DURBAN Blacksmith, situated in the heart of Jacobs, proudly hosted 17 Grade 12 learners from Inanda Newtown Comprehensive High School recently, together with Audrey Kaunda, the Mechanical Technology educator of the school, over a two day period.
“We were very excited to be approached by the school again after successfully hosting the learners last year, providing our blacksmithing facility to complete their practical task for their final marks” said the owner, Elsie van Niekerk.
This year, the learners’ practical task for their final marks, as set out by the Department of Education, was to make a safe. This required the learners to cut steel sheets to the required piece sizes for the body, sides and door of their safe on mechanical guillotines, under the watchful guidance of Durban Blacksmith expert operator, Goodman Mthethwa. The learners were given a demonstration of how to calculate the cut sizes and input these sizes and settings on the guillotine.
“The learners all had an opportunity to cut their own material and experience the power of our 3.2 metre Guillotine slicing through their steel sheets. The learners then had to bend the cut steel pieces at 90 degree angles to form the body of the safe. For this the learners learnt how to use the sheet metal bending brake under the masterful guidance of Richard Ngcobo and bent the metal with precision to their drawing specifications. Equipped with all the necessary safety wear, each learner tackled their task with so much enthusiasm and showed immense pride in their achieving the successful operations of these machines and putting into practice what they have learnt in theory. The learners will use their own welding facility for which they are equipped at their school to finish their safes of,” said Elsie.
After their tasks were completed, Elsie guided the learners on a plant tour and demonstrations on the Mechanical Presses, Milling Machines, Surface Grinders, Spark Eroders and many other equipment used in Metal Pressing and Tool and Die Making, which they have learnt about in their subject as well as explaining the process of manufacturing metal components – from drawings, to tool and die making, to the actual production of the components from specific tools, to supply metal components to the various industries.
It was an absolute pleasure to host Ms Kaunda and her learners, they are a true credit to Inanda Newtown Comprehensive High School. The learners conducted themselves with utmost discipline, respect and kindness. It was awesome to have such a keen spirited group of young people in our plant and we wish them all the best of luck with completing their projects for Finals. We cannot wait to see the final product of their masterpieces once welding is completed! Accolades to Ms Kaunda for her passion in teaching and going the extra mile to give the learners every opportunity to be able to do their Practical Task successfully,” concluded Elsie.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 876 3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
