By Sonica Naudé-Steyn

Local Esayidi TVET College Kokstad students, 21-year-old Anathi Nontsumani and 22-year-old Awethu Zankolana, are set to take part in the national WorldSkills competition, after winning the local and provincial rounds in the bricklaying category.
According to Esayidi TVET College Lecturer, Samkele Ngwanya, the WorldSkills is an internationally recognized competition that showcases the talents of students in technical and vocational skills, including areas such as engineering, IT, construction, design, and other skilled trades.
“The students representing our community have undergone extensive training and dedication to reach this level, and their participation is a source of pride for our school and the region,” said Ngwanya.
He says that both Anathi and Awethu, won in the bricklaying category in the local competition hosted at the Kokstad campus last year. The dynamic duo then went on to place first and second at the provincial competition hosted at the Coastal TVET College from 15 to the 19 September 2025, qualifying them to compete in the national competition. They will also be the only two candidates representing KZN for bricklaying in the national competition, set to take place from 8 to 12 March 2026 at Inkosi Albert Luthuli DICC (Durban ICC).
“The achievement of these students celebrates youth achievement, skill development, and the importance of vocational education in shaping future careers. We at Esayidi recognise their hard work and wish them all the best as they compete in the national competition. We also hope they will inspire other young people to explore skills-based pathways,” concluded Ngwanya.

1-2. Esayidi TVET College Kokstad students, 21 year old Anathi Nontsumani and 22 year old Awethu Zankolana, have qualified to compete in the national WorldSkills competition in bricklaying.