Today uMkhanyakude District Municipality, in partnership with uMhlabuyalingana Municipality hosted the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, at a Career Expo held at the Manguzi Multipurpose Centre.
The expo is part of government’s national drive to expand access to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation [STEMI] opportunities for learners in rural communities.
All 12 high schools in Mhlabuyalingana participated, with more than 500 learnersin attendance.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Siphile Mdaka, Cllr Nkululeko Mthethwa thanked the Department for bringing the programme to the district.
"UMkhanyakude is determined to remain number one in matric results in KwaZulu-Natal and to move to position one nationally. We call on our learners to take education seriously, choose STEM subjects, and stay away from distractions such as sugar daddies that derail their future," said, Cllr Mthethwa. He reaffirmed Council’s commitment to creating pathways that connect rural learners to quality education, skills development and future careers.
In her keynote address, Deputy Minister Gina urged learners to consider STEMI fields as viable career paths. She emphasized that geography should not limit ambition. She also encouraged learners to choose Science subjects from as early as grade 11.
"I was raised in a rural community just like this one. I understand the challenges our learners face. My mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of where they come from, receives an education equal to their peers, especially in the Science and Technology stream," said Dr Gina
Learners engaged directly with exhibitors including tertiary institutions, SETAs, NYDA, government departments and private sector partners. They received information on subject choices, bursaries, apprenticeships and career pathways.
The Career Expo forms part of ongoing efforts by uMkhanyakude District Municipality and Mhlabuyalingana Local Municipality to reduce the urban-rural skills gap and to equip youth with the tools to participate meaningfully in the economy.