The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment participated in the Career Expo held on the final day of the third annual Care Enough Youth Empowerment Winter School 2026 on 3 July 2026 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville Campus.
The five-day programme was organised by Care Enough To Do Something (TDS) in partnership with the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The initiative aims to empower high-achieving learners from township and rural schools through academic support, mentorship, career guidance, mental health awareness, life skills development and gender-based violence education.
The closing Career Expo brought together universities, colleges and industry stakeholders to expose learners to higher education opportunities and career pathways. The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment was among the exhibitors, providing learners with information about programmes offered at DUT and career opportunities within the engineering and built environment professions.
The faculty’s exhibition featured representatives from the Department of Architecture, Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying (CMQS), and the Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics. Academic staff and representatives engaged directly with learners, offering guidance on admission requirements, programme offerings, career prospects and the role each discipline plays in addressing real-world challenges.
Learners from schools including Dr J.L. Dube High School, Amandlethu High School, Mzuvele High School, Inanda Newtown Comprehensive School and Enaleni High School attended the expo, representing top-performing learners from the communities of Inanda, Umlazi and KwaMashu.
Speaking about the initiative, Care Enough TDS Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Hlengiwe Ngwenya, emphasised the importance of preparing young people for the future.
“Part of what we do is to channel young people towards the careers and skills that the country needs. We are addressing unemployment and poverty, while at the same time contributing to the development of the skills required to help South Africa grow and prosper,” said Ngwenya.
Throughout the exhibition, DUT representatives interacted with learners, answered questions about studying at DUT and showcased the programmes available within the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. The engagement encouraged learners to consider careers in engineering and the built environment while demonstrating how these professions contribute to sustainable development and community transformation.
The faculty’s participation in the Career Expo reflects its ongoing commitment to community engagement, student recruitment and inspiring the next generation of engineers and built environment professionals who will help shape South Africa’s future.
Pictured: Career Expo attendees at the exhibition.
Photography: Zamani Mathe
Sibonisile Mdlozini/Asanda Dzelwa
