Chilizia.

Crediting their new computer skills, Jazmin Fisher landed a position as a receptionist at an engineering company in Wentworth, while Zuziwe Londiwe Zungula landed an internship at the government health department.

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Vanessa Wildey, another proud graduate, highlights the transformative impact her new skills had on her confidence.

“This course opened my eyes to many things I did not know existed on the computer. As the course progressed, and I received pass marks in the 90s, it boosted my confidence and interest in learning more,” says Wildey.

Further reflecting on her journey from a pre-computer working environment to embracing contemporary technology, Wildey credits the course with unveiling new dimensions of computer proficiency.

In another success, graduate Olwethu Zikalala secured employment at the government department while two other graduates secured positions with the South African Police Services.

Furthermore, another group of graduates completed a year-long Systems Development learnership, with several already securing employment. Notably, four graduates developed a website for a local company as part of their work experience, while another four taught schoolchildren computer skills and coding at Blue Roof in the Wentworth community.

Engen CSI manager Olwethu Mdabula reaffirms the company’s commitment to continuous community upskilling.

“At Engen, we believe that continuous community upskilling will ensure resilience and readiness in today’s ever-changing and demanding new digital world.

“Engen is humbled to play a small role in positively changing the lives of community members residing in the vicinity of Engen operations in South Durban,” said Mdabula.

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