The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Community Engagement in partnership with Umkhumbane Schools Project (USP) hosted Career Guidance Workshops on Wednesday, 02 August 2023 at Chesterville Secondary School and Mayville Secondary School on Thursday, 03 August 2023.

The purpose of the events was to guide the Grade 11 learners to make informed career choices and advise them on the tertiary application process and admissions for first-time intakes, and introduce the academic programmes offered at DUT.

Giving career guidance and advice was Sister Thembeni Ngcobo, a clinical instructor from the Nursing Department, who briefly shared her academic journey where she commenced her studies in her forties and was one of the oldest students in her class, and irrespective of her age, it did not deter her from studying but motivated her to excel in her studies. She was also bestowed the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award and Cum Laude in Bachelor of Nursing Science, at DUT. “Being a top achiever, opened doors for me as I received many jobs as a clinical instructor because of my accolades, I never had to look for a job, but employers came to me and offered me jobs,” she said proudly. Her story was very inspiring to the learners as they were eager to follow in her footsteps.

Further on, learners were given another inspiring talk by Mr Zamani Mayeza, DUT’s Faculty of Health Sciences Community Engagement Officer. He advised learners to pursue academic studies that they are passionate about and to make it their homework to research career opportunities in their chosen field of study.  He further introduced all the academic programmes that are offered at DUT. In his presentation, Mayeza quoted Nelson Mandela, saying “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”.

Career guidance brochures were then disseminated amongst the learners. The learners were given the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session where they were awarded some beautiful DUT branded items for their participation such as drawstring bags, note pads, pens, and rulers.

Mr Nkanyezi Nxumalo, an intern at the DUT’s Marketing, Public Relations, and Events Department, also imparted his advice to the learners saying that they should always remain focused and true to themselves and never forget where they come from. He shared that initially when he came to DUT as a student, he had intended to pursue one qualification, hence his first obtainment which was a Diploma in Business and Information Management which propelled him to study even further. He was fortunate enough to be awarded a bursary to further his studies and he is now the proud recipient of the DUT Advancement and Alumni Relations Bursary. He is currently enrolled for his Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management at DUT. “Being driven, focused, committed and disciplined are the qualities you ought to have in order to succeed in every area of your life,” advised Nxumalo.

The Chesterville Secondary School teacher, Grade 11 HOD, Mr Sithole, was beaming with gratitude and mentioned that he was also a DUT student and hopes that the information shared with learners will help the learners as they are now well informed. “I am the DUT product, as I obtained my teaching qualification at Indumiso Campus, being visited by one of the leading universities in Africa it’s something we take great pride in,” said Sithole.

Remarks were then delivered by Mr Siphilangenkosi Mtshali, USP Project Coordinator, who conveyed his words of gratitude to the DUT Team who were part of this event and said that it will play a significant role in making well-informed career choices for the learners. “We are so grateful to the DUT Team for always prioritising us to their busy schedules and heeding our call, this means a lot to our learners as well as our community,” said the elated Mtshali.

In closing the DUT Community Engagement Practitioner, Ms Phumzile Xulu, encouraged learners to participate in community engagement activities when they get to tertiary level. “Being an engaged student gives you a chance to be exposed to opportunities and that will also impact positively in building your career. Make your mark and leave your mark,” Xulu concluded.

Pictured: DUT and USP staff during the career guidance workshop.

Nonkululeko Ngcobo