By Palesa Mofoti
Top seven students from different study skills at Northern Cape Urban TVET College qualified to represent the Province at the national leg of the prestigious World Skills South Africa competition, which is expected to be held in Gauteng.
The winners were announced on 10 October after battling it out during the 2025 Provincial Skill Competitions and Career Festival at Moremogolo TVET College in Galeshewe.
The competition, which is a partnership between World Skills South Africa and the Department of Higher Education and Training, focused on harnessing Artisanal skills of college learners and increasing their chances of development and employment.
A total of 17 participants in the study skills of Brick laying, Carpentry, Electrical, Hairdressing, Plumbing, and Chef study skills, competed at the provincial level.
They will later compete with winners from 50 TVET institutions throughout the country in order to qualify for the international level.
The International competition is expected to be held in Shanghai, China, in 2026.
The competition is lauded for encouraging the participants and equipping them all as winners regardless of the outcome, and fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation.
NCU TVET college Acting principal Elgin Mokokong expressed hope that the competition will be a door opener for the students.
“Our hope for the outcome of this competition is for our students to excel, become winners, and for doors to open for them worldwide,” said Mokokong.
Jerry Kale, representative of the Office of the Premier, described the competition as a celebration of the boundless talent possessed by the Northern Cape. He emphasized that skills development is at the heart of growth.
The Regional Manager (Northern Cape and Western Cape), Brian Madalane, emphasized how skills are the tools of employment and how important it is to correct the misconception of trade skills in the country.
He reiterated that it is imperative to apply the World Skills standards in all TVET workshops across the country.
The winner of the provincial cooking category, Breyton Saal, expressed pride and excitement for his achievement.
“The experience was really good, even though there were unexpected situations; I have conquered them,” said Saal.
Palesa Hendricks, winner of the Plumbing category, saw the opportunity as a definite door opener for her.
“It’s a great opportunity that will open many doors for me. As a 21-year-old female, this will give me the recognition and some direction in life.”
Hairdressing student Olivia Boysen, Carpentry Rethabile Moitsimang, Plumbing Palesa Hendricks, Chef Breyton Saal, Electrical Pieter Van de Merwe, Brick Laying Boitchoko Saul.
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