Cape Town: The Corporate Services Directorate of the City of Cape Town hosted its annual Adult Education and Training (AET) Reading Competition at the Parow Civic Centre on April 09, 2026. The City staff, predominantly from previously disadvantaged backgrounds had an opportunity to showcase their literacy skills, which were obtained since joining the AET programme.
Reportedly, these are the staff members from various depots and departments in the City who ensure that Cape Town works, with a desire to empower themselves and achieve personal growth.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate Services – Alderman Theresa Uys stated that 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.
According to Uys, this programme is offered to all City staff who do not have a first qualification on the National Qualifications Framework. They hope that the competition encourages other City staff members to embark on this journey to improve their everyday lives and access further developmental opportunities at their workplace.
This year’s participants were from areas across the metro, that includes Hanover Park, Standfontein, Mfuleni, Mitchells Plain, Seawinds, Kalksteenfontein, Rylands, Lavender Hill, Retreat, Lotus River, Gugulethu and Kewtown.
Furthermore, 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, along with 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, enables employees to access further opportunities in the City and to enrol for Grades 10, 11,12 and vocational training.