Iphutheng Primary School’s Grade 7 pupils received a head start to a better life through exposure to potential career paths during a recent careers day held at the school.
The pupils were addressed by officials from the South African army, city council’s Emergency Management Services (EMS), a social worker and a journalist. All of them emphasised the importance of education, in particular, a matric qualification, and passion and commitment to the chosen career.
The army’s Major Piet Oostherhuizen told pupils that entry requirements include a high level of discipline, passes in pure mathematics and science.
He said all recruits are trained in shooting to equip them for the navy, air force or as ground soldiers.
“The recruits should be 18 to 26 years of age, and must hold a diploma qualification. The army also supports training and education in other specialised fields,” he stressed.
“In training, they receive free housing, medical aid, meals, a basic R7 000 monthly salary and a cash bonus of R20 000 should one want to exit after going through the full training.”
EMS’s Edwin Mashile said they were known as firefighters but were part of the Department of Community and Public Safety which includes the Metro police and ambulance services. “We provide pro- and reactive services to protect life, property and mitigate environmental risks caused by fires and accidents through medical-related interventions,” he said. Entrants to EMS should possess a matric certificate, a firefighting licence, be sober minded and passionate.
Social worker, Eleanor Ouma, said the profession was one of caring for others, groups and the community struggling with emotion-related challenges. “The training includes psychology, sociology and philosophy to help recruits understand how the human mind works, how people think, and how and why cultures function differently,” Ouma said. Social workers were employed in the public and private sector and non-profit organisations.
Journalist, Ramatamo wa Matamong, said the profession was an intermediary information sharing platform between society and service providers. “We pursue and tell the truth independently with no fear or favour, and do so without harming anyone,” he stated.
Deputy principal Andrea Vilakazi said the information disseminated would help the pupils commit to education as children at this level usually don’t get this sort of exposure to different careers.
