By Nndivhaleni Mukwevho
More than 6 200 Grade 12 learners from across the Sekhukhune District accessed career guidance and post-school education information during the 3rd Annual Tubatse Career Expo and the 10th Ephraim Mogale Career Expo, held in Burgersfort and Marble Hall on 25 and 26 June 2026. The National Skills Fund (NSF) participated as one of the exhibitors at both events.
Organised by the Career Exhibition Network (CEN), the expos brought together exhibitors from the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector, government departments and the private sector. The events provided learners with an opportunity to engage directly with institutions, explore career pathways and access information to support informed decisions about their futures.
As one of the exhibitors, the NSF engaged with learners at both expos, providing information on skills development initiatives within the post-school education and training sector. Learners also received informational material to enhance their understanding of education and training pathways available beyond matric.
The career expos formed part of a broader effort to improve access to career guidance by connecting learners with institutions that support education, training and skills development. The initiative reflects the shared commitment of the education sector and industry to equip young people with the knowledge and information needed to make informed career choices.
Opening the expos, Career Exhibition Network founder Sello Malatji emphasised the importance of exposing learners to the opportunities available through higher education, skills development and career guidance, particularly in rural communities.
Delivering the keynote address at the Tubatse Career Expo, Deputy Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources, Phumzile Mgcina, highlighted the purpose of the initiative, saying:
“The primary purpose of today’s gathering is to expose learners to the wide range of opportunities available to them and to encourage them to make informed decisions about their future.”
This message resonated throughout both expos and was reinforced at the Ephraim Mogale Career Expo, where Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, urged learners to make full use of the opportunities available by engaging with exhibitors, saying:
“Don’t just view today as a means for you to come and have fun and not go to school on a Friday. The information that you get here is life changing. Ask about career options at each and every stall. Ask about bursary opportunities at each and every stall.”
The keynote messages delivered at both expos reinforced the importance of career guidance, education and access to information in preparing young people for life beyond school. These objectives closely align with the NSF’s mandate of expanding access to skills development opportunities and supporting a responsive system.
The NSF continues to contribute to improving awareness of education and training opportunities, empowering young South Africans to make informed decisions about their future.
