Celebrating women in plumbing extends beyond Women’s Month.
Supplied by Kreishandwerkerschaft (KH)
As part of the partnership between Motheo TVET College and Kreishandwerkerschaft (KH) in Germany, the #ProudToBeTVET Roadshow played a key role in this empowerment effort, extending beyond Women’s Month to promote the achievements of female artisan students at Motheo TVET College. Over the past few weeks, various campuses were visited every Friday under the slogan “Fridays for Female Future”. These events offered opportunities for networking with private industry, skill demonstrations, and participation in workshops.
According to Katja Lommetz, Programme Manager of the International Vocational Education and Training Partnership Programme, the campaign launched in August provided a platform for talented women to showcase their skills, break barriers, and inspire future generations.
“Vocational education is a crucial part of one’s personal and social development. In Germany, there is a long-standing tradition called the journeyman’s travel or Wanderschaft, where newly trained artisans spend three years working in different companies and environments to further their knowledge and skills. KH has reinterpreted this concept, extending it beyond Germany to other regions of the world,” she explained. This philosophy, she emphasised, drives the global initiatives like the ProudToBeTVET Roadshow, which inspires and supports female artisans.
During one of the roadshows, we were thrilled to welcome Annica de Villiers, one of the few qualified female plumbers from Bloemfontein. She provided valuable industry insights, particularly to the female students, and expressed her willingness to expose them to more practical work. Her involvement demonstrated the importance of mentorship and hands-on experience in helping aspiring artisans succeed.
Another standout event of the campaign featured national rugby and netball player Sikholiwe ‘Sne’ Mdletshe. A prominent female athlete and academic, she visited the National Artisan Academy campus on 23 August, delivering an inspiring motivational speech about her path to success. Mdletshe’s journey resonated with many of the female participants, empowering them to break barriers in both their personal and professional lives.
To further inspire women pursuing skilled trades such as bricklaying, auto mechanics, boiler making, and welding, the roadshow also included talks by established female entrepreneurs. The initiative ensured that students from all campuses, including those in rural areas like Thaba Nchu, had the opportunity to take part in the movement. The campaign has since evolved into a powerful platform, with growing participation from industry partners and students actively engaging in social media challenges like “WIN YOUR PERSONAL PPE” and using the #ProudToBeTVET hashtag.
“We always welcome partnerships and collaborations to further support the development of skilled artisans. Our international team at KH takes pride in contributing to sustainable development both locally and globally. Please feel free to contact us to explore how we can work together,” concluded Lommetz.
