“Kitso Development Centre, VUT and partners celebrated participants who completed accredited training in computer skills, coding, robotics and electrical programmes.”
28 July 2026 | Story by: Mmola Montsheng | Picture: Supplied
4 minutes read time.
The Kitso Development Centre, in partnership with the Department of Social Development (DSD), the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), MTL Computer Networking Solutions and FSASEC, hosted a certificate ceremony on 23 July 2026 for participants who completed accredited training in computer skills, robotics, coding and programming, and electrical programmes.
The ceremony celebrated the dedication and achievements of participants who undertook the training to gain practical skills for personal growth, further learning and economic opportunity. Stakeholders commended the certificate recipients for their commitment and highlighted the value of partnerships in advancing community development.
In her welcome address, Kitso Development Centre Board Member Mrs Martha Zwane encouraged recipients to embrace their potential, drawing on the familiar words: “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.”
She urged them to allow their knowledge and skills to shine as they pursue new opportunities and expressed hope that the programme would continue receiving support so that more community members could benefit from skills development initiatives.
Fellow Board Member Mrs Nkapu Ranake said the Centre’s work extends beyond skills development. “The Centre also runs a weekday feeding scheme and distributes to vulnerable members of the community, the less advantaged and the elderly,” she said.
“In addition, we offer K53 learner’s and driver’s licence training to equip the community with essential road safety and driving skills.”
Representing the DSD, social worker Mrs Gloria Rampai highlighted the department’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through initiatives such as school-uniform assistance and food-parcel distribution, while emphasising the importance of economic empowerment.
“Your background will never define you,” she said, reminding recipients that starting school later in life or experiencing setbacks should not prevent them from pursuing success. “There are people who will pull you down. The more they pull you down, you walk upright.”
Representing the e-Skills Unit at VUT’s Centre for Academic Development (CAD), Mr Darryl Lund congratulated the certificate recipients and praised the long-standing partnership between VUT and the Kitso Development Centre.
He noted that the collaboration, established in 2023, is founded on the shared belief that, “given the right opportunity and tools, our youth will thrive”.
Mr Lund thanked the DSD, Kitso Development Centre and all partners for their continued commitment to empowering communities through digital-skills training.
“Today you are not just receiving a piece of paper, you are walking away with practical skills, confidence and the ability to navigate a digital world,” he said. “The digital space is now yours to explore, to build upon and to conquer.”
Speaking on behalf of MTL Computer Networking Solutions, Mr Mokgele emphasised the importance of continuous learning and mentoring young people who seek careers in the information and communications technology sector.
“My passion for education is unlimited,” he said. “Remember, it’s just a piece of paper; all that you are going away with is the skill.”
Representing FSASEC, facilitator Ms Tshegofatso Makado congratulated the recipients and encouraged them to recognise the significance of their achievement.
“When you go home today, look at yourself in the mirror and say, ‘I did that,’” she said.
Ms Makado said FSASEC believes that education can change lives. “Our goal has never only been to teach technical skills, but also to inspire confidence, critical thinking and a desire for lifelong learning,” she said.
Mr Phil Molefe encouraged the recipients to celebrate their milestone with pride, noting that the significance of the ceremony extended far beyond its size.
Quoting Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, he said: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
“Now you are knocking at the door of STEM. You are holding onto the door. Walk into it boldly and make strides. Be an achiever,” he added.
The keynote speaker and Kitso Development Centre ambassador, Mr Peter Skhosana, told recipients that the ceremony represented more than the awarding of certificates.
“You are not just getting a certificate. You are being recognised for the hard work that you have done, what you have achieved and the skills that you have gained in the process,” he said.
He emphasised that knowledge must be applied with purpose. “Knowledge without action is incomplete, but knowledge with purpose is the fuel for changing lives and building our nation.”
He added that the qualifications earned were “powerful tools that unlock opportunities to create sustainable livelihoods, not just for you, but for your entire community”.
The ceremony concluded with recipients proudly receiving their certificates, marking both the successful completion of their training and the beginning of new opportunities. It demonstrated how collaboration between government, higher-education institutions, the private sector and community organisations can equip people with skills to participate meaningfully in an increasingly digital economy.