The National Skills Fund (NSF) continues to be a beacon of hope for the country’s youth. The outcomes of the funded initiatives are evident and aligned with the entity’s vision of providing funding to skill the nation.
A notable demonstration of the entity’s dedication took place at the Tshwane North TVET College, which held a fashion show and confectionary exhibition in February 2024.
The event provided a platform for students to exhibit their craftmanship on the runway, such as a clothing line crafted by the learners funded by the NSF through the Tshwane North TVET College Disability Programme.
Eleven categories, of which four garments per category were designed by the students living with disability, graced the runway. Additionally, guests were treated to baked goods and confectionaries prepared by students from the bread and confectionary disability programme.
Expressing pride in their achievements, student, Dinky Smit said: “I’m very proud of the outcome of our hard work. Being part of the programme has helped me achieve my dream of becoming a fashion designer. I am now confident in the skills I have acquired to venture into the fashion world. I want to open my fashion boutique one day”.
In 2022, the NSF approved funding of R2 547 750.00 to the Tshwane North TVET College for the seamstress, and bakery and confectionary disability learning programme. The programme has benefited 30 seamstresses and 30 bakery and confectionaries for six months.
The seamstress learning programme started on 4 September 2023. The first cohort of the bakery and confectionary learning programmes commenced on 1 August 2024 and completed on 30 March 2024. The college intends to recruit and start its second bakery and confectionary programme cohort on 1 May 2024, which will be completed in December 2024.
“NSF supports TVET colleges by funding training initiatives that equip students with essential skills. The most important part of this moment is that it will be a good story to tell one day. The unemployment rate among the youth is concerning, and the initiative aims to alleviate such predicaments and promote social cohesion and economic growth,” said Xolani Shange, NSF Project Manager.
At the event, certificates were presented to all students enrolled in the bread and confectionary programme. Furthermore, students in the seamstress programme were handed awards acknowledging their creative designs.
‘This is a full circle moment for me. I am very proud of the outcomes of the two programmes. Witnessing the hard work of these students on the runway fills me with pride and joy. We are grateful for everyone’s involvement in these programmes, facilitators, and the support of parents. Most importantly, thanks to the NSF, all this has been made possible with its funding. We have invited the NSF today to bear witness to the achievements of our students,” said the college’s Project Manager, Puleng Phala.
The NSF’s funding has empowered individuals living with disabilities and helped to develop essential skills for the youth, paving the way for a brighter future in the fashion and hospitality industries.
By Lebeko Morema, National Skills Fund graduate intern
