As South Africa continues its digital transformation journey, Ehlanzeni TVET College is emerging as a pivotal player in shaping the future by equipping youth in Mpumalanga with essential Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills.
To empower the next generation for future employment, the College has partnered with 4IR skills development institution Forge Academy & Labs and the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT Seta).
Under the visionary leadership of Principal Elias Mbuyane, Ehlanzeni TVET College has become a beacon of hope, offering cutting-edge 4IR education in the Ehlanzeni region. The College’s partnership with Forge has sparked transformative initiatives, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among the province’s youth.
Twenty-five students recently graduated from a comprehensive learnership programme designed by Forge Academy & Labs and hosted at the College’s 4IR centre at Mlumati Campus, Nkomazi.
Designed to impart vital IT fundamentals, introduce concepts of 5G technology, and cultivate skills in digital business creation, the programme encompassed a diverse curriculum covering key 4IR technologies such as robotics, 3D printing, virtual and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence.
“We are pleased to see the success of our collaboration with Ehlanzeni TVET College and MICT Seta, which witnessed the establishment of a 4IR centre at Mlumati Campus, Nkomazi. This initiative empowers young individuals in Nkomazi with essential 4IR skills, enabling them to become catalysts for change in their communities.” Said Tariq Shurmah, COO of Forge Academy & Labs.
Principal Elias Mbuyane emphasised the programme’s dual focus on theoretical learning and practical application, ensuring participants thoroughly understand 4IR technologies while fostering creativity to address societal challenges.
Students celebrated their achievements with a graduation ceremony and participated in a hackathon to showcase their innovative digital business solutions. The event provided a platform for students to demonstrate their newfound skills and creativity, with several participants receiving commendations and prizes for their outstanding contributions.
“Ehlanzeni TVET College remains committed to driving innovation and excellence in 4IR education, empowering the youth to become agents of change in the digital age,” said Mbuyane.
