Meet Ms Babalwa Ngowapi, a proud graduate of Port Elizabeth TVET College, originally from East London, who relocated to Port Elizabeth to further her studies and decided to make the city her home.
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Meet Ms Baleseng A. Moeketsi-Ndwanya, a proud graduate of Port Elizabeth TVET College, whose inspiring academic and professional journey embodies resilience, lifelong learning, and a passion for growth.
Originally from Johannesburg and now residing in Gqeberha, Ms Moeketsi-Ndwanya completed her high school education at Morris Isaacson High School in Soweto, matriculating in 2002.
From her early days as a student at Iqhayiya Campus to her current position within the same institution, her story reflects the transformative power of TVET education and the determination to rise above challenges.
Ms Baleseng A. Moeketsi-Ndwanya completed her Diploma in Business Management at Port Elizabeth TVET College, Iqhayiya Campus and obtained her diploma in 2005.
Her experience at the College was both empowering and transformative. The institution provided her with a strong foundation in business principles and equipped her with practical, hands-on skills that were directly applicable to the workplace. The supportive environment and dedicated lecturers nurtured her discipline, confidence, and drive for success.
Ms Moeketsi-Ndwanya was motivated to study at the college for both personal and practical reasons. With her parents employed as general workers and no financial aid available at the time, they enabled her pursuit of higher education. She was also drawn to the college’s blend of theory and practical application, which she saw as essential for a successful and adaptable career. During her studies, she gained business expertise alongside soft skills such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and communication, with resilience and adaptability remaining her most enduring lessons.
Lecturers, Ms W. le Roux and Mr A. Matima, greatly influenced her, inspiring her to aim higher. Despite challenges balancing academics, personal obligations, and limited resources, she overcame them through disciplined time management, peer collaboration, and lecturer support, learning the value of perseverance and teamwork.
Following her graduation, Ms Moeketsi-Ndwanya completed two internships: an 18-month internship at Iqhayiya Campus under Mr A. Matima and Campus Head Mr Petersen, and a Document Control Internship at Coega Development Corporation from 2006 to 2007.
Currently, she works as a Cleaner at Iqhayiya Campus, contributing to a clean and safe environment for students and staff. Alongside her professional duties, she has continued her academic pursuits and recently completed her Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Human Resource Management
Her extensive professional experience spans administration, education, and operations, including roles in cleaning services, teaching, document management, financial advising, and quality assurance. She has demonstrated versatility and adaptability across both corporate and educational environments for more than a decade.
Her pursuit of education did not end at PE TVET College; she continued to expand her knowledge at several institutions, including Southwest Gauteng College (SWGC), where she earned N1–N3 Plumbing Certificates, Port Elizabeth TVET College for N4–N5 Supervisory Management, Nelson Mandela University where she began an Advanced Diploma in TVT but was unable to complete it due to financial constraints, and Regent Business School, where she completed an Advanced Diploma in Management and a BCom Honours in Human Resource Management
Her completed qualifications include N1–N2 Plumbing from Southwest Gauteng College (2014), N4–N5 Supervisory Management from PE TVET College (2021), an Advanced Diploma in Management from Regent Business School (2024), and a BCom Honours in Human Resource Management from Regent Business School (2025).
Through her university studies, Ms Moeketsi-Ndwanya honed her critical thinking, strategic problem-solving, and analytical skills. Her courses strengthened her leadership, HR, and financial acumen, empowering her to apply theory effectively in real-world contexts.
Despite facing financial constraints and limited access to resources, she persevered by using open-source materials, forming study groups, and seeking lecturer guidance, an experience that deepened her resourcefulness and self-management.
Reflecting on her educational journey, she acknowledges the unique value of a TVET education, which emphasises practical, industry-oriented learning. Unlike purely theoretical academic programs, TVET training prepares students to be work-ready and adaptable, a quality that has shaped her own professional growth.
Looking back, she admits she would have been more proactive in networking and attending industry workshops to build professional connections earlier. Nevertheless, her commitment to lifelong learning and perseverance continues to define her journey.
Her advice to current students is simple yet profound:
“Treat your studies as your primary business—be diligent, focused, and proactive. Develop your soft skills, seek practical experience, and align your education with your long-term vision. Lifelong learning and perseverance are the true keys to success.”
Looking ahead, Ms Moeketsi-Ndwanya plans to pursue an MBA in 2026, followed by a PhD, to advance into leadership or strategic management roles and mentor the next generation of professionals.
Her journey stands as a powerful testament that humble beginnings do not determine one’s destiny. From starting as a student at Iqhayiya Campus to becoming part of its staff while earning her honours degree, she has come full circle. Grateful for the mentors and challenges that shaped her, she continues to inspire others—proving that with a solid TVET foundation, determination, and a commitment to growth, anyone can rise to achieve their dreams.
Ms Baleseng A. Moeketsi-Ndwanya’s story continues to inspire students of Port Elizabeth TVET College to dream boldly, work diligently, and embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth.
We wish Ms Baleseng Moeketsi-Ndwanya well in her future endeavours.