The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Midlands Department of Student Administration recently hosted a two-day pre-university career expo themed “Make DUT your first choice”. The aim of the career expo was to equip learners and their educators from some of the top 10 feeder schools in more remote communities within the uMkhanyakude District (such as Jozini, Manguzi, Mkhuze and Hluhluwe) with accurate, up-to-date information regarding how to secure a place at DUT.
The first day consisted of two sessions where they visited Mandlemfundo Secondary School and Mlamula hall which had learners from Jikijela and Nsalamanga High School.
At Mandlemfundo Secondary School they managed to engage with learners from Grade 9-12 where they had separated them in to two classes.
Umkhanyakude District School Counsellor: Ms Magubane, opened the programme, introduced all the colleagues, and emphasised that it is important for the leaners to listen attentively so they can be able to ask and answer questions.
“I would like to thank all the colleagues that have managed to avail themselves in order for our learners to gain knowledge. It is such a great pleasure to know that the University also consider our learners for better opportunities for a brighter future”, she said.
DUT Head of Department (HOD) for Student Administration: Ms Nelisiwe Ndlovu presented the Central Application Office (CAO) application process and encouraged learners to apply on time so that they avoid the extra money charged for late applications. Furthermore, she shared her teaching journey in the rural areas.
“I am very passionate about improving the lives of learners especially from the rural areas. It is very important for the leaners to plan for your own future and also take notes of the requirements for the University they apply for. I will also like to emphasize that at DUT we understand leaners background and always do our level best ensuring that they get the best services” stated Ms Ndlovu.
Midlands Student Administration Clerk: Zamandosi Cele presented on the DUT website. She further explained how to use the website to get enough knowledge on the different qualifications that can be studied in all the seven DUT campuses.
Midlands Student Administration Clerk: Ms Amanda Makalima, engaged with the grade 9 leaners and advised them on how to choose their streams. Her presentation was through interacting with the learners where she asked them about the careers they wish to pursue. She then highlighted the different qualifications that learners may choose from.
The second day the team visited Mtwazi Combined School, and later on the day there was a teacher’s session that took place at Khulani Special School. Ms Ndlovu engaged with teachers especially those specialising in Life Orientation and also shared physical information packs which they can use to pass information to their learners.
Department of Education Career Guidance Coordinator: Mrs Nokukhanya Ntuli, in her words of gratitude highlighted that the career guidance was informative, learners and teachers have benefited a lot and they look forward to such engagements for the future. In closing the DUT team handed token of appreciation to the learners and teachers.
Pictured: Grade 12 learners from Jikjela and Nsalamanga Hall.
Zanele Mashaba
