Deputy Minister of Basic Education Dr. Regina Mhaule is today leading a government and stakeholder-wide career expo day in celebration of Independence Month and School Democracy Month.
The inaugural Career Expo Day is taking place at the Spamplake Sports Ground in Daggakral, Gert Sibande District of Mpumalanga.
In a statement, Department of Basic Education (DBE) Said that this initiative responds to the request made by several institutions focusing on the interests and well-being of learners, community leaders, the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education and its concern for the overall well-being of learners.
This also aligns with the call made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his address at the 2026 Basic Education Lekgotla, which urged the department to organize more career expos.
“The purpose of the engagement is to introduce learners to the diverse career opportunities and relevant institutions, including entrepreneurship and small business development opportunities, available in South Africa, while leaving the district in a state of greater potential.
“This engagement will enable districts and local institutions to equip School Governing Body (SGB), School Management Teams (SMT), School-Based Support Teams (SBST), Learners' Representative Councils (RCL)Parents and other school-based stakeholders with necessary support,” the department said.
The proposed program will see DBE work with key government departments and stakeholders to provide integrated services and career awareness activities, both as a build-up intervention and on the main day of engagement.
Each sector department will have specific contributions and roles that they play in the advancement of child welfare.
Furthermore, this engagement will guide the emerging trends and upcoming skill requirements relevant to the world that is rapidly being shaped by the new era of technology and AI.
Furthermore, this engagement will introduce learners to entrepreneurship as a viable career path, highlighting how they can create jobs and economic opportunities within their communities in line with national development.
Departments participating in the Career Expo Day include the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Presidency, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Pixley Ka Sem Local Municipality, Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and Mpumalanga Department of Education.
Other participants represented include Moloi of Daggakral Parliamentary Constituency Office (Hon. MP), Independent Electoral Commission (IEC Chairperson), National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the local House of Traditional Leaders. – SAnews.gov.za