Education is the Road to Success for Youth of uMfolozi

uMfolozi Municipality held a Career Expo, hosting more than 2000 grade 10-12 learners, at the Dondotha Sports field, on Friday 7 July 2017. The Career Expo combined with the Siyabonga Sangweni Youth Festival and Mayoral Sports Day, aimed at providing information on skills development and career opportunities that is required and direction of study the learners should aspire towards.
Municipal Manager Mr Khulumokwakhe Gamede, said that one of the aims of the career expo was to provide a platform to the youth of uMfolozi to interact with the public sector, private businesses as well as different industries. “When our youngsters interact with the different government departments and different industries, they will be able to make better informed decisions about their futures and which career direction they should consider,” said Gamede.

Mr Gamede also urged the learners to not only focus on getting into traditional universities after they matriculate. “We are aware that not all of you will be going to traditional universities but some will be attending FET colleges instead, FET lecturers are here today so you can discuss with them and find out your requirements and what you need to apply and succeed in FET institutions,” said Mr Gamede.

Senior Manager for Youth Business and Policy Formulation in the provincial Office of the Premier, Mr Xolani Zuma encouraged the learners to knock on all doors provided by government in order for them to be able to further their education.

“Every year as the office of the premier we spend around 25 million in bursaries for our 11 districts, these are the opportunities you must exploit so you can change your life and change your future,” said Mr Zuma.

Mr Zuma further urged the learners to not only focus on traditional careers but seek out career opportunities in areas that are historically dominated by specific race groups. “There is a young person that we paid for a learner to go and study aviation from the King Cetshwayo District, because we wanted to encourage Africans to pursue careers in aviation,” he concluded.

King Cetshwayo District Mayor Cllr Ntombenhle Nomfundo Penelope Mkhulisi said that education is the only key that can close the doors of poverty. “Education is the key which can open the doors of success; education can unlock every opportunity you need to make your life a success. You are the future of the King Cetshwayo District and the rest of South Africa, therefore you must make sure that your education is at the top of your priority,” said District Mayor Mkhulisi.

The uMfolozi Municipality created the career exhibition in partnership with the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Provincial Department of Education, Provincial Department of Human Settlement and other private stakeholders.