Vhembe TVET College student Ndialivhuwa Netshirembe is setting his sights on a bright future in the construction industry after winning a gold medal in the bricklaying category at the WorldSkills South Africa National Competition.
The results were announced during a ceremony at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 12 March 2026, where Team Limpopo delivered an impressive performance among the country’s top young artisans.
The 21-year-old from Gokolwe, outside Thohoyandou, performed outstandingly, earning first place nationally — a proud and emotional moment after months of preparation.
“I felt very happy and proud when I heard my name and learned that I had won the gold medal. This medal means a lot to me because it shows that my hard work has paid off. My visit to China will also inspire other students to work even harder,” said Netshirembe.
He chose bricklaying because he has always been fascinated by the skill and believes it offers strong opportunities in the construction sector.
“The competition was challenging, but the encouragement I received kept me motivated. I learned the importance of always doing quality work,” he said.
His victory opens the door to the international stage, as he will represent South Africa at the WorldSkills tournament in Shanghai, taking place from 22 to 27 September.
Vhembe TVET College also celebrated another achievement after student Rabelani Nephali secured a bronze medal in the Software Application Development category. Her success highlights the growing strength of digital and technical skills among young people in the province.