Learners benefit from career day

More than 600 learners from secondary schools in Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) attended the fifth Annual Career Guidance Day at the District Municipal Mayoral Parlour last Friday.

Head of Department for Community and Social Services Mr Maqhawe Kunene said the purpose of the career day was to provide learners the opportunity to engage with various stakeholders, learn more about the financial opportunities available to them and about employment opportunities in the work environment after graduation.

The Executive Mayor for the GSDM, Cllr M.P.P. Nhlabathi, gave the keynote address in which he encouraged the learners to take their studies seriously and focus on getting good grades which will pave their way to tertiary institutions of their choice.

“Education is a powerful tool you can use to change your situation and it’s also a powerful weapon to change the world,” said Cllr Nhlabathi.

He said the municipality has set aside R1.5 million for the next financial year to assist financially needy and academically deserving learners.

Various stakeholders gave presentations on their bursary schemes and the qualifying criteria.
Mandy Pillay from GSDM explained the different fields they consider when assisting learners financially. She also stressed the importance of applying early and avoiding the last minute rush. She also encouraged learners to do well in their midyear exams as those results pave the way for them.

Event organiser and Youth Office Manager Trevor Nkosi said they were happy to reach out to more than 600 learners. All invited stakeholders attended and made their presentations.

“As a municipality, we believe that we can still do much more and we’re happy that stakeholders such as Eskom committed to making available 15 bursaries to learners and we as the municipality have also committed to awarding close to 20 bursaries for the next financial year beginning in July. We have also decided to donate 24 computers to schools and youth centres,” he said.

He also mentioned that they will soon be hosting a Youth Summit where they will be discussing issues affecting the youth in the district. “In that summit, we will also take resolutions which we want the incoming councillors to implement in improving the lives of young people.”

Gugu Rooinek, a Grade 12 learner of KwaDela Secondary School, said she was happy to attend the career guidance day, as she received valuable information in mapping her career path. Sibusiso “Charmerboy” Mnisi, in Grade 12 at

Cebisa Secondary, said he now understands the different types of bursaries offered by the different stakeholders and how to apply for them.