By Phanuel Chauke

DURBAN — Two Ekurhuleni West TVET College (EWC) students topped their trades at the WorldSkills South Africa National Competition, Conference and Career Festival, held 8–12 March 2026 at Durban's Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC). Representing Gauteng Province, Lusani Nesindande clinched gold in Cooking, while Karabelo Seqhoang took gold in Restaurant Service. Both will now wear the green and gold for Team South Africa at the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai this September.

The national event drew the country’s top artisan talent for five days of high-pressure tasks, live demonstrations, and career expos. Competitors were judged against international standards by industry experts, with a focus on precision, speed, hygiene, creativity, and customer experience.

"It was a tough competition, but I was prepared enough to tackle the challenges because of the mentors and lecturers who prepared me," said Karabelo. "I'm happy I brought the gold medal home, and I will be representing my country on the international stage."

Lusani credited her victory to disciplined practice and strong support networks. "Going the extra mile and practising gave me an extra edge. I'm so ecstatic that I brought a gold medal to the college and Gauteng," she said. "I will start preparing for Shanghai and hope to bring back a positive result for the college."

Peter Mofokeng, a member of the Local Organising Committee and EWC's Competition Coordinator, praised the students' professionalism under pressure. "They put the college on the map, and we are hoping they will bring something back from Shanghai," he said, thanking college management for the moral support extended to the team throughout the competition week.

EWC also acknowledged the broader WorldSkills South Africa community, industry partners, and the Department of Higher Education and Training for creating platforms that allow TVET students to benchmark their skills against national and international standards. The college highlighted the role of workplace-based exposure, masterclasses, and simulated service environments in building work-ready graduates.

With the road to Shanghai now open, EWC's preparation plan includes intensive technical training blocks, timed simulation runs that replicate competition conditions, and mentorship from chefs, maître d's and service specialists. The focus will be on sharpening accuracy, plating, menu design, service sequence, communication under pressure, and resilience — the soft skills that often separate podium finishers from the rest.

For EWC, the Durban result is more than a medal tally. It affirms the value of vocational training and the potential of TVET students to lead South Africa's skills revolution on the world stage.