Maritime Training
Moghamet Thys
What training did you do? Maritime and Project Management
When did you do your training? 2011 to 2012
What did you do before you started your training at Siyaloba Training Academy? I did various piece jobs and did not have a permanent job.
Where are you working now, and how did the training assist you to get where you are? I work at Talhado Fishing Enterprises as a general maintenance worker on the engineering side. I started off by doing a Safety Familiarization course with Siyaloba and was selected to do the Project Management course. I was placed at Talhado as part of my practical experience. Based on the skills I acquired during the Project Management Course, I was offered a permanent position at Talhado. Some of the skills that assisted me to be permanently employed, included financial training, report writing and planning. This course also taught me people skills – which is very much needed in my position.
What did this funding opportunity mean to you? The training opened my eyes and broadened my horizons. I am very thankful for the opportunity that was given to me.
Mzwakhe Maxwell Ndevu
What training did you do? Maritime: Grade 4 Watchkeeper and various other courses.
When did you do your training? 2006 to 2007
What did you do before you started your training at Siyaloba Training Academy? I was just a normal fisherman struggling on the boats. I used to jump from boat to boat but wanted to progress in my career.
Where are you working now, and how did the training assist you to get where you are? Doing the Grade 4 Watchkeeping Course with Siyaloba changed my life a lot. It gave me stability and the opportunity to grow in the maritime industry, as well as in my social life. I am proud to say that today I am no longer struggling or jumping from boat to boat. I am currently still a Grade 4 Watchkeeper, but I am also a Safety Officer. I am in the process of getting my Skipper’s ticket, I have already booked my exams with SAMSA.
What did this funding opportunity mean to you? It meant a lot to me. I am now able to take my children to university and I was able to get my own car and house. I believe it is something that must happen more often, to give more people this opportunity of a lifetime.
Community/General Training
Nozipho Ntsini
What training did you do? FETC Project Management NQF Level 4
When did you do your training? November 2014 to October 2015
What did you do before you started your training at Siyaloba Training Academy? I worked at a fast food franchise, but always knew that it was not what I wanted to do.
Where are you working now, and how did the training assist you to get where you are? On completion of my training, Siyaloba appointed me permanently. I started off as Project Co-Ordinator and was recently promoted to Project Manager at Siyaloba Training Academy. The training assisted me very well for these positions. It broadened the way I think and the way I do things. It gave me leadership skills that I am now able to apply in my work. I gained knowledge on how to write reports, attend meetings, do the minutes of meetings and how to be the best-organised Project Coordinator I can be. I grow every day in the workplace and I can say it all comes back to the training I received.
What did this funding opportunity mean to you? it was very helpful, it changed my life and the lives of the people who attended the training with me. It gave me the opportunity to show my skills and now I am successful Project Manager. It encouraged me to want to study more. I am very grateful for the opportunity that was given to me and I wish that there could be more funding opportunities on Project Management, as it can create big employment opportunities.
Yanelisa Nqwelo
What training did you do? FETC Project Management NQF Level 4
When did you do your training? November 2014 to October 2015
Where are you working now, and how did the training assist you to get where you are? Through Siyaloba Training Academy I was fortunate enough to accomplish my dream. I always wanted to work for myself or own my own business, since I was a child. I was always passionate about food. My classmates from Project Management encouraged me to step up and take a chance. I would sometimes cook or bake for them at home and bring the food to class and share amongst us. I am currently running a home catering business, the Busy Beez Events and Catering, and have several clients. I also managed to secure a catering contract at the AFDA Film School. I am very proud to say I have employed one of my fellow Project Management students (Thobisa Faltein) to run my tuck shop. Cooking is my passion. I just love the final product of watching people enjoy my food.
What did this funding opportunity mean to you? Thank you to Siyaloba Traning Academy for giving me this opportunity to reach my dream. I really appreciate what you have done for me – you have changed my life in a big way. If it was not for Siyaloba, I would not have been where I am today. Thank you so much to the management and staff for the support you have given me. You are the best.