“You have a bright future ahead of you, make use of the opportunity” – Mahumapelo told Technical Students
Premier Supra Mahumapelo of the North West Province says the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding the province entered into with the Denel Technical Academy in 2016, will go a long way in realising the vision of rebranding, repositioning and renewal of the North West Province.
Addressing a group of 43 students who will pursue their career at the Denel Technical Academy by enrolling to study trade courses including, Fitting and Turning, Aircraft mechanic, Welding and Electrical, Premier Mahumapelo urged these students to embrace the opportunity at their disposal and focus on building their future.
“Skilled trade people are highly sought after in our country. By choosing these fields of study, each one of you will not only contribute towards addressing the challenges of unemployment and poverty, but the realisation of the RRR vision as well”, said Premier Mahumapelo who urged the students to remain focused in their studies and act responsibly”.
The students who were mainly recruited through the Technical Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) colleges, are from the provinces’ villages, townships and small dorpies, this in line with the provincial strategy to deliberately channel its resources towards the development of these areas.
The 3-year study programme which will cost the provincial government a total of R11.8 million this financial year, will comprise theoretical training in the first year, practical training to be offered at the Mahikeng International Airport during the second year, and placement at various institutions for a full year on-the-job-training during the third year. The students will also have to pass the trade test before qualifying as Artisans.
One of the students, Kagiso Motlhwe (23) from Logageng village in Mahikeng Local Municipality, says the opportunity offered by the Provincial Government could not have come at the right time.
“I have keen interest in welding, and seeing that I have not had an opportunity to study it at any of the local TVET colleges, being selected to study it at Denel Technical Academy is a dream come true for me. I am positive that the teaching I will obtain will enable me to contribute knowledge towards the planned face-lifting of Mahikeng International Airport”, Motlhwe said.
Dipuo Diphoko (31) from Ditshilong village in Greater Taung Local Municipality who will study Fitting and Turning course, says she hopes to change females’ mind-set about choosing technical studies as their profession.
“I want to first thank the provincial government under the leadership of Premier Mahumapelo for initiating this ground-breaking programme, which will see many of us in villages acquiring skills and qualifications in what is generally considered as scarce skills.
I am happy to be part of the first group, and believe this is the first step towards realising my dream of one day establishing a technical academy in my village. I also believe that my participation in this training will send a message to my peers that, females can also do it”, said Diphoko.
For this first intake, 13 students are females while 30 are males. They will each earn a stipend of R5 000 per month, this as part of the study programme requirements.
Pronounced by Premier Mahumapelo during his 2017 State of the Province Address as part of the strategy to develop aviation and technical skills in the province, the agreement with Denel Technical Academy will also provide for the establishment of a Denel Satellite Technical Academy in Mahikeng under the Office of the Premier - Ikatisong School of Governance.
The second phase of this agreement will result in the opening of a fully built Denel Academy Facility at the Mahikeng International Airport, where students will complete their practical training before their placement with selected industry employers for on-the-job-training and preparation for final accreditation as qualified artisans.
The project is implemented in partnership with provincial Departments of Community Safety & Transport Management and Public Works & Roads.
For enquiries, contact:
Brian Setswambung
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
