This June, the first group of five KSB Group employees will complete their final Adult Education and Training (AET) lesson in literacy and numeracy. This marks an important achievement – not just an end, but the beginning of an ongoing journey of personal and professional growth.

With foundational skills now in place on the first rung of the National Qualifications Framework, these individuals have unlocked new opportunities for future learning and career advancement. Encouraged by management, they are well-positioned to continue building their capabilities and reaching new milestones.

For example, Loyiso Mkhululi aspires to pursue a trade in Turning, a critical skill within a company that specialises in manufacturing high-quality, custom-designed pumps for a wide range of applications. Mkhululi originally joined KSB Group as a contractor, and due to the quality of his work and evident enthusiasm, he was soon offered a permanent position.

At the time, however, he faced a significant challenge: he was unable to read his conditions of employment or complete the necessary paperwork due to limited English literacy. He had to take the documents home so that family members could read and explain them to him and assist in completing the forms.

Today, Mkhululi has made remarkable progress. He is now fluent in the company’s official language of work and fully capable of completing all required documentation independently.

Meanwhile, Frank Mthembu is preparing to complete a comprehensive TIG welding course, another highly sought-after and critical skill that promises to open doors to greater professional opportunities.

Emanuel Buthelezi is focused on improving his digital literacy, beginning with a basic computer training course. This will equip him to better navigate an increasingly digitally connected factory environment, a growing trend as South Africa moves further into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Recently, Buthelezi was given the honour of formally welcoming executives during their regular visit to the factory. Before his training, he lacked the confidence to communicate in English, let alone write and memorise a speech and deliver it in front of the executives and more than 100 colleagues. His progress reflects both personal determination and the transformative power of continued learning.

The remaining two learners, Eric Sibiya and Frans Ramokgoname, are currently exploring the next steps in their learning journey, with guidance from Nicola Ntshavheni, KSB’s Skills Development Facilitator.

“This is a very proud moment for these employees, who began the programme at the pre-Adult Education and Training (AET) level back in 2018. They would have completed their General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) in AET much sooner if it weren’t for the COVID-19 lockdowns, which disrupted training. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, they are now well on their way to successfully completing the programme, opening the door to new opportunities at a company that values its people and recognises and rewards their talents,” says Ntshavheni.

Ntshavheni has played a pivotal role in the success of KSB Group’s AET programme. In collaboration with the company’s adult literacy and numeracy training provider, Triple E Training, she was instrumental in revitalising the workplace AET initiative following the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

After consulting with Triple E Training, Ntshavheni introduced placement assessments to ensure that learners were correctly placed within the programme. By accurately identifying each employee’s literacy and numeracy skills gaps, she facilitated a smooth transition from their previous level of education into the AET programme. Given the extent of these gaps and the long break many had experienced from formal learning it was recommended that they first complete pre-AET. This approach provided a solid foundation and helped ease them into the learning process with confidence.

In collaboration with Triple E Training, Ntshavheni also conducted AET awareness sessions to highlight the value of the programme to employees. These sessions emphasised that, beyond improving job performance and supporting the development of existing skills, the programme would also empower employees to function more effectively in their communities and in broader South African society.

To bring the message home, Ntshavheni shared relatable examples of how literacy and numeracy are essential for everyday decision-making. For instance, she explained how strong English comprehension and numeracy skills are crucial for managing personal finances—such as tracking savings, understanding investments, and making informed decisions about pension plans. This particular analogy resonated strongly with employees and helped them recognise the real-world benefits of the programme.

Ntshavheni also worked to dispel the stigma often associated with adult literacy and numeracy training in the workplace. A common misconception was that AET was only for employees who were unintelligent or incapable of reading, writing, or performing basic maths. As a result, many felt too ashamed to ask for help.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” she explains. “AET gives our people the opportunity to access a quality education, an opportunity that many South Africans, especially those from rural or remote areas, were denied in their youth. Our AET programme

offers them a chance to build the foundational skills they need to contribute even more meaningfully, while continuing to grow both professionally and personally.”

Ntshavheni also highlighted that a key driver of the programme’s success has been the unwavering support learners have received from management. When employees see that leadership is genuinely invested in their growth and well-being, it strengthens their motivation and determination to succeed.

Adult literacy and numeracy classes are held on-site at the company’s premises every Monday and Tuesday, from 08:00 to 12:00. Offering training during working hours and in the workplace has made it significantly easier for employees to attend consistently. Additionally, learning in their work environment reinforces the relevance of the skills being taught. When employees apply their new knowledge directly to their daily tasks, they not only retain it more effectively but also continue to sharpen these skills through regular practice.

The training was facilitated by Ashby Moyo, a longstanding Triple E Training facilitator, who has helped many employees to attain a GETC in AET. Once again, learners praised his professionalism; patience; and teaching abilities.

“I’ve walked a long journey with them. Right from the outset, they were determined to succeed. We overcame challenges together and celebrated the triumphs – no matter how insignificant – as a team. I’m looking forward to facilitating training for more KSB Group employees, two of whom have already started their learning journey at AET level 1,” Moyo concludes.