Pretoria: Deputy Minister in the Presidency Noncemba Mhlauli emphasizes the transformative potential of career expos for young people, highlighting them as key platforms for future opportunities. Speaking to learners at the 10th Annual Ephraim Mogale Career Expo at the Laerskool sports ground in Marble Hall, Limpopo, Mhlauli urged attendees to actively explore new career paths and take control of their futures.
According to South African Government News Agency, Mhlauli encouraged learners to delve into careers they might not have previously considered and to learn about bursaries, training opportunities, entrepreneurship, and higher education. She emphasized that success is rooted in discipline, determination, and commitment, rather than one's background. Mhlauli shared her personal experience of attending a township school, underscoring that background does not define one's future potential.
Mhlauli stressed the importance of discipline as the foundation of success, urging learners to conduct themselves diligently, respect their teachers, and commit to their goals. She highlighted that good results stem from consistency, hard work, and sacrifice, advising learners to make informed choices today to secure the future they desire.
Encouraging learners to view the career expo as an investment in their future rather than a classroom break, Mhlauli advised them to be curious, ask questions, and explore possibilities. She also encouraged early applications to universities, TVET colleges, and other higher learning institutions, noting that applications are currently open and urging learners not to wait for final matric results before applying.
Mhlauli further encouraged learner participation in democratic processes, urging eligible learners to register to vote through the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). She highlighted that participating in democracy shapes the future of communities, provinces, and the country.
The expo provided a platform for learners, government departments, institutions of higher learning, SETAs, and industry stakeholders to showcase career pathways, skills development programs, bursaries, entrepreneurship opportunities, and routes to employment.