In the heart of Richards Bay, one woman is quietly transforming the landscape of skills development, training, and empowerment. Nonto Nomzamo Sigwaza, born and bred in Nhlabane Kwa Mbonambi, has dedicated her life to equipping students, professionals, and small business owners with the tools to succeed in their careers. Today, as the academic manager at Richards Bay Technical Training and Assessment Centre (RBTTC), she is a beacon of inspiration and empowerment.
Nonto’s journey began at Nhlabane Primary School and continued at Mkhayideni Technical School. It was here that her passion for engineering was ignited. “From grade 10, I was one of only two girls doing fitting at my school,” she recalls. At the time, technical education was just being introduced, and Nonto credits the school for shaping her career aspirations. She always knew what she wanted: to become an engineer. She initially wanted to pursue fitting and turning, but because there was no space, she ended up enrolling in chemical engineering at Umfolozi TVET, while still holding on to her dream of becoming a fitter and turner. She also holds a degree in Business Administration, equipping her with the skills to manage both technical and administrative aspects of her career.
After TVET, Nonto joined DNK Engineering as an apprentice before moving to Transnet in Durban as a diesel electrical fitter. She later joined the Department of Water and Sanitation, deployed at Rand Water as a fitter and turner, her dream role. One of the highlights of her apprenticeship was becoming a team leader at Transnet, showcasing her natural leadership in a male-dominated sector. Her advice to women in engineering is clear: “Being glamorous must be kept outside the workshop. Even small things like nails and hair can be huge safety hazards.”
Nonto’s resilience is evident in her trade test journey. She failed her first attempt as a fitter and turner, struggling with a springle shaft, but instead of giving up, she used the setback as motivation. “It was painful; I didn’t even eat that night. But I turned it into fuel to succeed,” she recalls. She passed on her second attempt and launched her career in training.
In 2017, Nonto joined RBTTC as a facilitator, marking the start of her journey in training and assessment. Today, she serves as the academic manager, managing apprentice projects, internships (WIL), and placement for over 400 students across the City of uMhlathuze, Ulundi Municipality, Mthonjanani, Ngwelezane Hospital, DICE, and numerous small-scale engineering companies. Her focus is on rural-based students, providing upskilling and work-based placement. The project she is most proud of is her work with uMhlathuze Local Municipality, where she facilitated placements for over 100 students across multiple fields.
Beyond student development, Nonto empowers small businesses through mentorship and skills development, recently earning accreditation for New Venture Creation from QTCO, training over 100 businesses to date. Community-based projects and career guidance are particularly close to Nonto’s heart. She collaborates with various organizations, visits churches, and participates in programs to identify and nurture serious candidates. Her work has produced countless success stories, turning curiosity into qualifications, and equipping people with skills to sustain livelihoods.
Giving back to her roots, Nonto maintains a strong connection with Mkhayideni Technical School. Every year, she arranges for students to visit DNK Engineering as part of their Work-Based Experience programme, planting seeds of ambition and inspiration in high school students, a project that is particularly close to her heart because it is her former school.
Nonto Nomzamo Sigwaza is more than a trainer or assessor, she is a changemaker. Through her dedication, she is not only shaping individual careers but also contributing to the growth and development of communities in Northern KZN. Her story is a powerful reminder that determination, resilience, and a passion for empowering others can break barriers and create lasting impact.
