MLab hosted a milestone celebration where 36 Tech Graduates from Kimberley received their Code Tribe certificates of completion at Eden Restaurant and Lodge in Kimberley, on 8 October.
The celebration was coupled with the tech-based company’s 15th anniversary since its establishment.
This qualification equips learners with the technical knowledge and skills needed to qualify for their Software Developer NQF Level 5 certificate exams.
It further prepares them to develop, test, and implement applications within software development methods and frameworks.
Representatives from key stakeholders present were the National Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. MICT SETA, QCTO, Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment (NCEDA), Galeshewe SMME Village, National Empowerment Fund, and Sol Plaatje Municipality.
One of the graduates, Hanna Sebolai, is currently an Intern as a Skills Facilitator at MLab. Sebolai was also among the Top-3 Achievers, marking her as the only female among the men.
This achievement marks a pivotal point for the celebration, given that the involvement of women in technology is essential for gender equality and an industry that reflects their experiences.
Sebolai’s biggest dream is to become an entrepreneur.
She has since turned down two job opportunities to focus on her dream.
“I want to own a business where I can combine Mathematics and Coding to help kids with critical thinking.
“I have realised that these are skills for the future,” Sebolai pointed out.
“Coding does not discriminate; as long as you grasp the principles, it becomes easier to do your work.”
During his keynote address, MLab Provincial Lead Vuyo Kumalo unpacked the milestones of the digital skills initiative, announcing that they have achieved a 72% completion rate across 5 CodeTribe original cohorts.
Breaking down the stats, Kumalo said the original participants included 34% women, an indication that the programme needs more female applicants.
What stood out about MLab’s South Africa’s 15th anniversary journey is the fact that it is the only surviving center across Africa after other branches closed down, while the Nairobi branch was re-branded.
Another key speaker was Tumelo Mosikare, who is a product of this initiative and a facilitator at MLab.
Mosikare encouraged the graduates to continue seeking problems to solve in the tech space, and not limit themselves to employment.
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