“NTG Solutions, in partnership with VUT, hosted its first graduation ceremony celebrating 12-month training graduates, skills development and empowerment.”
02 June 2026 | Story by: Staff Reporter | Picture: Supplied
6 minutes read time.
Hope, resilience, and the power of education filled the atmosphere as NTG Solutions, in partnership with the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), hosted its first graduation ceremony on 26 May 2026 at the VUT Conference Centre. The occasion marked more than the completion of a 12-month programme; it celebrated determination, sacrifice, and the beginning of new futures for 37 graduating students.
Parents, families, lecturers, and guests gathered in large numbers to witness a moment many described as life changing. The excitement and emotion in the venue reflected the day’s significance, as graduates proudly celebrated a journey marked by perseverance, discipline, and courage.
NTG Solutions operates through four specialised divisions: Development Planning, GIS, Geomatics, and the NTG Solutions Training Academy. Through these divisions, the organisation continues to contribute towards skills development, urban planning, surveying, mapping, and geospatial data management, while empowering young people with practical industry knowledge.
The ceremony officially commenced with opening and welcoming remarks delivered by Mrs Lindelwa Khoarane, Head of Department at NTG Solutions. Speaking with pride and gratitude, she welcomed all guests and acknowledged everyone who contributed to the programme’s success.
Mrs Khoarane described the ceremony as a historic milestone for NTG Solutions, as it was the institution’s first graduation celebration since the academy’s establishment. She highlighted the importance of the partnership between NTG Solutions and VUT, noting that collaborations between higher education institutions and industry remain essential in creating opportunities for young people.
During her address, she paid tribute to the late founder of NTG Solutions, Mr Nkosinathi Dikwayo, whose vision and bravery laid the foundation for the organisation’s growth and impact. “The late Mr Nkosinathi Dikwayo is the one whose bravery paved the way for us,” she said emotionally.
She further reflected on the organisation’s guiding vision and values, quoting the words that continue to inspire the institution: “The seed in our hearts that secures the harvest of our future.”
Mrs Khoarane emphasised that education is an investment that not only transforms individuals but also changes families, communities, and future generations.
Opening remarks were delivered by Mr Xola Msiwa, Head of the Department of Geomatics, who reflected on the remarkable growth of NTG Solutions since its establishment in 2007. He explained how the organisation evolved from a small company into a respected institution operating in GIS, geomatics, and skills development through the NTG Academy.
Mr Msiwa acknowledged the valuable partnerships NTG Solutions has built with the Department of Labour, employers, and VUT in advancing education and employability among young people.
Addressing the graduates directly, he expressed pride in their personal and academic growth throughout the programme. “When I think about where many of these students started, and where they are today, I still cannot believe how far they have come,” he said.
His message reminded graduates that success is not achieved overnight, but through commitment, consistency, and the willingness to keep moving forward despite difficulties.
Words of encouragement were also shared by Prof Rene Van Eck, representing VUT. Her message focused on self-belief, resilience, and the responsibility graduates carry as future professionals and community builders. “Your dedication led you here,” she said. “As you go out into the world, uplift communities and remember that education is not only about qualifications, but also about how you see yourself and how the world sees you.”
Prof Van Eck encouraged graduates to embrace challenges fearlessly and remain bold in pursuing their goals. “You fought through many obstacles just to be here today. Do not allow fear to stand in the way of your future,” she added.
The inspirational address to graduates was delivered by Mrs Nyawa Dikwayo, Managing Director of NTG Solutions, whose heartfelt message deeply moved many attendees.
She reminded graduates that the ceremony symbolised more than academic achievement. “Today we are celebrating more than certificates,” she said. “We are celebrating resilience, sacrifice, growth, and the courage to continue even when life becomes difficult.”
Mrs Dikwayo emphasised that education should not only empower individuals but also equip them to solve problems and bring change within their communities. “Your skills are tools that can bridge the gap between challenges and solutions,” she told graduates.
In one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony, Mrs Dikwayo shared the story of a young girl from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape who suffered from an eye condition that threatened her sight. Despite the possibility of permanent blindness, the young girl continued pursuing her dreams with strength and determination. “Vision is not found only in the eyes,” she said. “True vision lives in the mind and in the heart.”
Using the story as a lesson in perseverance, she reminded graduates that setbacks, failures, and disappointments should never define the end of one’s journey.
“You will stumble. You will fail sometimes. However, failure is not the end of your story; it is part of your growth,” she said.
She concluded her address with powerful words of encouragement: “Carry courage in your pocket, curiosity in your mind, and kindness in your heart.”
The highlight of the event was the official handover of certificates, during which the 37 graduates proudly walked across the stage to receive recognition for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their futures.
Tears of joy, applause, and ululations filled the venue as parents celebrated their children’s achievements, many reflecting on the sacrifices made along the way to make education possible.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the Director of Community Engagement, Mr Joseph Radebe, who brought warmth, humour, and inspiration to the ceremony. In a symbolic moment of unity, he asked the guests to clap hands table by table until the entire venue echoed with applause. “When the sound of clapping hands becomes one, that is the power of unity,” he said.
Mr Radebe also reflected on his own humble upbringing, sharing how he rose from the dusty streets of Small Farm through determination and education.
He encouraged graduates never to forget the sacrifices their parents and families made to support them throughout their educational journeys. “The money your parents used to buy bread was sometimes used instead for taxi fare so that you could attend classes,” he said emotionally. “Now that you have graduated, you must become the one who buys bread for the family.”
His message resonated deeply with many graduates and parents, reminding them that education carries both opportunity and responsibility.
He concluded by encouraging graduates to celebrate their achievement proudly while remaining committed to building better futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
The programme officially concluded with closing remarks by Mrs Dikwayo, bringing an end to a memorable and inspiring ceremony that celebrated not only academic success, but also hope, resilience, partnership, and transformation.