– Wits University
Adult education and training (AET) programme empowers employees with literacy, numeracy, lifelong learning, and personal growth skills.
It’s back to school for 81 employees who are part of the 2024/5 intake enrolled in learning programmes spearheaded by the Operations and Facilities Department (OFMD). For many, these interventions remain a rare and empowering chance to reshape their future, to one filled with potential, purpose, and pride.
The AET and learnership programmes were first introduced in 2019 to upskill staff who had limited education due to various reasons. Their life journeys have largely been influenced by the country’s socio-economic history. The programmes represent the University’s commitment to support transformation and lifelong learning.
In this article staff share what motivated them to try again.
Chwayitha Mondile’s journey with the AET Programme is a heartfelt reflection of personal growth and resilience. A Wits staff member since 2012, she enrolled in the AET Programme in March 2025, starting at level 2 and progressed to level 3. She enrolled in the programme motivated by a strong desire to enhance her spelling, pronunciation, communication skills, and vocabulary.
As a mother, she found it challenging to help her children with homework, which inspired her to return to learning. “My son is in Grade 6, and he often brings home the same homework as mine. We end up laughing and helping each other,” she shares.
Despite initial fears about her English skills, she quickly found confidence in the programme’s supportive and non-judgmental environment. She credits the patient and understanding educators for helping her overcome her insecurities and embrace learning.
To those hesitant about joining, Chwayitha offers reassurance: “No one will make you feel bad for getting things wrong. Just come for one day, you will have a good experience.
Olga Teboho Sono, has been part of the Wits community since April 2012, initially employed through an outsourced service provider. In January 2017, she was insourced as a general worker.
In November 2024, Olga embraced a new chapter by enrolling in the programme at Level 2, following encouragement from her manager, and is currently enrolled at Level 3.
Having left school in Grade 11 due to personal responsibilities, she is now determined to complete her education to honour her late parents and set an example for her children.
She values the open and respectful culture at Wits, which allows her to express herself and feel heard. Her message to others is clear: “Don’t give up. The support is there, and the teachers are kind.”
Gugu Mncube’s journey with Wits began in 2009 when she started working at a cafeteria at the Braamfontein East Campus. After ten years of working at the cafeteria, she became a Wits employee in 2019, taking on a new position as a general worker in the Services Department (now OFMD). Having left school in Grade 10, Gugu always felt she could do better.
When the AET programme was offered, she seized the opportunity. In 2023, she enrolled in Level 1, completed Level 2 in November 2024, and is now working towards Level 3.
One of Gugu’s proudest moments? Standing confidently in front of her class to give a presentation, something she never thought she would do. “I talked about my community, its challenges with drugs and crime, and what could be done to uplift it. That day I realised I can be confident and comfortable speaking in front of people”.
When asked about the support she has received, Gugu beams: “The teachers are very patient. They understand that most of us have not been in school for years. They take their time to help us understand,” she says.
Kenneth Mwale, a 52-year-old employee at the Knockando dining hall, has been part of the Wits community for eight years. Before joining Wits, he worked in the hospitality industry, however, this ended when the company started retrenching.
Mwale, motivated by a desire for self-improvement, enrolled in the AET programme and started attending on 05 May 2025 after learning about it through his Dining Hall Liaison Office.
With an educational background up to Grade 11, Mwale is determined to pursue further qualifications and continues to stay focused on his dream of one day becoming an executive chef.
He values the AET programme for giving employees a second chance at education. “Education doesn’t end,” he says.
“You have to do it for yourself because you never know where life will take you.”
This article was originally published in the OFMD’s newsletter. OFMD staff interested in the programme should contact janice.degouveia@wits.ac.za
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