The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Community Engagement Unit, in partnership with UniWay, participated as exhibitors at the Career Expo held at Port Shepstone Civic Centre on Sunday, 01 February 2026, in the Ugu District. The event was hosted by Thy Will Ministries under the leadership of Prophet Sandile Msimango and brought together high school learners, educators, and community members from schools across the Port Shepstone area.
High school learners during the Career Expo.
Learners received guidance on choosing suitable courses, understanding admission requirements, and exploring career paths. Exhibitors focused on empowering learners, particularly those from rural communities, with knowledge to make informed decisions about their futures.
Dr Thuli Mwelase, General Manager: Water Services at Ugu District Municipality, explained that the career expo aimed to give young people access to information and guidance that is often limited in rural areas. “When you bring institutions and organisations to spaces like this, learners can access information they would not normally have,” she said, adding that the organisers plan to expand the programme in the future.
UniWay is a career guidance initiative that empowers learners with the information, resources, and confidence to make informed academic and career decisions. The initiative was established to help capable young people overcome limited access to guidance and learning materials, ensuring they can explore opportunities aligned with their interests.
Ms Kwanele Makaluza, the founder of UniWay, together with her team from DUT, presented to learners on the wide range of academic programmes offered across all DUT faculties. The session provided an overview of the institution’s diverse study options, outlined general admission requirements and application procedures, and emphasised the importance of aligning subject choices with future career goals. Learners were encouraged to explore different pathways into higher education, including both traditional and alternative routes.
Educators also welcomed the initiative. Ms Thabi Malunga, a teacher from Ezinqoleni Secondary School, noted that the career expo helped teachers better understand current university application processes and admission requirements, enabling them to guide learners more effectively.
Following the presentations, DUT representatives engaged directly with learners at their exhibition tables, answering questions, providing course guides, and offering further academic guidance. Learners actively participated and took advantage of the opportunity to interact with the DUT team.
A Grade 9 learner, Ms Melokuhle Mncwabe from Port Shepstone High School, shared her excitement about the experience, saying the expo helped her and her peers understand subject choices and career expectations ahead of selecting academic streams in Grade 10. She appreciated the detailed explanations of courses and requirements and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gain knowledge that she could share with other learners.
Pictured: The DUT team at the Career Expo in Port Shepstone.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Sinamile Sithole
