Durban – More than 50 learners graduated from KMS College and Ozara Consulting at the Tropicana Hotel in Durban, after completing skills programmes funded by the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA).
The Second Graduation for this year was held on Thursday, 12 November 2026, under the theme “Empowered to Succeed, Inspired to Lead” and celebrated two groups — Technical Support graduates, including differently abled learners, and graduates from the Water and Sanitation Skills Programme.
The atmosphere in the hall was joyful and celebratory, with graduates singing, dancing and ululating as their names were called, while families and friends cheered them on.
Officials from the Department of Employment and Labour were also present at the ceremony, handing out registration forms to assist graduates with future employment opportunities.
Although EWSETA CEO Kothibone Moraone Nkabinde did not attend the graduation ceremony, Project Manager Nokanyezi Blose read her speech.
“On behalf of the CEO, the Board, management and staff of EWSETA, congratulations,” Blose read, adding that the CEO said: “Tell them I am proud and tell them we see them.”
In the message, Nkabinde said: “Sixty of you started this programme. Sixty of you are graduating today.
“I want you to sit with that for a second, because it does not always happen that way.
“Skills programmes are hard. People have jobs, families, taxi fare to find, data to buy, assignments due the same week someone at home gets sick.
“Finishing is an achievement on its own.”
She said the qualification graduates hold is the National Certificate in Sanitation Project Coordination, at NQF Level 5.
“That is not an entry-level certificate,” Nkabinde said.
“Level 5 is where a person stops only following the plan and starts helping to coordinate people, budgets, timelines, communities and contractors to sanitation projects.
“That is real responsibility, and it is responsibility this country needs people to carry,” Nkabinde said.
Blose also explained why EWSETA funded the programme.
She said Ozara applied for the discretionary grant for a skills programme in National Certificate: Sanitation and Project Coordination at NQF Level 5.
“Because the programme aligns with a water qualification, we felt it was best for us to diversify our portfolio in different areas in which we support, including KZN,” Blose said.
“The discretionary grant process is a transparent process; it is opened up to the entire public of South Africa,” she said.
“Should Ozara Consulting meet the necessary requirements and compliance, we see no reason why we should not partner with them in future.”
Nkabinde’s speech also explained why sanitation matters now.
“Water gets a lot of attention. Sanitation often does not. But anyone who has lived without a working toilet, or next to a sewer line that keeps spilling, knows that sanitation is about dignity,” she said.
“Here in KwaZulu-Natal, and across the country, our municipalities and water boards are under pressure.”
She said graduates are now the project coordinators who can bring engineers, contractors, councillors and communities together.
“That person is a project coordinator. That person is now you,” she said.
Sibusiso Gcina, a Technical Support graduate, said he and the other students were grateful to the sponsors for believing in them.
“Today we celebrate not only our achievements, but also our dedication, perseverance, and commitment to building a better future,” Gcina said.
Zandile Hlophe, the EWSETA facilitator, said: “We know it was not easy for students, but today they did it”.
She also thanked the teaching staff for their guidance and commitment to the students.
“Knowledge is power,” she added.
Dino Kalideen, Director of Ozara Consulting, said those who completed the programme have given themselves a tool to compete with unemployment.
“This is our second graduation of 2026, and I appreciate everyone. Well done to the Technical students and EWSETA students,” Kalideen said.
He thanked the SETA for bringing such a programme to KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces.
“To have all the stakeholders together makes our jobs easier and worth it, which makes us grateful.”
Andile Zulu, an employment counsellor from the Department of Employment and Labour, said they register work seekers and assist them to find jobs.
Zulu urged graduates to register.
“They are already completing the forms for registration for our database for employment opportunities,” Zulu said.
“We also assist them with CV writing and preparing them for employment.”
Aphiwe Yobo, an EWSETA graduate, said: “We are ready for employment and to lead in our peer communities and lead by example”.
