By Luzamo Sandlana
More than 4,000 learners from the Moses Kotane Local Municipality gathered to explore their future prospects. For three days, they interacted with companies, government departments and educational institutions that could shape their career paths. Organised by the North-West Department of Education, the event aimed to provide learners with valuable guidance at a crucial stage in their academic journey. Exhibitors included TCTA, Standard Bank and the University of the North-West, all committed to helping the students make informed decisions.
Grade 11 is the year just before matric, the final year of school in South Africa. By this time, learners need to be seriously considering the careers they wish to pursue after school. While some may have clear ambitions, others are still exploring options. Even those who have decided on a path must keep their options open, as final matric results can affect whether they qualify for their first-choice study programmes or careers. The career expo sought to equip learners with the knowledge and resources to navigate these uncertainties.
TCTA’s team—Florence Ndhundhuma, Tshiamo Legoale, Gabriel Maile and Dudu Moremi—emphasised the importance of taking advantage of events like this. “When I was your age, we never had the luxury of companies like TCTA visiting our schools and telling us about bursary opportunities. You are therefore very fortunate that all these institutions took their time and money to come specifically for you,” said Maile, urging learners to seize the opportunity.
The expo’s primary aim was to empower Grade 11 learners with a broad understanding of the career paths available, giving them a chance to connect with bursary opportunities and explore fields they might not have considered before. TCTA representatives spoke about the organisation’s bursary programmes, encouraging students to think about careers in the water sector. “It was really inspiring to hear about all the different jobs I could have,” shared one learner. “I never realised how important water management is!”
The event helped learners align their aspirations with real-world opportunities by providing exposure to various career possibilities and practical advice. The threeday expo took place from 16 to 18 September in Moses Kotane, North-West, offering a vital glimpse into the future for many young people
