SECUNDA – The Gert Sibande TVET College hosted a stakeholders engagement gala dinner with a theme “Collaboration to stay relevant in the fourth Industrial Revolution.”
The formal event had the invited stakeholders dressed to the nine at Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club on the evening of Thursday, 7 March.
The stakeholders included members of the executive management from the college, the Department of Higher Education and Training, as well as delegates from the public and private sector.
Ms Maphefo Anno-Frempong, CEO of Transport Education Training Authority (TETA), gave a detailed keynote address on the relevant capabilities required to produce a skilled workforce in the fourth industrial revolution.
She touched on how education needs to stay relevant to the revolution and made examples of what other BRICS countries are doing.
“The strides that have been taken to keep up in the fast moving, ever changing technological world we are living in have positioned the next generation to go beyond their wildest imagination.”
She elaborated on the unique position that TVET colleges are currently in because they place learners in real-life work experiences.
A fashion show was put together with garments made by the students at Gert Sibande TVET College.
It wowed the guests with the students’ attention to detail and choices of fabric.
Many other speakers spoke on topics around the fourth industrial revolution and how it would affect the college in the long term.
Stakeholders were encouraged to support the college by pledging towards their goal.
The statement: “In South Africa, we make it look like TVET colleges are a second option when in fact it should be the first option,” was given a loud cheer by the guests before the evening came to a close.
