Among those learners, four were from Barberton High School. Zidaan Kahn, Lizka Bosua, Aliya Khan and Monwabisi Gwebu were accompanied by teacher, Annerien van der Merwe.

Their visit to Tshwane was part of a career expo hosted by the Department of Education.

These four learners, along with the others from the four schools within Barberton, were flown to Pretoria to spend three days, including Mandela Day on July 18, with Chikunga.

According to her, the career expo was a fulfilling experience indeed for both her and the learners.

“We also had a boy shadowing the deputy minister at the launch of the comprehensive maritime transport policy in Durban and at the launch of the Truckers Association of South Africa in Sandton. This was a fulfilling experience indeed. It gave us all valuable insight into the various opportunities available in the transport sector, be it business or employment. We also learnt about the various forms of assistance that sit with the department of transport and it entities. We enjoyed our Mandela Day and through it we learned,” said Chikunga during her visit to Barberton on Monday.

Van der Merwe said the career expo was a great opportunity for the learners.

“They visited places like the South African Civil Aviation Authority, South African National Roads Agency Limited, Gautrain, e-Toll and different flight schools. The pupils were allowed behind the scenes to experience how the large institutions function. They were also offered bursaries and courses. This was a great opportunity,” she said.