On July 21st, 2023, the Training and Development branch organized a remarkable annual Adult Reading Competition for city staff members enrolled in the Adult Education and Training (AET) program. The competition, held at Green Point’s DHL Stadium, showcased participants from various suburbs like Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Imizamo Yethu, and Kraaifontein, boasting of its richly diverse talent pool.
Alderman Theresa Uys’ Support
Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys, graced the event, adding her support and encouragement to the contestants. The annual competition aims to highlight the progress in literacy and numeracy skills among employees registered on the AET program, enhancing language comprehension, public speaking abilities, vocabulary, and spelling within the workplace.
Passionate Contestants
Sixteen passionate contestants participated in the event, with four staff members securing first positions in their respective AET levels. The majority of contestants were above the age of 50, demonstrating the AET program’s capacity to inspire and provide hope to individuals of all ages.
- Nontsizi Qhekeza, 50, from Kraaifontein, working in the City’s Sports and Recreation Department at the Kraaifontain depot (AET Level 1).
- Vanessa Apolis, 41, from Lavender Hill, working in the City’s Electricity Generation and Distribution department at the Retreat depot (AET Level 2).
- Simpiwe Luvatsha, 53, from Khayelitsha, working in the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate from the Hillstar Depot (AET Level 3).
- Andre Martin, 50, from Mitchells Plain, working in the City’s Sports and Recreation Department from the Strandfontain Pavilion depot (AET Level 4).
The Power of Education
The contestants exhibited exceptional reading abilities, showcasing the transformative power of education. Alderman Uys encouraged them to maintain their dedication and continue to seek knowledge. Students from various AET levels voluntarily participated in the competition, organized in partnership with Smartcape Libraries, whose judges assessed the contestants’ reading skills.
AET Program’s Benefits
The AET program provides employees from diverse directorates their first qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Staff members are assessed and placed in appropriate levels, ranging from AET Level 1 to Level 4. Acquiring the General Education and Training Certificate allows employees access to further developmental and promotional opportunities within the city, enrollment for Grades 10/11, matric, and vocational training.
The program significantly improves the self-esteem and confidence of employees by providing them with an opportunity for self-improvement. Alderman Uys highlights its importance in validating staff members and recognizing their invaluable contributions to service delivery.
Empowerment for Lifelong Learning
Participation in the AET reading competition empowers employees not only in their public speaking abilities but also as ambassadors for lifelong learning in and outside the city. These adult learners form the backbone of the city, with their wisdom, experience, and maturity often going unnoticed.
