In a drive to equip learners and unemployed individuals with career knowledge and opportunities, Imbizo Events Company hosted a dynamic Career Expo, aiming to guide young people toward future-ready career paths and entrepreneurship.
The event was held at Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha last week.
Project Manager Lizwi Gwaza said the event was organised to help learners understand various career options available to them as they move into tertiary education.
“We have invited several stakeholders to provide information on careers that are in demand and relevant to the current job market. Among the exhibitors were institutions such as the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), African Management Services Company (AMSCO), South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), and the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA).
“These organisations provided insights into both employment opportunities and entrepreneurship, encouraging learners to consider starting their own businesses as a means of combating the country’s high unemployment rate,” said Gwaza.
He said that in the 21st century, problem-solving and critical thinking are essential. “By opening their own companies, young people can contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economy.”
The Career Expo also catered for unemployed individuals; as a result, the Department of Labour was present to register job seekers on their database.
This initiative helps match individuals with internship and learnership opportunities based on their interests. When companies seek candidates, they can easily connect with the department to find suitable people.
Looking to the future, Gwaza announced plans for an E-Learning Programme set to take place in East London in August, in collaboration with the Department of Education at the provincial level.
The programme aims to broaden access to educational resources and career development tools.
Sector, Education and Training Coordinator, Sithembiso Sojola, from the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), spoke about their role in the maritime sector. Tasked by the Department of Higher Education and Training, SAIMI identifies skill gaps in the industry and partners with training institutions to fill those gaps.
“We are not a training institution ourselves, but we facilitate access to skills training for youth and job seekers through our network.”
To help learners explore maritime careers, SAIMI has launched a digital platform called Dive-Inn (available as an app and at www.diveinn.co.za).
“Learners can find information about qualifications in Marine Engineering and Marine Science offered by institutions such as Nelson Mandela University (NMU), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and Durban University of Technology (DUT).”
Olwethu Ketse, Eastern Cape Project Manager for SAICA, educated learners on career paths in accounting. She explained the three professional designations: Accounting Technician, Associate General Accountant and Chartered Accountant.
“Each level prepares learners with different skills and responsibilities,” said Ketse. “Accounting is fundamental to understanding business finances and can open the door to entrepreneurship.”
The Career Expo successfully blended career education, practical advice, and opportunities for economic participation, creating a platform where learners and job seekers could gain the tools they need for a brighter future.
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