Free State University students learn about drone awareness

A mixed group of 20 young people attended a Digital Television Broadcasting training session on the South Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS). The excited group of students received their first practical on drone awareness.

This training opportunity is part of a collaboration between the UFS Division of Social Responsibility Projects, Sollywood South Africa, and Alpha One Aviation.

Promoting self-employment

The modules of this six-month training course, consisting of theory and practical sessions, include a focus on heritage and culture, converting from analogue to digital format, drone conferencing, creative writing, safety management, entrepreneurship, event management, and drone manufacturing.

Campus Principal, Dr Marinkie Madiope, is thrilled about the possibilities of this pilot development opportunity in which the UFS is a partner. “Not many people in South Africa manufacture drones,” she says.

Dr Madiope continues: “With its focus on impact and visibility in 2022, the UFS will impact disadvantaged communities by equipping the unemployed youth with the necessary skills to create their own employment.”

The university will ensure that the training is fit for purpose and that the qualification is recognised. The service providers will source funding from the MICTSETA (Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority) to formalise the course content.

Investment in scarce skills

Thandeka Mosholi, Head: Social Responsibility, Enterprise and Community Engagement on the UFS South Campus, says with this project the university will not only contribute to job creation; it will bridge the gap in areas where there is a shortage of skills, such as drone manufacturing. “The skills obtained through this social responsibility project also align with the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Mosholi adds.

According to one of the directors of Sollywood South Africa, Dr Zama Qampi, this development opportunity for trainees in filming and television production in the Free State, designed by the three parties, will also prepare students for the Macufe International Film Festival, which will be taking place in October this year.

Dr Qampi says Sollywood South Africa will erect a warehouse in the Free State later this year, specifically for the manufacturing of drones.

Also View:

Using the Drone for Accident Investigation and Road Safety