By Levy Masiteng
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande and KwaZulu-Natal education MEC Sipho Hlomuka joined forces on Tuesday to help learners decide on their futures at a career day.
The event at the Lembede Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy in Pinetown comes at a crucial time as the government turns it focus more than ever at getting people into STEM-related careers.
The public school, which started in 2021, focuses on developing the potential of learners in gateway subjects like maths and science. It has 355 students enrolled for this year.
Hlomuka emphasised the importance of education in shaping the future of young people.
“We are grateful to the organisers of this this important event which seeks to help our learners to choose the most fulfilling career path.
“We cannot overstate the importance of career guidance and we must all make it our responsibility to ensure that this critical knowledge is imparted to all learners early so that they can make the right academic choices,” he told the event.
The MEC highlighted the vast career opportunities available in fields like IT, cybersecurity, healthcare and renewable energy, encouraging learners to explore these fields.
It featured science-related exhibitions by the Science, Technology and Innovation Department, higher education institutions and innovation companies.
Nzimande also shared insights on the role of science and technology in driving innovation and economic growth.
The day provided learners with a platform to engage with professionals in various fields and gain valuable insights into potential career paths.
Hlomuka said the academy, named after the revolutionary academic and founding president of the African National Congress Youth League, Anton Lembede, was living up to its namesake’s legacy.
He said the school’s philosophy was rooted in Lembede’s belief that education was key to breaking generational poverty and achieving African liberation and self-reliance.
“He was an educator and philosopher who came from a poor background and, therefore, he believed that it is through education that we can break generational poverty. That is why government decided to name the school after him,” Hlomuka said.
KwaZulu-Natal was the second highest achiever in last year’s matric exams, and Hlomuka said the province would continue to improve and adapt the curriculum, develop world-class infrastructure and leverage technology to simulate laboratory environments.
In line with these efforts, two projects were on the horizon – the Maritime School of Excellence in the Umlazi district and the Mbuso Kubheka ICT, Engineering and Technology School of Excellence in Amajuba district.
They will open their doors next year.
INSIDE EDUCATION
