Article by Lungile Mseleku and Images by Ntokozo Biyela
The Department of Human Settlements together with the Department of Public Works hosted a successful Information sharing session and Career Expo with the grade 12 learners from Dundee Secondary, Thalana and Thandeni High Schools at Sibongile Township, Section 20 Ward in Dundee under Endumeni Local Municipality on 24 June 2022.
Ms Luyanda Kafile from the Department of Human Settlements enlightened the audience that the purpose of the session is to share the useful and relevant information that is going to assist the youth into choosing the right career paths. “It has been brought to our attention as the departments that scarcely any of the young people particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds are not aware of which career paths to follow when they reach tertiary level.” She also added that the aim is to expose the careers that are available within at the departments. She further explained that the purpose is also to reach the youth that has interest in the business world but has no clue where to start or has no opportunity to information.
MEC Jomo Sibiya
In his key note address, the MEC of Human Settlements and Public Works Mr Ntuthuko Mbongiseni ‘Jomo’ Sibiya expressed his commitment in changing young peoples’ people’s lives for the better. “We are the departments who are very determined to see the young people prosper and bringing positive change into their lives.” He said. Mr Sibiya encouraged the youth to show dedication to their studies. “Study to excel and as a young person you must always avail yourself to opportunities that have been placed for the betterment of your future, be the generation that says we are here to bring change, be the generation that is obsessed with change, bring in new ideas.”
MEC also mentioned that as the government they are obsessed with the prosperity of young people. “Every year the government allocates 4, 9 billion towards the education of the young people, do not disappoint us.”
He further encouraged the youth to explore careers that will develop the country. “Be in a strategic career, refrain from choosing just any career as we are counting on you to bring in new ideas, we are tired of importing professionals from other countries for certain projects in our country.”
During the information sharing session, Human Settlements and Public Works bursary beneficiaries shared their testimonies to motivate the youth that there is always assistance available no matter the background.
Ms Thembeka Gcumisa from Swayimani in Pietermaritzburg, the bursary beneficiary from Department of Public Works bursary also emphasised the importance of being always available as a young person to great opportunities. “I got the bursary because I availed myself, do not just exist - show dedication and commitment.” Ms Gcumisa also mentioned that she never let her background and circumstances hinder her from going after her dreams and aspirations.
Mr Musa Hadebe from Msinga Top (Gxobanyawo) who is now a Civil Engineer at the Department of Public Works Head Office obtained his BSc in Civil Engineering at Howard college (UKZN) with the assistance of Public Works bursary and also gained his experience (Internship Programme) in the department. He said, “Choose scare skills since we are a developing country competing with developed countries, along the journey you will encounter failure but how you bounce back is very important.” Mr Hadebe continued to say, “Know where you want to go as the direction is very important, know your goals, know which steps to follow into achieving those goals and always choose the direction that is in alignment with your dreams and aspirations.
Mr Sandile Zuma, the Department of Human Settlements bursary beneficiary from Eshowe, studied for his Civil Engineering qualification at the Mangosuthu University of Technology. He is now working as Civil Engineer at the Department of Human Settlements. In his speech, he said, “Attitude and discipline will take you very far, even where you do not think you qualify, as there are people who were A students in school but never got anywhere as they lacked discipline.” He extended his gratitude to the department for this life changing opportunity. “We need more of these Career Expos as there are young people who have no clue which route to take.” Said Mr Zuma.
From left: Ms Thembeka Gcumisa, Musa Hadebe and Sandile Zuma - Bursary beneficiaries.
The management from both departments in conjunction with various stakeholders such as South African Revenue Services, Department of Employment and Labour, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Amajuba TVET College and National Youth Development Agency delivered enlightening presentations with the aim of assisting young people to choose strategic and relevant skills for their future.
The departments in partnership with the stakeholders will continue to host these sessions and Career Expos to uplift young people and assist them into choosing the right career paths for their future.
