Selby Makgotho

Selby Makgotho

Grade 12 pupils in Zebediela, Limpopo, yesterday had a day of career guidance and were told of the opportunities open to them in science and engineering.

Companies were invited to tell the children about opportunities within their organisation.

The event organised by the Mogoto Community Development Council (MCDC).

"Our area is mainly rural. Our schoolchildren need to know about the different careers so that they can learn more about them," said Malesaka Mashakoe, secretary of the MCDC.

Zuko Mguzulwa, a South African Airways technician, said students, particularly those in rural communities, were developing an interest in the aviation industry but did not have information about it.

Tebogo Malatji, from Transnet, circulated bursary forms and pamphlets from the parastatal.

Malatji said he urged pupils to study engineering so that they could join big engineering companies.

It was not the first time that the MCDC has organised a career guidance workshop for disadvantaged pupils.

In the past, organisations such as Anglo Platinum, Sasol and government departments were invited to present information about career opportunities and bursaries.

"We have also organised workshops aimed at exposing the pupils to the challenges of the new schools curriculum," said Mashakoe.

"We invited motivational speakers to help the students understand the challenges presented by this curriculum."