The University’s CEAD relationship with its partners continues to bear fruit. CEAD, together with the Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BankSeta) the Environment and Language Education Trust (ELET) rolled out two programmes, which are Digital Literacy and Skills development Initiatives; and Career Development workshops in Mathematics and Physical Science for Grade 12. Dr Mfanozelwe Shozi, Deputy Director: CEAD, said that both programmes were funded by Bank Seta. Professor Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni, Director of CEAD, said that the initiative was a response to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR); MUT is continuing to foster strategic alliances aimed at equipping young people, Professor Nkonki-Mandleni said. Twenty learners from Umlazi Township’s Mafumbuka High and Umlazi High Schools, were beneficiaries of the project. Out of the 20 learners, 15 were females. Dr Shozi said that the Bankseta, MUT and ELET prioritise the skilling of young female learners, “and this coincidentally happened during the month of August, which is Women’s month”, Dr Shozi said.
The six-day training was run from 28 July 2025 to 4 August 2025. It equipped learners with practical and future-focused skills through four components: Coding and Robotics, Career Guidance, Beginner, AI concepts and Microsoft Office skills. According to Dr Shozi, the learners responded with overwhelming feedback, praising the programme. Coding and Robotics stood out as the most popular module, inspiring interest in STEM career choices, such as Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical careers, Information Technology, and Chemical Engineering.
Career guidance sessions, particularly on CV writing and career exploration, were seen as timely and empowering, while an introduction to AI concepts provided valuable insight into an emerging field. The Microsoft Office and general computer skills component helped learners to overcome hesitations with digital tools, with Excel budget creation and email communication proving especially relevant. A highlight for many was receiving laptops, which they viewed as transformational for their academic and professional futures. On the last day of the training, the learners received certificates of participation. Present during the ceremony were Elet representatives, CEAD and principals of Mavumbuka High School and Umlazi High teachers, and Umlazi DBE district representative.
Amukelwe Gumbi, from Mafumbuka High School, said he was very happy to receive the laptop. He said he will use it for his studies, and “trade” with it. A “very happy Lerato Ngcongolo said she would also use her laptop for her studies.