As part of the progressive Three Stream Model, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) organized the National Career Week in May 2023 at Tivumbeni College of Education in Nkowankowa, Limpopo. Approximately 1,020 Grade 9 and 10 learners from various high schools around Tzaneen participated in the event, themed “Supporting Transitions Through Education and Employment.”
In collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), the event aimed to expose students to a variety of career options and guide them in making informed decisions about their future careers. By introducing the Three Stream Curriculum model, the initiative sought to enhance subject offerings and equip learners with the necessary skills for employability.
Ms Charity Kanyane, DBE’s Deputy Director for Career Development Services, emphasised the importance of providing students with relevant information to guide their career decisions. She highlighted the value of Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges as an alternative to traditional universities, underlining the Three Stream Model’s capacity to offer differentiated learning and to address the skills needed in a rapidly evolving world.
Elijah Mhlanga, DBE’s Communications Chief Director, pointed out that the National Career Week is a vital intergovernmental initiative that provides learners the chance to explore various training and career options for their future employability. The initiative nurtures entrepreneurship skills and works towards reducing unemployment rates by ensuring that learners gain practical skills and qualifications for a brighter future.
Students attending the National Careers Week reported that the exhibition was enlightening and engaging, helping them make informed decisions about their subject choices and career paths. Exhibitors included the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Funza Lushaka bursaries, and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, among others.
This annual event demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to preparing its young population for the demands of 21st-century careers, highlighting the importance of making informed career decisions and promoting the value of vocational training alongside traditional academic pathways.