The Albaraka Bank, in collaboration with the Durban University of Technology (DUT), and the Bringer of Light to Young Souls spearheaded the Matric Career Day at Jolivet Hall in Ixopo on 02 August 2025.
The Ixopo Matric Career Day is aimed at equipping matriculants with essential insights and opportunities for their future endeavours, proved to be an invaluable experience for over 250 learners from five esteemed schools. The primary objective of the Career Day was to empower matriculants by providing them with vital knowledge and resources to navigate their transition into tertiary education and beyond. Through engaging presentations and interactive sessions, learners were exposed to various career paths, entrepreneurship opportunities, and educational prospects.
Distinguished presenters from educational institutions such as DUT, Rosebank College, MUT, UKZN and Richfield College alongside representatives from municipalities, local businesses, and BMW, offered valuable advice on career selection, university applications, and the importance of self-discipline. Cheryl Ramkumar of Albaraka Bank reflected on why events like these are so important for rural learners. She explained that the bank believes true community empowerment begins with the youth, and therefore the Ixopo Career Day was the perfect opportunity to make a lasting impact. “The Ixopo Career Day provided an ideal platform to reach learners in rural areas, share practical financial knowledge, connect them with higher learning institutions, and inspire them to see beyond their current circumstances towards brighter, more informed futures,” said Ramkumar.
Albaraka worked closely with DUT’s Community Engagement Office and the Bringer of Light to Young Souls to ensure their participation was both impactful and memorable.
Ramkumar further highlighted that collaborating with higher education institutions like DUT bridges the gap between education and the world of work. “Together, we can provide learners with practical insights, credible guidance, and pathways to opportunities that they might not otherwise have access to,” she explained. She recalled a particularly moving moment when a learner expressed feeling “seen and cared for” by the bank, noting that nourishment, both educational and physical plays a vital role in keeping young minds engaged.
Businessman and founder of Lethabokgosi (Pty) Ltd, Thabo Maduna, used the Ixopo Career Day to share his journey from rural schooling in Harding to entrepreneurial success, explaining that his own experiences drive his commitment to uplifting rural learners. “These initiatives are extremely important to me because I am a product of a rural schooling system myself. I understand the challenges our learners face from limited resources to lack of exposure. Being able to share knowledge, provide support, and inspire hope is something I hold very close to my heart,” he said. Through outreach and educational support programmes in KwaZulu-Natal, he works closely with schools to provide guidance and motivation. As part of his ongoing efforts, Maduna announced his company’s pledge to cover registration fees for the top five performing matric learners from rural schools each year, an initiative launched three years ago to ease the financial burden for deserving students. “My motivation stems from my own upbringing in Harding, KwaJali. I know what it’s like to dream big with limited means. My educational and professional journey has shown me the power of opportunities, and I want to be the bridge that connects deserving learners to theirs,” he emphasised. Selected based on academic excellence, financial need, and teacher recommendations, this programme continues to grow each year, opening doors for rural youth to turn big dreams into reality.
For many learners, the Ixopo Career Day was life changing. Okuhle Mbatha from Siphapheme High School, who aspires to become a nurse, shared how the event shifted her perspective. She explained that coming from a rural area can sometimes make dreams feel distant, but the speakers gave her renewed hope. “Today I learned that there are so many opportunities out there if you work hard and know where to look. I’ve already applied for nursing at different institutions, and now I feel even more confident about my future,” she said.
Similarly, Yolanda Ntaka from Sinevuyo Secondary School, who has applied for Radiography at DUT, described the career day as a turning point. She said it gave her the information she needed to plan ahead. “This career day gave me so much clarity. I now understand what steps I need to take and how to prepare myself. Hearing from people who have made it despite challenges motivates me to work even harder,” she expressed.
Pictured: Representatives from DUT, Abaraka Bank, Rosebank College, MUT, UKZN and learners who attended the event.
Sihle Nzima
