Due to less youth development and a gross lack of career information in certain parts of the province, the Eastern Cape Department of Transport has embarked on career expos throughout the province. This expedition started in Joe Gqabi District on 4 February 2011, where the department hosted more than 1 600 Grade 11 and 12 learners from 51 schools as well as unemployed youth from in and around Joe Gqabi District at Sauer Park Stadium in Aliwal North.
Outlining the purpose of the day, Nomvuyo Bono, who is the Director for Human Resource Development, told the youth to be grateful for growing up in a democratic country. “You must consider yourselves as most fortunate for growing up in a democratic South Africa, which opens doors to every young person regardless of his/her race.”
She explained to them that the event was part of the department’s contribution to the transformation of the transport sector and youth development. “Our target is unemployed youth and scholars, we intended to increase their awareness and offer information about career opportunities that exists not only in the transport fraternity but to the labor market as a whole.”
This career expo afforded youth an opportunity to directly engage with institutions such as Buffalo City College, Lovedale College, Ikhala College, Fort Hare University, King Hintsa College, National Youth Development Agency, Umhlobo Wenene FM, 43 Air school, Maritime institution, as well as different government departments. Different career paths presentations were presented to the youth by different institutions.
Among the speakers of the day were two departmental bursary beneficiaries, Oyama Matomela and Neo Nkopane, who expressed appreciation of the good work done by the department in investing in the future of this country. Nkopane is a fully qualified engineer and is working for Senqu Local Municipality, while Matomela is currently doing her second year in Pilot studies at 43 Air School in Port Alfred.
Both Matomela and Nkopane had a common message to the youth, “to stand up and work hard to make things happen instead of waiting for things to happen.”
Source: Eastern Cape Transport
