City celebrates its adult education learners at annual reading competition
10 April 2026
The City of Cape Town’s Corporate Services Directorate hosted its annual Adult Education and Training (AET) Reading Competition at the Parow Civic Centre yesterday, 9 April 2026. City staff, predominantly from previously disadvantaged backgrounds had an opportunity to showcase their literacy skills, which were obtained since joining the AET programme. These are the staff members from various depots and departments in the City who ensure that Cape Town works, each with a desire to empower themselves and achieve personal growth.
‘It was a heartwarming and inspiring morning with these AET learners at this year’s reading competition. These proud participants enjoyed showcasing their reading skills and were recognised for their hard work and drive to empower themselves with literacy despite their age or demanding lives. This programme is offered to all City staff who do not have a first qualification on the National Qualifications Framework. We hope that today’s competition encourages other City staff members to embark on this journey to improve their everyday lives and access further developmental opportunities at their workplace,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys.
This year’s participants were from areas across the metro, including Hanover Park, Standfontein, Mfuleni, Mitchells Plain, Seawinds, Kalksteenfontein, Rylands, Lavender Hill, Retreat, Lotus River, Gugulethu and Kewtown.
The judges at the reading competition assessed the students’ reading skills by using reading pieces selected in partnership with AET facilitators based on the curriculum and AET levels. Winners were awarded first, second and third place respectively, and a certificate for participation and hard work.
The City’s AET programme has been running successfully and empowering staff for over 25 years and attracts participants aged between 25 and 65 years.
Each year, City staff members who are interested in the programme are assessed and placed in applicable levels, which range from AET levels one to level four. Obtaining the General Education and Training Certificate through this programme then enables employees to access further opportunities in the City and to enrol for Grades 10, 11,12 and vocational training.
Sabelo Peter, a 55-year-old official from Mfuleni was awarded third place in the level two Category yesterday. He has worked within the City’s Waste Services Department for the past seven years and decided to start with the AET programme in 2025.
‘I decided I want to go back to school so that I can open myself to better opportunities at work. I feel good about myself and excited, and my family is just as excited and proud of my reading abilities so far,’ said Peter.
Ndileka Nkuku-Ncasa, a 45-year-old official from Strandfontein, has worked within the City’s Waste Services Department for the past 10 years and was awarded third place in the level three category.
‘I want to improve myself. I want to be able to read the messages and emails I receive. I want to improve my understanding and abilities at work and I want to be able to read my son’s school work and important information regarding him. I want my family to be proud of me,’ said Nkuku-Ncasa
Lynn Petersen, a 51-year-old official from Lotus River, has worked within the City’s Waste Services Department for the past 17 years and was awarded second place in the level four category.
‘I want to further my education. I dropped out of school in Grade 9 and I still want to become something. I want to further my career at the City. I want to become a team leader and that is still my goal. While growing up, life was not always rosey and now I want to give my children the best and in order to do so, I need to do my best,’ said Petersen
The following City staff members participated in the 2026 AET reading competition and were awarded with certificates:
Level 1:
Level 2:
Lenore Witbooi (53) from Strandfontein, works with the City’s Urban Waste Management Directorate
Sabelo Peter (55) from Mfuleni, works within the City’s Waste Services Department
Mogamat-Yusuf Van Nelson (56) from Sea Winds, works within the City’s Recreation and Parks Department
Level 3 :
Natheer Du Plessis (45) from Kalksteenfontein, works within the City’s Facilities Management Department
Bilqees Sampson (39) from Rylands, works within the City’s Waste Services Department
Shane Philander (41) from Lavender Hill, works within the City’s Public Housing Department
Ndileka Nkuku-Ncasa (45) from Strandfontein, works within the City’s Waste Services Department
Level 4 curriculum:
Addeb Elliot (34) from Retreat, works within the City’s RIM Department
Lynn Petersen (51) from Lotus River, works within the City’s Waste Services Department
Monray Fingo (44) from Gugulethu, works within the City’s Waste Services Department
Zinia Williams (28) from Kewtown, works within the City’s Distribution Services (Water) Department
Caption: Alderman Uys, Charmelle Meth and Andre Kermis with the 12 City staff members who participated in the 2026 AET reading competition
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
