17 Aug 2015

If general education is considered the key to development, technical and vocational education and training must be the master key that can alleviate poverty and help achieve sustainable development, says Assistant Minister of Education Skills and Development, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse.

Speaking during an exhibition show in Kumakwane held by Tshwaragano Brigades recently, Mr Autlwetse said the government made a conscious decision to take over vocational schools since they deliver skills that transform the economy.

He added that vocational education and training were the remedy for skilled labour, employment creation and improving the quality of life of the people.

He also said the perception of considering vocational training as second best has changed.

“We are determined as a ministry to transform negative mindsets, instigate a paradigm shift that perceives TVET optimistically and proudly associate with our products.”

Tshwaragano Brigades is under the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The assistant minister said his ministry was committed  to ensuring a robust technical and vocational education and training system that was reflected in the Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan - Strategy 2020.

He advised students to seize every opportunity that comes their way to help develop the country and employ themselves.

The exhibition was held under the theme TVET: The key to economic development, poverty alleviation and self-employability.

The principal of Tswelelopele Brigade, Ms Patricia Yezo explained that Tswelelopele was the main campus of its satellite campuses in Tlokweng, Naledi and Tshwaragano Brigades which were clustered together in 2006.

She said the exhibition was their second and that they hosted their first show last year in Ramotswa.

She noted that the mandate of the show was to promote the talent and capability of students, adding that they want to grow and fit globally.

Ms Yezo commended the sponsors and organising team, noting an English proverb  that ‘Where there is a will, there is a way.’ “We still have more mountains to move,” she said.

Still in Kumakwane, Assistant Minister Autlwetse also handed over a house to an 86-year-old woman which was built by the Tswelelopele Brigade Environmental Club students.

The students noted that the two-roomed house belonging to Ms Bafedile Kopane was in a bad state and needed renovation.

The project coodinator, Mr Kabelo Rampe said they looked for sponsors and that the managing director of Fridge Air Company, Mr Raja Nemani volunteered to connect the house with solar power and Modern Ceramics Company donated floor tiles, a chest drawer and a cellular phone for Ms Kopane.Kgale View Spar

Supermarket pledged to provide Ms Kopane with special diet groceries all year. The Kumakwane Village Development Committee and Dutch Bricks also contributed to the building of the house.

The councillor for Kumakwane, Ms Winnie Cassim explained that Ms Kopane had one child who died and that she stays alone. Ms Kopane, who was beaming with happiness, expressed her gratitude to all the donors. ENDS