Page 54 - Annual Report A4

THE GRC INSPIRES THE YOUTH FOR A

MUCH BRIGHTER FUTURE

ith Covid-19 having been with us the struggles that were mentioned by both
for over a year, many people have students was the pursuit of financial support.
Wlost the motivation to move on. With It was with determination that they have
the youth being hit hardest when it comes to attained an average of over 80% in all their
their everyday activities, a little intervention modules in college and they have both been
was required. The event was held in Springs, doing their internship with the consortium.
where a variety of local colleges were invited
for a motivational talk with some of the The key to their success was collaboration
leaders from the Gibela Rail Consortium, with other students in order to attain their
the Department of Higher Education and exceptional performance. The Gibela
the Tshwane University of Technology. Research Chair, Prof. Khumbulani Mpofu,
explained the importance of education
One of the leaders, Mrs Moloi, emphasised the and being grounded. He emphasised the
importance of such an event in her welcome importance of research in the development
to the colleges in Springs. The key takeaway of a new transport system that can work
from her address was the importance of time for the industry. He explained how his
and how each guest has dedicated the time childhood has shaped him to be who he
from his or her busy schedules to host the is today through the responsibilities that
next generation of leaders in the industry. he had had to carry from an early age.

First in the line-up was Mr Mawomi, who He also encouraged learners that reading
discussed the survival kit to succeed in is important and some of the life lessons
higher education. The takeaway from his are drawn from tough situations. Facing
address was the importance of prioritisation. challenges were the keywords for him and
He emphasised that once the goal has been having to strive through any challenge
set, it is important to prioritise the main aim to get and reflect on the past to learn from it
to where the individual student needed to go. rather than be stuck in that sentiment was
Various abstracts were presented to important. Mr Jiya from Gibela (Head of
demonstrate how to survive including the Department - Communication) talked about
importance of water to keep the body and mind the importance of the completion of studies.
healthy. Two TVET college alumni discussed
their journey with Gibela and how they landed Gibela has been funding students in various
their bursaries with the company. One of institutions and encouraged learners to

50 RESEARCH CHAIR IN MANUFACTURING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2021/22