Career guidance for the youth.

An estimated 600 people filled the church, amongst them high school learners, those who have completed school and parents. They all came to learn about various government sector training and education authorities (SETA) which had set up stalls and listen to the deputy minister of basic education Enver Surty.

The aim of the event was to equip the youth with information about choosing school subjects for Grades nine to 12, different education and training options after Grade 12, bursary opportunities, career guidance and skills development and learnership opportunities for unemployed matriculants and graduates.

Presentations were done by representatives from different SETAs including the Mining Qualification Authority, Education Training and Development Practices (ETDP) which focuses on those looking to do educational studies and scarce skills. The department of basic education and Ekurhuleni East Colleges which offer individual career counselling at some of their campuses, also participated.

The deputy minister got on stage and reiterated what the other speakers had said, ‘don’t wait for Grade 12 to make your career choice’, he also encouraged learners not to wait for the last minute before applying at universities. Surty then highlighted improvement by girl learners and the increase in the number of learners who passed matric with a bachelor degree. In responding to a question about what government is doing to accommodate the higher volumes of learners applying at universities, Surty admitted that ‘not everyone who passed matric with bachelor degrees will find space at university’. He said government was trying to deal with the problem by expanding campuses, building new institutions and satellite campuses.

Organising and media liaison officer for the church, Tshepo Phatlane said the idea for this day was born last year, with an event to motivate matriculants. “We decided to expand it and we are pleased with the number of people who came,” added Tshepo.