- Event Commemorates Nelson Mandela and Women’s Month: The Alfred Nzo District Municipality and partners hosted a community event at Ingwe TVET College to honor Nelson Mandela and celebrate Women’s Month with a focus on community development.
- Addressing Socioeconomic Challenges in Education: The event highlighted issues faced by students, including poverty, food insecurity, and lack of funding, which contribute to high dropout rates and limited access to basic needs.
- Promotion of Women’s Economic Empowerment and Youth Support: Officials called for increased support for women’s economic initiatives and urged greater assistance for youth and TVET learners to foster economic resilience.
In honour of Nelson Mandela and Women’s Month, the Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM), in partnership with the Department of Social Development, Ingwe TVET College, South African Defence Force, and Correctional Services, hosted a community-driven event at Ingwe TVET College, Maluti Campus under Matatiele Local Municipality.
Themed “Building Resilient Economies for All”, the event addressed issues raised by the college’s SRC, including rising student dropouts due to poverty and lack of NSFAS funding. Many students face food insecurity, lack of clothing, and limited access to basic needs.
Deputy Executive Mayor Nomasomi Mshuqwana called for women’s economic empowerment and urged more support for youth and TVET learners. A keynote by M Khanyiso Sonti from the Department of Higher Learning encouraged students to use available support and highlighted entrepreneurship programs that equip graduates to start businesses.
ANDM donated two computers to Ikamva-Labantwana Learning Support Centre in Maluti, and four wood jack planes (electric and non-electric) and other tools to Amaqhaw’Esizwe Disability Centre in Ntabankulu. One hundred hygiene packs were given to Non-NSFAS students to boost self-esteem. Additional hygiene packs and food parcels came from Social Development, SANDF, and Correctional Services. Local residents also donated clean, gently used clothing.
