GS College wins PROVINCIAL SPEECH CONTEST

 

Gert Sibande FET College emerged victorious during the inaugural provincial FET Colleges speech contest that was hosted by Gert Sibande College: Standerton Campus on August 12, 2011. The speech contest was aimed at providing students with an opportunity to showcase their confidence, eloquence and public speaking ability. Each college was allowed 4 participants who has to render a prepared speech and also participate in an impromptu or unprepared speech. Points were awarded to each participant. Gert Sibande college obtained a total of 2554 points and took the first position. Nkangala FET College came second with 2392 points and was followed by Ehlanzeni FET College with 2370 points.

 

A variety of topics were debated. These topics included amongst others, Vocational education and skills development in FET colleges; How technology influence our lives; Youth of today have lost direction versus Youth of today have sense of direction; and Western Civilisation and sensitivity towards the economy of South Africa. The competition culminated with the announcements of the top three speakers. The chief adjudicator, Mr Peter Rasunyane, commented that it was not an easy task to identify the top achievers. He congratulated all speakers for their efforts and then announced the top three speakers who were Mbali Mavuso  from Gert Sibande College (first position), Akson Mwami from Gert Sibande College (second position) and Sello Maesela from Nkangala College (third position).  

 

Spectators were entertained by the highly energetic speakers who displayed confidence and poise. The spectators were thrilled with their performances, and sometimes even ululated with excitement. College Deputy CEO: Academic Affairs and Student Support, Ms. Hester Van Zyl explained that the contest was a further strategy to nurture young talented speakers.

 Van Zyl outlined that the speech contest sharpens students’ communication skills and enhances their ability to communicate well in the workplace.

 

The event was graced with the presence of guests from the media fraternity, public service departments and from the colleges. The following panel of adjudicators need a special mention for ensuring a smooth running of the contest. Standerton Advertiser Editor, Mr. Theunis Barnard, Department of Labour Assistant Director: Career Guidance and Counselling, Mr. Peter Rasunyane, Ehlanzeni FET College Business Studies Lecturer, Mr. Selby Gama and Gert Sibande FET College Business Studies Lecturer, Ms. Raeesah Osman.

 

The function was well attended and supported by staff from the 3 colleges and invited guests including the former Lekwa Local Municipality Mayor, Mr. Louis Thabethe, Ehlanzeni FET College Deputy CEO: Mr. Esau Simelane, Gert Sibande FET College CEO, Mr. Nick Balkrishen and Deputy CEO: Ms. Hester van Zyl and Standerton Campus Manager, Mr. Neelan Govender.

 

The winner will represent the province at a national speech contest event late this year.

 

After the results were announced, Department of Labour’s Assistant Director for Career Guidance and Counselling, Mr.  Peter Rasunyane mentored the students with regard to interview skills, drafting of CV’s and filling of Z83 forms and other employment application forms.