From Left to Right: Mr Mogashoa Bodiba (IT Masters), Ms Madiabe Mogalong (FASSET), Mr Charles Goodwin (Principal: Boland College), Ms Nomalizo Mpati (Deputy Principal: Academic Services), Mr Sthembixo Khanyile (President: TVETCGC), Mr Danny Plaatjies (Deputy Principal: Corporate Services), Mr Derrick Matthee (Campus Manager: Worcester Campus)
The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges for TVET Colleges nationally, highlighting the limitations of their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities. The shift towards online training, classes, and assessments became imperative, identifying the need for upgraded infrastructure. TVETCGC envisioned a transformative solution – the establishment of state-of-the-art ICT hubs across all TVET Colleges in South Africa. The objective was to bring these institutions on par with their global counterparts.
To turn this vision into reality, TVETCGC collaborated with FASSET, the Sector Education and Training Authority for Finance, Accounting, Management Consulting, and Other Financial Services. FASSET came on board, and a successful pilot project was initiated in three individual colleges. The proof of concept demonstrated the significant value these ICT hubs could add to TVET Colleges as a whole.
Buoyed by positive feedback, FASSET approved the rollout of an additional 23 ICT hubs. Following the successful implementation of these hubs, the green light was given to extend the project to all remaining TVET Colleges in South Africa. Boland College found itself in the third phase of this transformative initiative.
On Thursday, 1 February 2024, the Worcester Campus of Boland College witnessed the official handover of its ICT hub. The facility promises to bring multifaceted value to the institution and its broader community. The professional setup and state-of-the-art facilities are poised to revolutionise not only student experiences but also benefit staff and the surrounding communities.
The handover was graced by key stakeholders, including Mr. Sthembixo Khanyile, President of TVETCGC, Ms. Madiabe Mokgalong from FASSET, Mr Mogashoa Bodiba from IT Masters, and representatives from Boland College, including Campus Manager, Principal, Deputy Principal for Corporate Services, and Deputy Principal for Academic Services.
During the handover, Mr. Charles Goodwin, the Principal of Boland College, commended FASSET for their commitment to partnering with TVETCGC in this substantial infrastructure investment. He expressed hope that this groundbreaking project is just the beginning of transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing the capabilities of TVET Colleges in South Africa.
The ICT hub at Boland College holds promise for an education landscape that is not only technologically advanced but also more accessible and impactful for students, staff, and the communities this institution serves. The collaborative efforts of TVETCGC and FASSET stand as a testament to the potential for positive change within the South African education sector. The unveiling of Boland College’s ICT hub marks a significant step toward a brighter and more technologically empowered future.