A Department of Communications College Bursary and an ICDL Certificate Open Doors for a Competition Winner – South Africa
June 2012
When ICDL Africa launched a Facebook competition to find out exactly how being ICDL certified impacted the lives of candidates, the response was overwhelming. “We know the benefits but hearing real stories about the positive changes brought about by ICDL is what makes it worthwhile,” says Jenny van Niekerk, CEO of ICDL South Africa.
After deliberating over a number of inspired entries and choosing a winner, ICDL South Africa held an official prize-giving ceremony on Friday, 25 May 2012 at their head office in Cape Town.
23-year-old Lundi Ngcani, from Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape, was chosen as the winner and was thrilled to receive a Blackberry. His story stood out, and the impact ICDL has made on his life has had far reaching consequences beyond opening the doors to a brighter future.
Lundi was afforded the opportunity to obtain his ICDL training and certification at False Bay College through a bursary from the Department of Communication (DoC), and is now studying Computer Science; a move he says would not have been possible without ICDL. Lundi is currently being paid as a Computer Science tutor at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and thanks ICDL for paving the way to this wonderful opportunity.
When asked what life was like before and after ICDL, Lundi says, “before ICDL, the only mouse I had knowledge of was the one I used to hunt back then, and now, I am in a position where I am able to teach my skills to others and make a difference in their lives.”
Also at the function was Susan Mhakure, IT Programme Manager at False Bay College, who is extremely proud of Lundi and how far he has come. “When it comes to obtaining your ICDL, hard work pays off, and Lundi is proof of that.”
ICDL is the first step in bridging the digital divide in South Africa and equips candidates with more than ICT skills: it provides an invaluable life-skills qualification.
Jenny van Niekerk went on to say, “South Africa is currently experiencing an ICT skills shortage, but ICDL is putting these skills within reach of all South Africans. We are extremely proud of Lundi and all the other entrants who have used ICDL to positively change their lives.”
Asked if he had any parting words before leaving with his new Blackberry, Lundi said, “ICDL really gives you the edge. I have family members who have done similar courses, but don’t know half as much as I have learnt through ICDL.”
