On the 18th March 2025, Mnambithi TVET College hosted a vital initiative to connect the world of academia with the world of work. Hosting a successful networking dinner under the slogan “Bridging the divide academia and the world of work.” This event was to strengthen ties with local businesses and address the community’s evolving needs, the event held at Thandana Guest Lodge brought together local business and the college management and staff, fostering crucial partnerships and paving the way for future collaborations. It also served as a platform to showcase the college’s commitment to provide relevant and accessible training, while also highlighting the need for increased resources to expand its program offerings and add new programs such as hairdressing, somatology, agriculture and domestic appliances.
Mnambithi TVET College recognised the importance of aligning its training programs with the needs of local industries. The dinner served as a platform to facilitate dialogue and create path way for TVET students to seamlessly transition from the classroom to the workplace. The event featured insightful speeches from industry leaders, namely the sponsor of the event AutoZone, Traditional Leaders, KZN DHET Regional Office – Mr P.B Ngubane, Mnambithi TVET College partnerships, the College Council, Mayor of uThukela District Municipality – Inkosi N.B. Shabalala, Majuba TVET College – Principal, Dr S.J. Mlotshwa and uThukela Economic Development Agency, Mr. S.B Sibisi as our guest speaker for the evening.
The presentations focused on the following: College’s effort to develop curriculum that meets the current and future demands of the local market, the importance of work-integrated learning including in-service trainings, internships and apprenticeship in proving students with practical experience, the collaboration opportunities available for businesses to partner with the college in developing skilled workers as well as the role of the TVET College in regional economic development. The success of the evening was significantly bolstered by the generous sponsorship of AutoZone, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the growth of skilled labour within the Ladysmith region.
The networking dinner highlighted the critical role of Mnambithi TVET College in driving regional economic development by “bridging the divide between academia and the world of work”. The college’s proactive approach of fostering collaboration with local businesses will ensure a brighter future for its students and Ladysmith as a whole.
For more information, please contact the Communications Department on 036 631 0360.
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