2020 Leadership Development Programme Grad Ceremony

BY: .

A total of 51 certificates were awarded during a Virtual Graduation Ceremony held for the Leadership Development Programme’s (LDP) Class of 2020.

The LDP, which operates within the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance (SAEF), is a six-month course designed to build capacity and address the shortage of leadership skills in the Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) and Community Education Training (CET) sectors.

Among the awards were 39 Certificates of Competence with Complete Portfolio of Evidence, three Certificates with Fractional Portfolio of Evidence and nine Certificates of Attendance.

In his welcome address, the School’s Dean and Head, Professor Mabutho Sibanda, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to enjoy and celebrate receiving their hard-earned awards.

Sibanda said COVID-19 had not seriously disrupted the programme and thanked LDP personnel for remaining committed to it.

‘Due to the pandemic, the course was offered via a virtual platform between September 2020 and January 2021, with delegates expected to submit portfolios of evidence. I am grateful for the professionalism from both UKZN and INSETA who ensured its success,’ he said.

‘I would like to encourage the graduates to explore further education opportunities to enhance their knowledge and academic standing. I am pleased to inform you that UKZN has several postgraduate programmes which you may want to consider,’ added Sibanda.

INSETA CEO Ms Gugu Mkhize, who said the occasion demonstrated the working partnership between SETAs and Institutions of Higher Learning, applauded the partnership between INSETA and UKZN.

Mkhize also congratulated the graduates saying: ‘Your hard work has culminated in this momentous occasion. A graduation ceremony remains one of the most memorable events in a person’s lifetime, coming at the end of a long journey of academic and social preparations.

‘I wish you a rewarding journey of lifelong learning. Your commitment to developing yourselves is the best investment you can make for your future and I encourage you to take advantage of other opportunities available through the SETA’s programmes,’ she added.

In closing, senior lecturer at SAEF Dr Bomi Nomlala, thanked the graduates for their hard work and dedication to the project, their families for the support and encouragement during the journey, and sponsors INSETA for their vision in planning the course.

‘It is projects like this that inspire confidence that one day South Africa will be a great nation thanks to knowledge sharing,’ added Nomlala

Watch the graduation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TndxZa6f0Ys

Words: Lungile Ngubelanga

Image: Supplied