Durban - A Durban University of Technology student, Thulubheke Ncanana, scooped a top accolade in style - obtaining a gold medal in the "fashion technology" category during WorldSkills Africa Competition held at Swakopmund, Namibia, last week.
Ncanana, 21, a final year Fashion and Textiles student, formed part of Team South Africa that dominated the prestigious competition. Over 100 participants from 13 African countries competed in 16 skills categories.
Ncanana, who hails from Tshelimnyama in Pinetown, was among the eight students from higher education institutions that represented South Africa.
He obtained a gold medal under the ‘Fashion Technology’ category, with the overall team bringing home eight medals out of the 16 categories they contested.
Reflecting on his milestone, Ncanana said his life journey had been a challenging but hopeful one.
He said having lost both his parents, tears of joy rolled down his eyes when he was announced as number one in his category.
“I wish my parents could have been there to witness me shine in front of the world. I was, however, comforted by the thought that my parents are with me spiritually and are probably looking down on me for the progress I have made in life," he said.
Ncanana is among the DUT graduates who will be honoured in the upcoming 2022 autumn graduation.
He expressed his gratitude to his lecturers, who encouraged him to enter the competition and duly assisted him when he was preparing for this once in a lifetime opportunity.
“The competition was amazing and challenging at the same time, as I had to finish all the requirements per task in a short space of time. As I was returning to South Africa, I was very excited because I completed the mission to represent my country.
“I came back home with a gold medal and a certificate as a result of my potential and dedication,” he stated.
Ncanana said he has always been passionate, from the day he set foot at the DUT's Brickfield campus back in 2019.
“I can proudly say that this passion is something that has been within me since I was a kid, as my mother was a domestic machinist. I used to watch my mother sew traditional attire, curtains and all the items she produced to put food on the table for her children,” he said.
Ncanana added this achievement proved he has what it takes to be part of the fine future that is being built by the DUT.
He planned to establish his clothing brand called “The Redline” while also being hopeful that he would be appointed as one of the WorldSkills Ambassadors.
Ncanana was looking forward to another competition to represent South Africa at the WorldSkills International Competition that will take place in Shanghai, China, in October.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE