In the words by Henry Ford “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty and anyone who keeps learning stays young”. Mr Phiwinhlanhla Ngenabuthule Mbokazi raised the KZN Public Works Department’s flag high on Friday 20th January 2017 at Denville Girls High School (Durban North) when he was awarded a trophy for achieving distinctions in Information Technology , Human and Social Science under Adult Education and Training Programme as the most achieved leaner within UMlazi District Schools at the ceremony which coincided with the awarding of the 2016 Top Matric achievers.
Outstanding Achiever: Mr Phiwinhlanhla Ngenabuthule Mbokazi
Despite his age, Mr Mbokazi – a Security Guard employee at eThekwini Region since 1985 responded to this notion and enrolled for Adult Education and Training at Mayville Learning Centre in 2015 for Level 3 subjects which is Grade 4 to 6 in a normal schooling system and in 2016 he progressed with distinctions to Level 4 (grade 7 to 9), which is equivalent to NQF level 1).
The subjects he enrolled for under Human and Social Science covered History and Geography with Information Technology subjects which covered Introduction Microsoft (MS) Word, PowerPoint Presentation Skills and EXCEL spreadsheet. Other subjects within the programme covered Numeracy and Literacy, English, Mathematics, and Life Orientation.
UMlazi District Schools Director, Mr BH Ntuli (in black coat), Departmental Officials, Ms Andiswa Mhlongo and Mr Thandukwazi Ximba congratulates Mr Mbokazi for his achievement.
During this period, the department’s Human Resource Development unit provided a conducive learning environment for AET learners –which included the provision of a Computer Laboratory. EThekwini Region provided computers to the learners and these computers were previously allocated to the Administration personnel. In addition, the AET learners were also provided with textbooks and stationery.
AET Facilitators: Mr Muhle Mthembu and Ms Thandeka Khanyile congratulates their student.
The Department of Higher Education and Training provided teachers and facilitators for the AET programme to ensure the smooth running of the programme. Since the inception of the programme, between 2013 and 2016 eThekwini Region has produced 35 learners in various centres who have achieved the level 4 AET accreditation. These centres include Ilembe District, Maphumulo, Adams and Hammersdale depots.
Commenting about his achievement, a visible excited Mr Mbokazi who hails from Obuka at Mpangeni said “I am very greatful to the Department for affording me an opportunity to learn, I wish more other colleagues will seize this opportunity”. He said learning was fun as he would study with his children and joked about who would score high marks. According to Mr Mbokazi, the AET programme has paved the way for him to further enrol for a course in Electricity in order to obtain a qualification to do electrical work with confidence.
Meanwhile, the KZN Department of Public Works is implementing Adult Education learning programmes at Regional levels and continuously encourage personnel to enrol to the programme viewed as one of its contribution towards reducing illiteracy among its previously disadvantaged personnel.
One must acknowledge and commend the long-standing relations between the departments of Public Works and Education as all strides and efforts to changing people’ lives for the better continues to be realised.