The Durban University of Technology (DUT) students came out in their numbers to attend the first day of the DUT 2024 World of Work (WoW) Career Fair at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko campus in Durban on Wednesday, 21 August 2024. It is expected to end tomorrow, Friday, 23 August 2024 at the Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg.
The WoW Career Fair is being hosted by the University’s Co-Operative Education unit under the helm of Acting Director: Co-operative Education, Dr Themba Msukwini. Giving an overview of the much-anticipated World of Work exhibition was Dr Msukwini, who shared that the aim of this event is for the employers to showcase their core business to engage students and graduates for talent search. “Students and graduates should take this opportunity to market themselves and urge on for the industries. There is a vital need for such an event as this will increase the network of relevant industries covering all sectors and other quad-helix partners to provide opportunities for student engagement. An engaged university and productive citizens that establish mutually beneficial partnerships and embracing creativity that leads to mutually beneficial collaborations, the practical application of knowledge and future-ready graduates. Develop graduates with the acumen to initiate and/or respond to change,” he said.
In terms of benefiting the students at DUT, Dr Msukwini indicated that the university’s students and graduates get the unique opportunity to be exposed and interact with industry partners and all stakeholders. “Students will be able to get an indication of career paths in their companies of choice and work towards this while studying,” he remarked.
He proudly shared that there are 194 exhibitors this year compared to last years’ 142 exhibitors, which is growing bigger and better each year.
DUT student, Thembelihle Mchunu who is doing her third year of studies in the Bachelor of the Built Environment in Construction Studies shared her excitement towards the WoW Career Fair. She said that she had a wonderful day mingling with her potential employers.
“I saw different companies present at the exhibitions who align with my career field, and I am hopeful that I will get a job when I have graduated. It was one of those days that gave me hope as I am more determined and hopeful that I will get a job,” she said.
After day one of the Wow Career Fair, exhibitors, DUT staff, students and external stakeholders made their way to the WoW Gala Dinner, which was held at the Greyville Convention Centre on Wednesday, 21 August 2024. This prestigious event was held to officially welcome all exhibitors and to share highlights of DUT’s achievements with exhibitors.
Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT expressed a warm welcome to the World of Work Careers Fair 2024 Gala Dinner guests, proudly hosted by DUT.
“We are gathered here to celebrate the bridging of two very vital worlds, academia and industry. To us this event marks an important milestone in our collective journey in equipping our students with not only the knowledge but also the skills necessary to thrive in an ever evolving workforce,” he said.
He indicated that the WoW Career Fair currently has 194 exhibitors which has increased from 142 exhibitors in 2023, which is an impressive growth in the participation of industries over the years.
Prof Nemavhola took time to express his sincere thanks to the WoW team who had made this exceptional event possible.
“I would like to indicate that WoW is not just a concept at DUT, it is the reality that our students will soon face, at DUT we are committed to ensuring that our graduates are not only academically prepared but also equipped with practical skills inculcating an adaptability needed to excel in the World of Work,” added Prof Nemavhola.
He mentioned a crucial aspect of youth unemployment which is over 60 per cent in South Africa, which is one of the highest in the world.
“This statistic is not just a number it represents the hopes and dreams of countless young people who are struggling to find their place in the economy. If you look at Africa the situation is similar with the unemployment rate averaging around 30%. To all of us, I do think that the statistics underscore the work that we are doing here at DUT. We are also not only preparing students to graduate but also we are preparing them to enter a job market that is dynamic and in need of innovative thinkers. Our ENVISION2030 indicates that our students must be at the forefront of innovation where you and future industries are created,” he explained.
Prof Nemavhola indicated that as one looks into the future one needs to envision a world where the lines between industry and academics are seamlessly integrated.
After Prof Nemavhola’s insightful talk, the shift moved to company highlights on collaborations with DUT and exhibitors.
Reflecting on the achievements that Sappi has accomplished in collaboration with DUT was Mr Vicky Avathar, Technical Officer at Sappi. Sappi is a global renewable resource company that uses every part of the tree to make every day more sustainable. He shared that Sappi currently has 129 trainees at the Sappi Saiccor Mill, comprising of a diverse group of individuals at various stages of their professional development including engineers and technicians in training, process trainees and apprentices, who are all receiving mentorship and training as they progress in their respective careers.
“This institution has produced some amazing alumni and I am honoured to highlight that Sappi boasts a formidable contingent from this esteemed university, many of whom who have successfully transitioned into various roles within the organisation in the fields of electronic, electrical, mechanical and chemical engineering as well as human Resources and Information Technology (IT),” reiterated Mr Avathar.
Adding further to the conversation with his company highlights was Mr Alex Su, General Manager at SUN LINE Supply Chain SA (Pty) Ltd. Also adding to the evening programme was the amazing performance by DUT Drama graduates.
The evening keynote address was delivered by the charismatic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), Mr Ineeleng Molete.
Mr Molete professed his excitement to be part of this occasion aimed at exposing learners to the world of careers through sharing of the information on skills development in different terrains.
“Representing the Local Government SETA (LGSETA), established through the Skills Development Act of 1998, mandated to facilitate the implementation of the skills development interventions in the local government sector. LGSETA, like any other SETA, provides opportunities to the learners through internships, work-integrated learning, bursaries, apprenticeships, and learnerships. In addition to this, the SETAs are also tasked with the responsibility of conducting research to inform the update of the Sector Skills Plan, a comprehensive document that outlines the skills demand and supply resulting in the skills gaps that exist in a sector,” he said.
He further explained that the Local Government SETA is shouldered with the responsibility of capacitating a workforce in the local government sphere, which is closer to the communities and at the coalface of service delivery. He also delved into the Local Government sector as an employer of choice, and learners should opt for the careers associated with it. “For the current financial year (2024 to 2025), the LGSETA shared some of the targets such as entrepreneurship programmes with an annual target of 60 SMMEs, 60 co-operatives, 30 aspiring entrepreneurs as well as 600 undergraduate bursaries to achieve, as reflected in its Annual Performance Plan,” he added.
Mr Molete highlighted that the LGSETA, as a doyen in skills development is collaborating with the Republic of China, through the implementation of the pilot exchange programme.
“A total of 270 learners will participate in the SMMEs, entrepreneurship and graduate programmes through sister cities in China. This will be one of the LGSETA’s rolls and royce skills development projects and hoping that other SETAs will follow suite,” he commented.
Mr Molete emphasised that the Local Government SETA is a beacon of hope and springboard for the young people of this country, as it has often displayed unwavering commitment to support young souls through the strategic interventions, as directed and guided by the Sector Skills Plan.
“I would therefore like to wish this DUT WoW Career Fair a resounding success in providing a compass to young learners in order for them to have an in-depth comprehension of the careers contributing to the economy of our country,” said Mr Molete.
In closing, the Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at DUT, Dr Azwitevhelwi Nevhutalu expressed his profound appreciation to the Acting Director of Cooperative Education unit at DUT, Dr Themba Msukwini and his team for the well organised event. He applauded the team for managing to put together in one venue, students, companies, government and the university. He commended the partnership and believed that bringing together different spheres of society could bear fruits and help in making a positive impact in society.
Dr Nevhutalu also encouraged the guests to use such events for meeting new people and networking as keeping to themselves or to those they know might deprive them of opportunities of meeting people who might assist them in the future or possible future employers.
The evening concluded with prizes given to lucky guests by Co-op’s Dr Msukwini and Ms Shireen Singh, Acting Manager at the Cooperative Education unit.
On Friday, 23 August 2024, the prestigious WoW Career Fair will be showcased at DUT’s Indumiso Hall to students in the two campuses based in Pietermaritzburg.
Pictured: An exhibitor speaking to a DUT student at day one of the DUT 2024 World of Work (WoW) Career Fair.
Waheeda Peters/Patience Makhaye/Simangele Zuma
