The South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC), supported by the Central Energy Fund (CEF), successfully hosted its inaugural Career Day on 24 August 2024 at the Nctoshane Community Hall in Ophongolo, Kwa Zulu-Natal.
This significant event brought together various organisations, including the sector education and training authorities (SETAs), Payment Association of South Africa (PASA), National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Umfolozi TVET College, National Skills Fund (NSF), the Upstream Training Trust (UTT), Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Central Applications Office (CAO) and Department of Basic Education (DBE). The organisations played an essential role in sharing information about tertiary education, skills development, and employment opportunities to learners from Ophongolo High School (OHS).
SAYEC organised the career day to empower youth by providing access to education and career information, facilitating university applications, promoting economic mobility, and fostering partnerships that support the holistic development of young people in South Africa.
SAYEC founder and executive chairman Bonga Makhanya explained that their visit was to kick off the SAYEC Adopt-a-School Campaign and Career Day. The campaign aims to support the school’s essential needs and introduce students to key economic sectors, such as the oil and gas industries.
“The campaign aims to assist the school with its primary needs and expose young learners to strategic sectors of the economy, including oil and gas industries,” said Makhanya.
Martha Bernard-Phera, Chief Education Specialist for Life Orientation at the Department of Basic Education, praised SAYEC for its involvement with the high school.
She highlighted the importance of such initiatives in supporting educational development and acknowledged the positive impact that SAYEC’s Adopt-a-School Campaign and Career Day could have on the learners.
“SAYEC’s involvement with the high school is crucial for educational development. By addressing the school’s primary needs and exposing students to various career paths, SAYEC empowers learners to think critically about their future,” said Bernard-Phera.
The various organisations had the chance to provide learners with information on multiple topics, including funding opportunities, application procedures for higher education institutions, and the skills currently in demand in South Africa.
The Deputy Director for Bursaries at NSF, Nyiko Hlekane, addressed learners at the SAYEC Career Day, emphasising the NSF’s role in funding skills development and education to improve economic opportunities. He highlighted various funding options available through NSF for tertiary education, including bursaries, international scholarships, and artisan development, stressing the importance of academic achievement and financial need for eligibility.
“The NSF is a Schedule 3A public entity focused on funding. We provide financial support for various programmes, including undergraduate and postgraduate studies, international scholarships and bursaries,” said Hlekane.
The learners visited the exhibition stalls to gather information about career opportunities, educational programmes, and funding options available to them. The stalls provided resources and guidance on how to apply for tertiary education, access skills development programmes, and explore various career paths. The engagement was intended to help students make informed decisions about their future and understand the support available for their academic and professional aspirations.
By Andisiwe Mkoyana, NSF Graduate Intern
Picture: High School learners at the SAYEC Career Day at the Nctoshane Community Hall in Ophongolo, KwaZulu-Natal.
