The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) remains committed to the development of young people and places great importance on the value of education.
This was evident at the Career Expo in Sterkspruit where SANRAL urged about 700 high school learners to interact with exhibitors, and to empower themselves with information to make suitable subject choices at school that will benefit them in future.
The learners, from Grade 8 to 12, were from Sterkspruit Senior Secondary School, Nkululeko Senior Secondary School, Tlonkweng Senior Secondary School, Luvumelwano Senior Secondary School and Mzimkhulu Senior Secondary School, located in the Joe Gqabi District Municipality.
Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL Southern Region’s Stakeholder Coordinator, emphasised the importance of education. “Even if you want to be in the entertainment industry or be a businessperson, you need an education.”
Joe Gqabi District Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Nomvuyo Mposelwa, encouraged learners to take advantage of the information shared by the exhibitors.
“Education is the key for any country development. There is a shortage of skilled workers in our country. As a country we need skills such as engineers, information technologist, draughtsmen, designers, the list is endless. Sterkspruit is in a part of the country which I refer to as a disadvantaged area. Take advantage of the career expo to develop your future,” said Mposelwa.
“It is possible to succeed regardless of your circumstances. You can, you will, and we are watching you. An education will change your life. To be educated means you will make better choices,” said Dr Bedeshani Mceleli, the acting district director of the Department of Education in the Joe Gqabi District Municipality.
The expo was an opportunity for SANRAL to share important information about its scholarship and bursary programmes, as well as information about career opportunities that it offers.
Other partners who participated in this programme include various government departments, private sector partners such as Campus Life, Albany Museum, Standard Bank, National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas), Sinama Career Centre, Nelson Mandela University (NMU), Fort Hare University, Department of Public Works, Boston College, IDC, Central University of Technology, Central University of Technology Free State and Durban University of Technology.
Image: Joe Gqabi District Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Nomvuyo Mposelwa, encouraged learners to remain committed to their education.