Principal’s Desk: Welcome to Mthashana TVET College
Dear Colleagues,
It has been over two months since Mthashana College opened the doors to students and staff in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic.The question of how to administrate learning institutions safely after months of lock-down is and will always be of great concern. We need to be cognizant of the the fact that, the strategy cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach. Mthashana has therefore used a multifaceted approach that leverages a range of public health strategies best suited to each institution’s landscape. I urge all to follow the safety protocols at all times to ensure that the measures taken remain effective.
We are also in exam season, a process that has took off without hindrance. I have to commend both the staff and students for their dedication in saving the academic year. Education is a cornerstone to the upliftment of our communities and country at large. As professionals in Education , the success of our students is our responsibility -one that should be taken with great care- as well as the greatest mark of leadership. Please join me in wishing all the students the best for this season.
Being Woman’s Month , I would like to tip my hat to all our female colleagues for the work they do in all spheres of life, WE SEE YOU and APPRECIATE YOU! It would be amiss not to pledge my allegiance to the fight against Gender-Based Violence and work towards a country where women and girls are free to be. I encourage my male counterparts to use your voice and platforms in putting an end to the scourge of attacks and killings.
On a lighter note, it is the weekend. Rest ,Recharge and let’s Reconnect in the coming week. Stay Safe.
Yours in Service,
Nhlanhla Dimba
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
- Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela One of the most famous quotes of the revered Nelson Mandela is about education:
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Here are a few other Mandela quotes about the importance of education:
The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation. Our previous system emphasized the physical and other differences of South Africans with devastating effects. We are steadily but surely introducing education that enables our children to exploit their similarities and common goals, while appreciating the strength in their diversity.
—
No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.
Video | Welcome to Mthashana TVET College
Mthashana TVET College is situated in the Northern Region of KwaZulu – Natal and covers a vast area served by 3 District Councils: Zululand District Municipality, uMkhanyakude District Municipality and uMzinyathi District Municipality. Mthashana TVET College catchment area is characterized by high levels of unemployment where the poverty rate rises to 79% in some areas. The total population is approximately 1.4 million people where only 45% are employed, 7% have grade four as their highest level of education and 36% have no formal schooling experience. The lack of industry undoubtedly contributes to the above situation.
This places Mthashana TVET College in a unique position as a rural college servicing predominantly needy communities. This creates many opportunities but also holds many challenges. The existence of a college in this region serves as a glimmer of hope for many young people in the area by providing an important gateway to skills and employment. However, there is an increasing challenge of not being able to meet the needs of all the young people who have various ambitions. Mainly because the majority of students entering the college come from very humble backgrounds and as a result require state support in terms of funding. Over 95% of applicants qualify for bursaries from the means test. Another challenge is that some students entering the college are ill-prepared for college culture as a result they struggle to complete their respective courses, either on time or to even graduate.
Read More