Sharon Chiloane and Nodicah Fundama
Emalahleni– The Highveld Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) and Nzalo Careers aligned their visions to create the Nzalo Careers Expo & Job Fair, an event that gave young people the courage to dream and the tools to take the first step.
“The real power of a career expo isn’t just in handing out flyers,” said Duduzile Zulu during the welcome address held on 24 July at Empucukweni Secondary School. “It’s in planting seeds that grow into careers. This is about access, direction, and dignity.”
The energy was electric among the hundreds of eager learners representing 12 different schools from Emalahleni. The students came armed with curiosity and ambition.
“We host this career expo to open doors for learners in rural and under-resourced areas, ensuring they have access to all the information they need about different career paths,” Nthabiseng Ramphile of Nzalo Careers said. “Our goal is to see young black people explore beyond traditional careers and gain broader insight into many opportunities available. We also hope this effort contributes to reducing the high rate of unemployment.”
After a decade of running this programme, Nzalo Careers has helped rewrite countless stories, bearing proof that when young people are equipped with knowledge and exposed to opportunity, they don’t just dream bigger, they move with purpose and skyrocket to the top where possibilities are limitless.
Career gurus came from different walks of life. Boston College’s Boitumelo Napo offered step-by-step guidance on how to apply for tertiary studies, turning application anxiety into an amiable task.
Captain Phuti Setati from the South African Police Service (SAPS) unpacked online application systems and career routes in law enforcement, showing students that service and stability can go hand-in-hand.
Meanwhile, institutions like Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Rosebank College, New bridge Graduate institute (NGI), Nkangala Tvet College, South African Institute of Professionals Accountants (SAIPA ), Whole & Retail Seta (W&RSETA) and the Department of Education also attended the expo to unpack bursary opportunities, university admission point scores, learnerships and the steps to unlocking further education and funding.
No one was left behind, even those who may not earn a university admission. The Department of Employment and Labour highlighted job opportunities available for individuals with only a matric qualification. Learners were encouraged to visit their local Department offices to access guidance, resources, and potential job listings tailored to their qualification level.
For many learners, this wasn’t just an opportunity to ask questions, it was the first time someone had truly answered them. It wasn’t just about where to go next, but how to get there. And suddenly, the road ahead didn’t feel so impossible.
Mpho Kgatle from Ilanga Secondary School walked away with a fresh perspective. “I learned that there are different choices one can make when it comes to careers. It’s not just one path, there are many options depending on what you enjoy and what you’re good at.”
Mbalenhle Gladys Mnisi of DM Motsaosele Secondary School said the session broadened her view beyond the classroom. “I discovered that besides choosing a career, there are also other opportunities like learnerships available to us after matric. That’s something I hadn’t really considered before.”
For some, like Dumisani Matshika of Ilanga Combined School, the biggest takeaway was practical. “I now understand how APS scores work, how to apply, and what options are available at different institutions. That information will help me make better decisions.”
Penelope Mashaba, a teacher at DM Motsaosele Secondary School, praised the event for bridging a critical gap in the system. “This career expo came at the right time for our learners. We’ve realised that schools often lack adequate information about career guidance. This initiative will empower learners to make informed decisions, especially since many of them aren’t fully aware of the requirements for their chosen careers,” she said.
The Nzalo Career Expo didn’t just connect learners to opportunities, it shifted mindsets. It reminded young people that success doesn’t follow one path, and that even in communities where resources are limited, potential is limitless. With the right information, the right support, and the courage to ask questions, learners discovered that the future isn’t something to fear, it’s something they can shape.
