Authored by: Phanuel Clement Chauke | SA Rainbow News | 18 March 2026
DURBAN — Two students from Ekurhuleni West TVET College (EWC) have brought pride to Gauteng after topping their respective trades at the WorldSkills South Africa National Competition 2026. The prestigious event took place from 8–12 March 2026 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
#WorldSkillsSA #TVETExcellence
Representing Gauteng Province, Lusani Nesindande secured gold in Cooking, while Karabelo Seqhoang claimed gold in Restaurant Service. Their outstanding performances have earned them a place in Team South Africa, where they will compete at the upcoming WorldSkills International Competition 2026 in Shanghai this September.
#TeamSouthAfrica #SkillsForTheFuture
The national competition brought together the country’s top artisan talent for five days of intense, high-pressure challenges, live demonstrations, and career exhibitions. Participants were assessed by industry experts against international standards, focusing on precision, speed, hygiene, creativity, and customer experience.
#ArtisanSkills #CareerDevelopment
Speaking after his victory, Karabelo Seqhoang reflected on the demanding nature of the competition and the preparation behind his success. “It was a tough competition, but I was prepared enough to tackle the challenges because of the mentors and lecturers who guided me,” he said. “I’m proud to have brought the gold medal home and honoured to represent my country on the international stage.”
#HardWorkPaysOff #YouthExcellence
Lusani Nesindande also attributed her success to discipline and consistent effort. “Going the extra mile and practising gave me an advantage. I’m thrilled to have brought a gold medal to the college and Gauteng,” she said. “Now, I will focus on preparing for Shanghai and aim to bring back positive results.”
#Dedication #WomenInSkills
Peter Mofokeng, a member of the Local Organising Committee and EWC’s Competition Coordinator, praised both students for their professionalism under pressure. He highlighted that their achievements have placed the college firmly on the national map and expressed confidence in their performance at the international level. He also acknowledged the support from college management throughout the competition.
#Leadership #ProudMoment
EWC further extended its appreciation to the broader WorldSkills South Africa community, industry partners, and the Department of Higher Education and Training for creating platforms that allow TVET students to benchmark their skills nationally and globally. The institution emphasized the importance of workplace exposure, masterclasses, and simulated service environments in developing job-ready graduates.
#Partnerships #SkillsDevelopment
With preparations now underway for Shanghai, EWC has outlined an intensive training plan. This includes technical training sessions, timed simulations replicating competition conditions, and mentorship from experienced chefs and service professionals. Key focus areas will include accuracy, plating, menu design, service delivery, communication under pressure, and resilience—qualities that distinguish top performers.
#RoadToShanghai #ExcellenceInTraining
For Ekurhuleni West TVET College, the success in Durban represents more than just medals. It reinforces the value of vocational education and highlights the potential of TVET students to drive South Africa’s skills revolution on the global stage.
#TVETSuccess #SouthAfricaRising