Graduation at College of Orientation and Mobility
On Friday 11 September 2015, the College of Orientation and Mobility held the graduation
ceremony for its Diploma in Orientation and Mobility students of 2011-2013 and one
candidate from 2008-2010. Our graduates were resplendent in their gowns and caps thanks
to a generous donation by Dippenaar & Reynecke. The ETDP SETA accredited diplomas were
awarded by Ian Hutton and they were all adorned with a hood by Moira Higgerty.
Nomonde Tanda receives her hood and certificate
Ian Hutton, who is the patron of the College, as well as the Managing Trustee of the South
African Mobility for the Blind Trust, was our first guest speaker. He discussed the important
and varied role that Orientation and Mobility Practitioners play in the community. He also
shared his dream of seeing the College successfully training “hundreds and even thousands
more” practitioners. Pringle Mhlabane, the Rehabilitation and Disability Services Manager
from the Mpumulanga Health Department, was our second speaker. He shared with us the
details of the Mpumalanga Provincial Governments’ plans to deploy the five qualified
Orientation and Mobility Practitioners whom they sponsored, as well as the three they are
sponsoring who are currently enrolled on the course.
Of the nine graduates eight are currently employed in the field of Orientation and Mobility,
five in Mpumalanga, two in KwaZulu Natal at KZN Blind and Deaf Society and a school for
the blind, respectively. The last one, Nomande Tanda, has returned to the College as
facilitator. It is with great pride that the College sends these graduates out into the
community, to make a difference in the lives of those who are visually impaired.
Graduates (left to right): Patricia Mayinga, Phindile Madonsela, Dackley Merafe, Nomonde
Tanda, Busisiwe Magagula, Cynthia Chiloane, Delisile Chirwa, Makabane Lentsoane and Clive
Govender