Diepkloof learners explore career paths

Grade 7 learners at Vula Mazibuko Primary School were introduced to a variety of careers during a career exhibition hosted by the Lindokuhle Foundation.

The event featured practical demonstrations, career guidance and motivational talks aimed at preparing learners for their futures.

On May 28, Grade Seven learners from Vula Mazibuko Primary School in Diepkloof Zone 2 were introduced to various career options through a career exposition organised by the Lindokuhle Foundation.

Through the career exhibition, the Lindokuhle Foundation seeks to expose learners to careers that often go unnoticed or are unknown to many young people.

According to the founder and director of the Lindokuhle Foundation, Lindokuhle Nkwanyana, the foundation runs educational programmes from crèche to high school level.

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Nkwanyana said the goal of the initiative was to expose learners to various careers at an early age and prevent them from reaching high school without an understanding of the career opportunities available to them.

“We basically want to open learners’ eyes to the wide world of careers that are available to them,” she said.

She added that many careers are not fully understood by learners, using her own profession as an example.

“As a paralegal, many people know attorneys and advocates, but they do not know what a paralegal is, so we want to expose learners to those kinds of professions,” said Nkwanyana.

Another highlight of the day was a presentation by firefighters from Diepkloof Fire House. They showcased different parts of a fire truck and explained their functions.

Firefighter EMT and pump operator Elvis Motlhomi explained the equipment on the right-hand side of the truck while showing learners various rescue tools used during emergencies.

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Motlhomi said the tool that attracted the most attention from learners was the Jaws of Life, also known as Holmatro rescue equipment, which is among the newest systems used in rescue operations.

It is used in vehicle extrications where victims are trapped in wrecked vehicles.

The firefighter also explained the difference between rescue and recovery operations.

“As far as recovery goes, there is nothing we can do to save lives. All we have to do is collect bodies,” he explained to learners.

Learners interested in pursuing a firefighting career were warned to be mentally prepared for the profession.

“If you are scared of blood, then pick any other career apart from this one,” he warned before giving learners an opportunity to handle the Jaws of Life equipment.

Cedric Tshililo, an EMT firefighter, also addressed learners before Motlhomi’s presentation and explained the educational requirements for becoming a firefighter.

He told learners that Mathematics and Science are important subjects for anyone interested in the field.

He added that firefighting training can take about four months, while some individuals further their studies in Fire Technology at Tshwane University of Technology.

Tshililo also advised learners on how to stay safe if their clothes catch fire. He warned against running, as it can fan the flames.

After connecting the equipment to a generator, the firefighters demonstrated how the Jaws of Life is used.

The left-hand side of the truck was explained by firefighter EMT Philisiwe Dlamini, while Lesenyo Edwin showed learners the rear section of the fire truck.

Throughout the event, firefighters demonstrated the use of various tools and equipment.

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The presentation ended with Motlhomi and Tshililo showing learners how a fire truck discharges water from its hose during emergencies.

The firefighters opened the lower outlet first and then the upper outlet to demonstrate the force with which water is discharged when fighting fires.

They also educated learners about the quantity of water carried by a fire engine when responding to emergency calls.

Refrigeration technician Bafana Mahlaba later concluded the programme with an educational session on how refrigerators work.

Mahlaba taught learners how to differentiate between various types of refrigerators and explained common signs of appliance problems when units stop functioning.

He informed learners that gas is responsible for creating cool air inside a refrigerator and demonstrated the internal and external refrigeration systems using drawings.

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“Air outside the fridge must be warm for the air inside to be cold,” he said while explaining the functions of the condenser and evaporator.