The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education in partnership with the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Career Exhibition Association hosted the Uthukela District Grade 12 Career Exhibition 2023 at the Ladysmith Indoor Sport Complex from Monday, 22 May 2023 to Friday, 26 May 2023.
There were 12 545 Grade 12 learners that were invited and that had converged to the Sport Complex over the five day event; to find out more on the various career choices and bursaries that are available for those learners who are considering to pursue their tertiary studies at university level.
DUT’s Student Recruitment Officer and Project Leader for the event, Michael Zulu, said it was great to see so many learners asking probing questions on courses that are available, at the DUT stand, especially on the courses on Nursing and ICT.
“We, (DUT Student Recruitment) have a lot of interest in those fields and the DUT stand was jam packed as many leaners were very interested in studying at DUT. That goes hand in hand with the work that we have been doing in the District and we have also been visiting schools here. So, we have tried to be visible, hence the interest,” he said happily.
When Zulu was asked if this would become an annual event in the calendar of the Uthukela District, he explained that there are different role players, and he will have to check with the programme and see what Province had to say about the way forward on this event becoming an annual one.
He further relayed that schools from Bergville, Winterton, Estcourt and the inner part of Mnambithi were invited to attend.
In terms of why the Grade 12s were only extended the invitation to attend from the Uthukela District, Zulu replied that in previous years, before COVID, the District used to have the Grade 12 exhibitions which were discontinued because of financial constraints.
“We have a keen interest in converting Grade 12s as these are our possible students for next year. So, we decided we can play a role in terms of hosting the Grade 12s. We are still in talks with the District in terms of the Grade 9s because normally what the District will do; they will have the Grade 12 exhibition first. Then later on in the year, just before learners select their subjects then we have the Grade 9 Subject Selection Seminar,” he commented.
Furthermore, Zulu said learners also visited other stands of the 23 institutions that exhibited over the five days. He was happy that they managed to get all five KZN universities under one roof.
According to Zulu, the South African Civil Aviation Authorities exhibited for the very first time in KwaZulu-Natal.
Zulu feels the exhibition spoke to the DUT ENVISION2030 statement of intent that states: Our people will participate productively in the development of our region, Country and the world.
Sifundo Cele, a former DUT student, spoke about his career guidance app called EGO.
“Learners were very keen to find out more on this app which will give you an insight into various career opportunities and help you shape your strengths and weaknesses accordingly. The app is targeted towards all age groups, whether you are a guardian or a student,” he said.
For more information on this app, email: info.egocareers@gmail.com.
All in all, the event was a great success and learners appreciated receiving all the advice, educational pamphlets and point requirements needed for the courses of study at different universities.
Pictured: Students gathering at the DUT stand to engage with the Student Recruitment team.
Waheeda Peters
