Gert Sibande Student Heads to France
Ronald Mashego to Represent South Africa at WorldSkills Competition
The Gert Sibande TVET College bid farewell to Ronald Mashego, a skilled bricklaying student from the Skills Academy and Artisan Development Centre, as he embarks on an extraordinary journey to represent South Africa at the 47th International WorldSkills Competition.
The prestigious event will take place in Lyon, France, from 11-17 September 2024.
The WorldSkills Competition is a global event that brings together the best talents from various vocational fields, with over 85 countries participating.
Competitors are evaluated on their expertise in trades such as construction, technology, and craftsmanship, making it the world’s largest vocational education and skills excellence competition.
Ronald earned his place in the competition after winning gold in the 5th WorldSkills South Africa National Competition held in February 2024 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban.
His outstanding performance highlights the high standard of education and training offered by Gert Sibande TVET College.
Born and raised in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, Mashego began his educational journey at Magabotse Secondary School. He enrolled at Gert Sibande TVET College in 2020, where he discovered his passion for bricklaying, a discipline within Civil Engineering. Inspired by former WorldSkills competitor Mncedisi Mkhaliphi, Ronald joined the competition after completing his apprenticeship.
Mashego expressed confidence in his preparation for the international rounds, stating, “I believe I am ready to face most aspects of the competition. My focus now is on enhancing my stamina, as I’ve been informed there will be additional structures to construct in France.”
Ronald’s journey serves as an inspiration to his peers and the broader community, showcasing the value of dedication, skill, and perseverance.