FUTURE CAREERS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT SPEAKER’S SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY EXPO
Learners from across Ezinqoleni came out in numbers to attend the Speaker’s Social Responsibility Career Exhibition Expo, held at Dlovinga Community Hall. The event brought together government departments, tertiary institutions, private sector companies, and development agencies to provide career guidance and empower young people with knowledge that will help shape their futures.
Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, said: “This programme is critical in shaping the future of our learners. In many of the schools I have visited in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality through the Legislature’s Civic Education Programme, I have seen how some learners still struggle with subject choice — and how many end up choosing subjects that will not serve them when they finish school. Through this initiative, we aim to reach as many high schools as possible, and hopefully make a lasting difference in the lives of our young people.”
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Hon. Zuko Godlimbi, emphasised the link between subject choices and career success. He said: “The choices you make today about which subjects to study will determine the doors that open for you tomorrow. We want you to be deliberate, to think about the future, and to take subjects that will place you in fields where South Africa needs you most. To encourage you further, I am committing to donate 10 laptops to learners who will submit essays explaining the work of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. I look forward to seeing your submissions.”
Also in attendance was Mr Walter Tebogo Letsie, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education in Parliament, who interacted with learners and addressed some of their questions.
The Expo was a collaboration, with institutions such as NSFAS,the Department of Higher Education and Training, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the National Youth Development Agency. Home Affairs also provided on-site services, assisting learners and community members with ID applications.
To close off the event, the Speaker hosted a Civic Education Quiz, where learners competed for prizes that included laptops, tablets, school bags and power banks, further reinforcing the link between knowledge, participation, and empowerment.
Through this programme, the Hon. Boyce continues to demonstrate her commitment to ensuring that rural learners, who often lack career guidance resources, have access to information, opportunities, and role models that can help them thrive in a changing economy. Working with sponsors and partners, the Career Exhibition Expo will be hosted annually, ensuring that learners continue to benefit from this important initiative.
Issued by the Office of the Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature
