SCORES of Ohakaza High School learners received practical career guidance, bursary information and future subject selection advice during a career expo hosted by the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) at the Vulindlela Community Hall in KwaDlangezwa on Tuesday.
The expo, aimed at Grade 9 and Grade 12 learners, sought to help pupils make informed subject and career choices aligned with South Africa’s evolving labour market and future skills needs.
Speaking to the Zululand Observer, Mbatha said South Africa’s wider education curriculum must evolve to better respond to the country’s economic realities and industry demands.
Ohakaza High School principal Emmanuel Mbatha welcomed the initiative, saying learners from developing communities need greater exposure to technical and vocational education that prepares them for employment opportunities.
“As a school, we appreciate the involvement of the private sector and the broader community in supporting programmes that benefit our learners. It is important that learners receive accurate career guidance so they can make informed choices about careers that will enable them to compete successfully in society,” he said.
Enhance curriculum
Mbatha believes schools traditionally regarded as under-resourced should broaden their curriculum to include more engineering, technical and vocational subjects that reflect the needs of the economy.
“These subjects should be incorporated into the curriculum to ensure our learners are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to compete both locally and globally,” he said.
RBIDZ Branding and Marketing Manager Zodwa Zikalala said the career expo formed part of the State-owned entity’s back-to-school campaign, which aims to inspire learners while preparing them for future employment opportunities as linked to investment in the RBIDZ.
“We are here to guide learners in choosing the right subjects, bearing in mind that RBIDZ has been mandated to attract investors who will create jobs. These investors require specific skills, and this programme helps learners select subjects that will prepare them for those opportunities,” said Zikalala.
The expo also featured representatives from higher education institutions and the Central Applications Office (CAO), who assisted learners with information on tertiary study options, bursaries and the university application process.