Mandela career fest goes to Sedibeng

Monday, July 28, 2014

By Lebohang Mhlongo

Sedibeng - Learners in Sedibeng, south of Gauteng, were given a taste of the world of careers and what awaits them after matric.

The Nelson Mandela Career Festival, held at Sebokeng Further Education and Training (FET) college, gave learners from different schools in and around Sedibeng a chance to explore the different career choices available in South Africa.

Joyce Makofane, campus manager at the college, said the career festival was hosted in honor of tata Nelson Mandela.

“The aim of the festival is to make available ample opportunities and knowledge to learners to enable them to make informed career choices.

“The Minister of Higher Education decided to celebrate Mandela Career Week simply because [he understands] education is the building block of civilisation.

“Education … illuminates the world around us. It is the mother of our nation and utata Mandela is the father,” Makofane said.

She encouraged learners to celebrate Madiba’s life by building themselves through education so they can lead the nation into the future and continue on Mandela’s legacy.

“Here at this career festival you are taking the first step towards a better you and a better life for yourself. Take that journey, peruse it with conviction and you surely will be rewarded.”

Mojabeng Lehoko, 18, said the lessons learned at the career festival armed her with the knowledge she needs to achieve her goals and dreams.

“I’ve always been interested in studying Bio-technology so the information I got here has only sparked my interest even more. Having the opportunity to practically explore some of the things I can do with technology and knowing which institutions can help me realise my dream makes me realize how important it is to attend such events,” said Mojabeng.

Students from Boitumelo Secondary School said they were happy to learn of the opportunities available to them in South Africa.

The late Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela once said: “No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated.”

Mandela Day

Every year on 18 July, South Africans, together with the international community, celebrate Nelson Mandela Day in honour of South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela.  This year marks the first time that the day is celebrated without the international icon.

Nelson Mandela International Day (also known as Mandela Day) is an annual international day, aimed at honouring the legacy and values of utata Nelson Mandela through volunteer work. 

The Mandela Day campaign message is: “Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes.”

Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact. – SAnews.gov.za