ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

SISIPHO MAYO

PE TVET College is proud to celebrate the achievements of one of its alumni, Ms Sisipho Mayo, who left South Africa in September 2026 to attend Burgas University in Burgas, Bulgaria, as part of the Erasmus+ programme.

Ms Mayo began her academic journey at PE TVET College’s Dower Campus, where she studied Management Assistant and completed her studies in 2019. She has since built on her academic achievements, earning a Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management and currently pursuing an Honours degree in Supply Chain Management.

The Erasmus+ programme is an academic exchange programme funded by the European Union, providing students and academics with opportunities to study and engage with institutions in other countries. The programme promotes international learning, cultural exchange and the sharing of academic and professional knowledge.

Ms Mayo’s UNISA professor nominated her for this prestigious opportunity in recognition of her academic performance, commitment to her studies, and potential to complete the programme.

Her participation in the exchange programme is about more than studying abroad. She will have the opportunity to share her knowledge and experience of Supply Chain and Logistics in South Africa, while learning about supply chain and logistics practices in Bulgaria and other countries. This international exposure will allow her to gain a broader understanding of her profession and bring new knowledge and ideas back home.

During the programme, Ms Mayo will complete five modules that align with the Honours Degree in Supply Chain Management she is currently pursuing. She will also have the opportunity to interact with students and academics from diverse backgrounds, exchange ideas and gain valuable insights from their experiences.

One of the highlights of the programme will be the opportunity to write an academic article based on her international learning experience. The article is expected to be published, and she will also be able to present her work at a conference in Bulgaria. This will provide her with an opportunity to share her experiences, represent South Africa in an international academic environment and contribute to knowledge within her field.

Upon completion of the programme, Ms Mayo will receive an Erasmus+ certificate, which will form part of her academic achievements. For Ms Mayo, this journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, commitment, perseverance and believing in oneself.

Coming from the Eastern Cape and building her education and career step by step, she never imagined that her academic journey would one day take her to Europe. Her experience demonstrates that where a person comes from does not have to determine how far they can go.

Ms Mayo hopes that her journey will inspire other students to take their studies seriously, believe in their abilities and make use of opportunities that come their way. She believes that one opportunity can open the door to many more.

PE TVET College is proud to see one of its alumni representing South Africa, her university and her community on an international platform. Her journey is a testament to the impact of education and the possibilities that can emerge when determination and opportunity come together.

We wish Ms Sisipho Mayo every success during her Erasmus+ journey in Bulgaria and look forward to celebrating the knowledge, experiences and achievements she brings back home.

BABALWA NGOWAPI

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.

Ms Babalwa Ngowapi studied Marketing Management at Port Elizabeth TVET College, where she began her studies in 2012 and completed them in 2014.

Reflecting on her time at Port Elizabeth TVET College, Ms Ngowapi described her experience as both wonderful and life changing. Encouraged by her cousin’s recommendation and inspired by a marketing lecturer’s honesty and passion, she chose to pursue Marketing Management. The lecturer’s detailed explanation of the course, along with its challenges and opportunities, convinced her that the college offered not only academic excellence but also genuine mentorship and personal growth.

Although she faced challenges balancing a part-time job with her studies, Ms Ngowapi made the difficult decision to resign and prioritise her education, a choice that proved worthwhile in the long run. Throughout her studies, she built lasting friendships, developed confidence, and received invaluable support from her lecturers. These experiences shaped her character and strengthened her determination to succeed, making her journey at the college both rewarding and memorable.

During her time at the college, Ms Ngowapi gained valuable skills and confidence. Naturally shy, she overcame her fear of public speaking through practical learning and class presentations, which improved her communication and presentation skills, abilities that continue to benefit her professionally

When asked about her lecturers, Ms Ngowapi expressed deep appreciation for all of them, crediting each for contributing to her personal and academic growth. She regards them as mentors who played an essential role in shaping her into the professional she is today.

After completing her diploma, Ms Ngowapi furthered her studies and completed an internship at Algoa Brick, where she worked as a sales intern. Currently, she is both employed and pursuing further studies.

Following her time at the College, Ms Ngowapi enrolled at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (now Nelson Mandela University). There, she completed a National Diploma in Marketing, an Advanced Diploma in Marketing, and a BCom Honours in Business Management between 2015 and 2022.

Her time at university taught her the importance of independence and self-reliance. Unlike the close-knit environment of the TVET College, university classes were larger, and lecturers were less personally involved with students. This experience taught her to trust her own work and develop a strong sense of academic independence, a skill that has proved invaluable in her professional life.

Ms Ngowapi’s most challenging year was 2021, during her Honours studies at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to online learning was overwhelming, but with her supervisor’s support and time to rest and refocus, she persevered and completed her studies.

Reflecting on her journey, Ms Ngowapi highlights the advantages of a TVET education over traditional academic routes. She believes that TVET colleges provide practical, hands-on training that equips students with industry-relevant skills, making them more job-ready. The strong link between TVET colleges and industry offers students real-world exposure through internships and placements. Starting her education at the College gave her a solid foundation in marketing, allowing her to excel academically at university and even earn bursaries for her performance.

Looking back, Ms Ngowapi says she would not have done anything differently during her time at the college. Her main advice to current students is to practice discipline, which she considers the key to success in both academic and professional life. Whether meeting work deadlines or completing coursework, discipline enables individuals to achieve their goals even when motivation fades.

Looking ahead, Ms Ngowapi plans to continue her academic journey. Within the next five to ten years, she hopes to pursue a Master’s degree and, ultimately, a PhD, continuing to grow both personally and professionally.

Ms Ngowapi concludes her reflection by expressing gratitude for her educational journey and the role Port Elizabeth TVET College played in shaping her career and character.

We wish Ms Babalwa Ngowapi well in her future endeavours.

BALESENG MOEKETSI-NDWANYA

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.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT