School learners from Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (PINK) areas converged at KwaMashu L-Section on Friday, 4th of August 2017 for the Careers Skills Expo organised by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
KwaZulu-Natal Public Works’ Human Resource Development participated and one was one of the busiest stands as learners were interested to know what the department can offer in terms of Bursaries and Internship Programmes. HRD’s Mrs T.V. Mkhize displayed her knowledge and provided scholars with the content they required.
HRD in Action: Mrs T.V. Mkhize engaging with learners during the Career’s Expo at KwaMashu L-Section Hall
HRD in Action: Mrs T.V. Mkhize engaging with learners during the Career’s Expo at KwaMashu L-Section Hall
The Career Skills Expo was a follow up after a visit by the Minister responsible for Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency in February 2017 where learners raised an issue about the lack of information in respect of career pathing, counselling, access to tertiary and TVET education, funding and bursaries.
Attending the Career’s Expo: Newlands East Secondary School Learners in blue uniform (From Left to Right) Mhlengi Gasa, Rachel Nyathikazi, Ntobeko Ndabandaba, Sphumelele Shabane (from Nhlakanipho High School, in brown uniform), Sphokazi Mhlongo, Noluthando Khumalo, Samkelo Khanyile, Zamanguni Khuzwayo.
Ten schools attended the session and received first-hand information from exhibitors including KZN Public Works, universities (UKZ, DUT, UNISA), MANCOSA, Department of Transport’s Road Traffic Inspectorate, Transnet National Ports Authority, Public Service Sector Education and Training (PSETA), South African Police Services, South African Institute for Chartered Accounts (SAICA), and the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission.
According to Ms Vasanthi Naidoo, Regional Communication Coordinator for GCIS in KwaZulu-Natal, the expected outcomes of this expo was to empower youth to make informed choices about their future. The Directorate Communications spoke to some learners who expressed their gratitude about the exposure to a variety of careers skills that would be of great advantage to their future.
Since the beginning of 2017, the Human Resource Directorate has been criss-crossing the Province providing schools with relevant information about Bursaries and the Internship Programme. The PINK area (Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu) scholars also benefitted from Public Works Information Desk at the Career Skills Expo.
The PINK area has a rich heritage for KwaZulu-Natal as it home to Gandhi Settlement. The area is the original place for the Nazareth Baptist Church (Shembe). This area is also home to the one of the founding fathers of the African National Congress, Dr John Langalibalele Dube who also founded the Ohlange Institute. The Inanda Seminary Boarding for Girls is also situated in the PINK area.
More Career Exhibition Expos are scheduled around different District Municipalities until the end of this financial year and this include visiting institutions of higher learning such as the Universities of Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Wits and Pretoria.