CAREER EXPO – RBIDZ IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MISA

TARGETED SCHOOLS: MNINGI AND MGEZENI HIGH SCHOOLS

 

DATE: 31 JULY 2025

VENUE:  NTAMBANANA – WARD 32. EMPANGENI

 

Programme Director, Deputy Director General (DDG) for Traditional Affairs – COGTA – Mr. Ndoda Biyela

Amakhosi AseNdlunkulu, ONdabezitha – Inkosi Mthiyane ngokukhethekile

Honourable Minister for COGTA, Mr. V. Hlabisa

Speaker, Cllr. Gumede

King Cetshwayo Deputy Mayor, Cllr. P.P Xulu

RBIDZ Board Chairperson – Advocate Mbili, and Board Member, Mr. Mbatha

MISA, CEO, Ms. Kgomo

Executives of MISA present

Senior Representatives of EDTEA and COGTA present

All Councillors present

Izinduna ezimphelezelayo, nobuholi bonke besizwe sakwaMthiyane

Community leadership present

Schools Principals and Educators

Stakeholders

Learners

Ladies and Gentlemen

Members of the Media

Good Morning

Programme Director, It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today as the Board Member of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), on this significant occasion of the Career Expo hosted in partnership with the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), and graced by the presence of the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Honourable Minister Hlabisa.

We are gathered here today brought in by a purpose to pave direction for our children. We are here to instil the future and aspirations of the children before us. Today’s gathering is more than just a Career Expo but it is a beginning of a brighter future.

In the efforts to share knowledge and change the landscape of our communities, the RBIDZ in partnership with MISA took a decision to visit these schools that we see here today.

Driven by the purpose to empower, educate, and motivate, we want to ensure that doors for our learners are open; and especially those from rural and disadvantaged communities.

We are cognisant that the schools in rural areas tend to lack  tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about their futures, as a result in its operations, the RBIDZ  prioritises various programmes aimed at community and skills development.

Programme Director, As RBIDZ, this initiative is part of our broader mission to invest in social cohesion and foster inclusive economic growth. By bringing together government, industry, and educational institutions, we aim to expose learners to a wide range of career opportunities, study options, and bursary information.

We want every learner here to leave with a clearer vision of what is possible without being limited by their background.

This event also forms part of our celebration of Nelson Mandela Month; and for us there is no better way of honouring Madiba than to prioritise education.

I am glad that when we decided to come together in fighting  the trajectory of inequality.

Programme Director, This day is more than an opportunity that the government of South Africa remains resolute in its responsibility to serve, and empower the children and youth of our country. Through initiatives like this expo, we are actively investing in shaping their futures, ensuring that opportunity is not a privilege but a right of every child.

Today’s gathering bridges institutions and individuals with a shared purpose: delivering services that enrich lives and unlock potential.

We come together to intrigue interest, showcase opportunities, and guide learners towards careers built not only on skill but also on purpose and integrity.

CAREER EXPO DONE BY RBIDZ IN FEBRUARY 2025 BY RBIDZ

Programme Director, I must highlight that In February 2025, we launched another Career Expo in Mandlazini and these schools were supposed to be part of that Expo, however we thought that it was prudent for us to come here rather than transport all these learners to Richards Bay. This is the reason why you are seeing these  schools today, they are a continuation of the Career Expo we did in February.

 

PARTNERSHIP WITH MISA AND ACKNOWLEDGE MINISTER

Importantly, I must also acknowledge  the working relationship that has been developed with MISA for this Expo.

The collaborations are vital in ensuring that no learner is left behind. Together, we are building bridges between aspiration and opportunity, between talent and training, and between dreams and development.

Your presence here, Honorable Minister and esteemed leadership, is a significant reflection of a government that hears, serves, and acts.

By engaging with learners in important matters like this, we are indicating make that governance is not distant but it is present, proactive, and for the people. This career expo is a direct representation of that commitment.

ACKNOLEDGE ROLE PLAYED BY INKOSI YESIZWE

Programme Director, we also acknowledge the role played by community leaders, importantly, uNdabezitha iNkosi yeSizwe ephakathi kwethu. We have seen the support he has provided in ensuring that this event takes place. This shows commitment to his people.

MESSAGE TO LEARNERS

To you learners, you must grab all the opportunities given to you, today you are the heartbeat of our nation’s future and you must know that  the world is changing rapidly, and must acquire all the skills succeed.

Your government and all leaders as well as parents stand beside you. Today is your day to explore and ask questions.

We want to see you come transform your communities in the near future.

CONCLUSSION

Today, we are laying the foundation for a South Africa where every child is inspired to thrive.

THANK YOU!