TETA beneficiary, Naledi Ntshingila, is a catalyst for change.

Connecting unemployed youth to the training and mentorship needed for a meaningful career in transport.

ETA On the Move Magazine met with Naledi Ntshingila, CEO of Ntshingila Group, a skills development company founded in 2018. Ntshingila Group fights youth unemployment through the delivery of internships, learnerships, and skills development programs.

Ntshingila’s passion for skills development was sparked by her role at Moripe Holdings and her humble beginnings in the Eastern Cape. “My formative years were spent in the underprivileged, remote regions of the Eastern Cape, where opportunities were few and far between. Growing up in such an environment not only instilled a deep sense of determination but also heightened my awareness of the pressing need for initiatives that can bridge the opportunity gap in rural communities. Moreover, my passion for skills development was further sparked during my internship at Moripe Holdings.”

Ntshingila first heard about TETA during her internship at Moripe Holdings. “My role at Moripe was to apply for funding from various SETAs, including TETA. After leaving Moripe, I founded Ntshingila Group, and in 2020 we were fortunate enough to receive TETA’s financial support through the Wheel Program. This allowed us to train 15 learners from the Ntshingila Group. In the same year, TETA funded 30 TVET students in our company’s database.”

Ntshingila’s passion for skills development shone through as she elaborated on the incremental role TETA has played in her journey as an entrepreneur. “TETA’s impact on my company has been profound. TETA has been instrumental in shaping our path and fostering growth. It was only after securing funding from TETA that other SETAs extended their trust and investment in my company. Through TETA, I have emerged as a young entrepreneur acting as a catalyst for change.”

She also extended some words of encouragement to youth who are discouraged by their circumstances. “Today’s world presents an abundance of opportunities that were not as readily available when I was young. The key to seizing opportunity lies in believing in yourself and being determined. It is crucial for youth not to let their origins of coming from rural communities or disadvantaged homes define them. Instead, these very circumstances should serve as a powerful driving force.”

“I can personally attest to the power of determination. Coming from a rural community with limited opportunities and being raised in a family of five siblings, I overcame these challenges. I successfully completed my matric, got a degree, secured employment, and ultimately embarked on the journey of starting my own company. My journey demonstrates that it is possible to rise from the adversity of your circumstances and emerge as a leader in today’s generation.”

In her closing remarks, Ntshingila imparted some words of wisdom to skills development experts. “Our mission as skills development experts should extend beyond personal or financial gain. While economic sustainability is undoubtedly vital, it should not be our sole focus. Our roles should be centered on empowering young people, creating opportunities for skills development, and helping them gain a foothold in the job market. Our commitment does not end at matching learners with companies—we should continuously assess the effectiveness of training outcomes, job placement rates, and the overall impact of skills development initiatives.”