TEVETA has sponsored eight (8) lecturers to undergo specialised training in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining at the Production Technologies Association of South Africa (PtSA) Centre of Excellence in toolmaking and machining.

Speaking during the send-off ceremony, TEVETA Director General, Cleophas Takaiza said the training was a strategic investment to support the manufacturing sector.

“CNC machines produce a wide range of products that would end up on our shelves by empowering citizens with skills to make finished products. The investment in capacity building is thus to ensure trainers are competent in operating these machines for both training and production,” Mr. Takaiza said.

He said Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes were financed using proceeds from the Skills Development Levy (SDL) to align TEVET training with evolving industry needs.

“The Ministry of Technology and Science procured CNC machines for training institutions. However, some trainers lacked technical competencies to fully utilise them. Our intervention is part of the Ministry’s vision to transform Vocational Training Institutes (VTIs) into production centres that can contribute to meeting community needs,” he added.

Team Leader Eng. Renee Chabu Ngobela commended the initiative, noting that the training would unlock the potential of CNC machines and related auxiliary equipment in training institutions. “With enhanced trainer capacity, production units in our institutions will be improved by effectively utilising CNC technology for both teaching and local production,” Eng. Ngobela said.

CNC machines are advanced machines used in manufacturing to cut, shape, drill and finish materials like metal, plastic, wood and composites with very high precision.