In a series of ceremonies held across all three North-West University (NWU) campuses, the People and Culture Department recently celebrated colleagues who completed the 12-month End-User Computing learnership. Marking an important milestone in professional growth, these events showcased NWU's commitment to digital empowerment and continuous learning.
Held on 10 October in Mahikeng, 17 October in Potchefstroom, and 24 October in Vanderbijlpark, the ceremonies united graduates, line managers and representatives from various departments, highlighting the dedication and resilience of the participants.
The learnership was run with the support of the Sci-Bono partnership and a discretionary grant from the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education Training Authority (ETDP SETA). It equipped employees with essential digital competencies to meet the demands of an increasingly technology-driven workplace.
Digital literacy is a key skill
Ronewa Rokho, acting senior specialist in Learning and Development, applauded the graduates for their dedication, emphasising that digital literacy has become a vital skill in today’s professional world. Ronewa shared that the graduates are now positioned to excel in a technology-driven environment, adding that these skills would enable them to adapt, solve complex problems and enhance productivity.
Zelda Fynn, Sci-Bono manager, encouraged graduates to pursue continuous learning, emphasising that the certification lays a strong foundation for their future growth. Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, urged the graduates to see learning as a lifelong journey and make a positive impact wherever they go.
At the Potchefstroom’s ceremony, Prof Daryl Balia, deputy vice-chancellor for information technology and Potchefstroom Campus operations, reminded attendees that the certification is a key component of the NWU’s vision to become a digital university of the future. He commended the graduates for advancing their skills and encouraged all staff to equip themselves for a digitalised world.
Similarly, People and Culture manager Mzo Biyela emphasised NWU’s dedication to digital empowerment, reinforcing that the university’s investment in employee development aligns with its strategic goals for an inclusive, technologically adept workforce.
In Vanderbijlpark, Prof Linda du Plessis, vice-principal and acting deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning, praised the graduates' commitment to lifelong learning. “In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, these newly acquired skills will not only benefit your professional lives but also enrich your journeys,” she affirmed.
Graduate representative Tebane Khoza expressed gratitude on behalf of his peers, thanking their managers and the university for the opportunity to grow. "To my colleagues, congratulations. It wasn’t easy, but we supported each other, and I am proud of what we’ve achieved together,” Tebane shared.
The ceremonies highlighted the NWU’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous development and digital empowerment, preparing its employees to face the future with confidence and skill.
Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, urged the graduates to see learning as a lifelong journey.
Prof Daryl Balia, deputy vice-chancellor for information technology and Potchefstroom Campus operations, congratulated the staff members who received their End-User Computing certificates.
In Vanderbijlpark, Prof Linda du Plessis, vice-principal and acting deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning, praised the graduates' commitment to lifelong learning.
