Pulana Maroga organises career exhibition for the local schools
Chego lambasted local mines that did not want to help in funding the trust
GA MAROGA- More than 300 grade 12 learners from three high schools around Driekop namely Sehlaku, Nakgwadi and Maputle, attended the Pulana Maroga career exhibition held at the Garagopola community hall on February 13.
According to Matshageng Chego, deputy chairman of the Pulana Maroga Community Socio-development Trust, the organisers of the exhibition, they aimed at helping learners make the right choices and to assist them to apply for admission at institutions of higher learning.
“We conducted our own research and discovered that most of our learners lack career guidance and decided on the exhibition. We want them to be employable and hold higher positions in our local mines and government departments.
“With this exhibition, they will choose careers that will improve our communities. We also have a student trust that assists needy and vulnerable learners in our communities,” said Chego.
Chego lambasted local mines that did not want to help in funding local children, “Mines like Modikwa and Doornbosch ignored our pleas when we asked them to help in improving our education in our communities. If they continue with this attitude, we won’t renew their mining licences. Also, the department of education needs to attend our exhibitions,” warned Chego.
Chego expressed his disappointment about the absence of several invited universities and mining houses.
“We were expecting various universities including the University of Johannesburg, University of Venda and the TUT (Tshwane University of Technology) as well other local mines to be part of the exhibition, its unfortunate that they didn’t show up despite the fact that they were invited, we don’t know why they did not pitch,” he said.
Representatives of Sekhukhune FET College, Dilokong Asa metals, University of Limpopo and the EMS informed the learners about different career opportunities at their institutions.
Clarence Magagula of Sekhukhune FET College told the learners about programmes and assistance offered by FET colleges which include bursaries and job placements.
He also told learners about the importance of loving their careers apart from its benefits.
Dilokong’s ASA metals representative, Louis Malepe, explained the different career opportunities in the mining industry.
“You have so many opportunities around here, this mines belong to you therefore ensure that you benefit from them by making the right career choices. You better aim high and grab this opportunity,” explained Malepe. He also elaborated on the requirements needed in different mine careers.
Local medical doctor eorge Mahlangu also guided the learners on tips to be successful.
“Do not fill your brains with unnecessary things; rather focus on one thing that will empower you – education. When I was doing matric, I started focusing in January while my peers were still relaxing, today I am a doctor without my family’s contribution. I believe you can achieve more than I did,” Mahlangu said.
The learners were impressed with the guidance offered by the institutions.
