Pretoria - Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Mduduzi Manana has officially opened the Nelson Mandela Day Career Development Festival, which exposes learners to information on career advice and post-school education and training opportunities.
The festival, which is a flagship programme of the Department of Higher Education and Training, is in its sixth year. The festival is a repository for career information, advice and guidance targeting high school learners and youth Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET).
The department was mandated in 2010 to drive career development services for the country as outlined in the Delivery Agreement 5 signed between President Jacob Zuma and the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande.
Since 2010, the National Skills Fund and the Sector Education and Training Authority’s (SETAs) partnered with the department to fulfil this mandate.
During the event, the Deputy Minister including KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Peggy Nkonyeni visited career villages that had over 60 exhibitors with stakeholders made of SETAs, government departments and social partners.
About 1 000 Grade 9 learners and NEET from the Uthungulu District were exposed to information on subject choices, career choices and minimum requirements for National Senior Certificate.
Speaking at the opening of the festival held at uMfolozi Technical Vocational Education and Training College in Esikhawini Campus, KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday, Deputy Minister Manana highlighted that the festival is targeted at high school learners and NEET residing in rural areas because they have historically been the least serviced, and have thus lagged behind in development.
“Making a career choice is one of the most important decisions a learner makes. It is therefore vital that learners have the necessary information and get proper advice before they make such decisions,” said the Deputy Minister.
Grade 9 learners are targeted because they have not yet chosen their subjects.
The festival will run from the 15 - 18 July 2015, to coincide with the Mandela Day. On the last day of the event, Minister Nzimande is expected to lead the activities of the day. – SAnews.gov.za
