Three students from West Coast College at Vredenburg achieved outstanding success at the inaugural South African National Artisans Awards (SANAA) on Saturday 6 September at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng.
Henlee McCarthy achieved first place and Busisiwe Mazantsana second in the Pipe Fitting Trade category, and
Alex Monk obtained second place in the Boilermaking Trade category.
According to Lungisa Mbulawa, principal of West Coast College, the exceptional results marked a historic moment for the institution. “Its first SANAA nominees became the college’s first SANAA winners,” she said.
“The SANAAs, established to celebrate excellence among artisans and their trades, brought key stakeholders in the skills and training sectors together,” Mbulawa pointed out.
Buti Manamela, Minister of Higher Education, also attended the event, along with representatives from various sector-education and -training authorities (setas), industry partners and employers.
Reflecting on his achievement, top achiever Henlee McCarthy said: “The feeling is indescribable; it still feels like a dream. When I look at the award and see my name on it I realise I truly did win first place. I am deeply grateful to Mr Qwen Bowie, my pipe-fitting facilitator, for seeing my potential and nomina-
ting me.
“I believe this award will open new doors, helping more companies notice me and hopefully offer opportunities for growth and employment. Receiving this recognition has certainly ‘put me on the map,’ and I trust the right people will see my potential.”
Commenting on the College’s success, Mbulawa said: “We would like to congratulate the artisans on winning these prestigious awards on this auspicious occasion, and we know these awards will encourage many to study a trade and earn such recognition, as they are the ones who will build South Africa and keep us moving forward.”
He also said the recognition reflects the college’s commitment to producing highly skilled artisans. The Vredenburg campus specialises in the pipe fitting and boilermaking trades.
