Today, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, MP officially opened the Nelson Mandela Day Career Development Festival at the Umfolozi Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College.
The Festival is a flagship programme of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Now in its sixth year, the Nelson Mandela Day Career Development Festival is a repository for career information, advice and guidance targeting high school learners and youth Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET).
In 2010, the department was mandated to drive career development services for the country as outlined in the Delivery Agreement five signed between the President and the Minister of Higher Education and Training. Since 2010, the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Sector Education and Training Authoritys (SETAs) partnered with the DHET to fulfil this mandate. To date, the DHET has hosted five successful Mandela Day Career Guidance Festivals.
Deputy Minister Manana said “the Festival is targeted at high school learners and the youth Not in Education or Training (NEET) residing in rural areas because they have historically been the least serviced, and have thus lagged behind in development – which is an untenable situation in our new democratic dispensation”.
During the event, the Deputy Minister, the MEC of Education in the province and Ms Peggy Nkonyeni and the Mayor, 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 (NSC). The Grade 9 learners are targeted because they have not yet chosen their subjects.
“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”, concluded the Deputy Minister.
The Festival will run from the 15th of July until the 18th of July to coincide with the Mandela Day. On the last day of the event, 18th of July, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, MP will lead the activities of the day.
For further information and to schedule interviews, please contact:
Busiswa Nongogo
E-mail: nongogo.b@dhet.gov.za
Cell: 061 351 2695
Calvin Nkosi
E-mail: nkosi.c@dhet.gov.za
Cell: 084 739 5468
