West Coast College is proud to announce that artisans from its Vredenburg Campus achieved outstanding success at the inaugural SANAAs, held on 6 September at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg.
• Henlee McCarthy – 1st Place, Pipe Fitting Trade Category
• Busisiwe Mazantsana – 2nd Place, Pipe Fitting Trade Category
• Alex Monk – 2nd Place, Boilermaking Trade Category

These exceptional results mark a historic moment for West Coast College, as its first SANAA nominees became the College’s first SANAA winners.
The SANAAs, established to celebrate excellence among artisans and their trades, brought together key stakeholders in the skills and training sector. The Honourable Minister of Higher Education attended the event, along with representatives from various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), industry partners and employers.

Reflecting on his achievement, first-place winner Henlee McCarthy said: “The feeling is indescribable – it still feels like a dream. When I look at the award and see my name on it, I realise that I truly did win first place. I am deeply grateful to Mr Bowie [Pipe Fitting Facilitator] for seeing my potential and nominating me.
I believe this award will open new doors, helping more companies to notice me and hopefully offer opportunities for growth and employment. Receiving this recognition has certainly ‘put me on the map’, and I trust the right people will see my potential.”

Commenting on the College’s success, West Coast College Principal, Mr Lungisa Mbulawa, said: “We would like to congratulate the artisans on winning these prestigious awards at this auspicious occasion and we know that these awards will act as an encouragement to many to study in a trade and earn such recognition, as they are the ones who will build South Africa and keep us moving forward.”

This recognition reflects the College’s commitment to producing highly skilled artisans who play a vital role in advancing South Africa’s economy and supporting its growth. West Coast College’s Vredenburg Campus is a Centre of Specialisation in Pipe Fitting and Boilermaking trades, offering focused training and development for aspiring artisans in these fields.