Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation launches 3rd annual careers expo in Bloem

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Mr Buti Manamela, has launched the 3rd Annual Heritage Careers Expo at the Motheo TVET College, in Bloemfontein, Free State. The Heritage Careers Expo is a youth empowerment event that specifically focuses on careers in the heritage and cultural sectors. This launch kickstarts a month-long campaign which will include school visits, masterclasses by industry professionals and exposure to on the job professionals.

Themed “Unlocking the Wealth in Our Heritage”, the Annual Heritage Careers Expo aims to expose young people to the heritage and cultural sectors, particularly those in grades 9 – grade 12. Students will gain a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding of the sector through school tours, expos, masterclasses, and on-the-job visits to the industry.

Musicians, artists, chefs, crafters, and poets inspired young people interested in the arts and heritage fields. This year’s master champions include Noria Mabasa, a legendary custodian of indigenous knowledge known for her pottery and sculptures. Also, on the list are musician Zoe Modiga, choreographer Gregory Maqoma, Poet Napo Masheane and Brewmaster Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela.  

This initiative is driven by the Deputy Minister, Buti Manamela, in partnership with nine Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs): Food and Beverages SETA, Services SETA, Transport Education Training Authority, Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport SETA, Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA and Media, Information, and Communication Technologies SETA. These SETAs are supported by universities and TVET colleges that offer arts and heritage-related programmes and qualifications.

Speaking at the launch Deputy Minister Buti Manamela said “The Ministry of Higher Education seeks to inspire, educate and highlight opportunities in heritage and cultural industries available for local youth. With education, talent and drive, anyone can find a fulfilling career in these fields. Long-term partnerships and collaborations are imperative for tackling the high unemployment rate in the regional communities in which our department and SETA partners operate.” The post-school and education system offers a wide range of learning programmes and qualifications for talented learners.

The learners from schools in and around Bloemfontein were given the opportunity to find out about a wide variety of careers offered by the vocational training sectors. The various SETAs had exhibition stalls at the launch, focusing on different careers that were explained to the learners i.e., Fashion, Beauty, Food, Arts, Culture and Heritage. 

“Young people need not overlook the opportunities vocational careers present. Heritage and cultural sectors provide numerous employment opportunities. An upskilled youth is an employable youth. Our SETA partners hold the key to unlocking unemployment through the varied opportunities available.” said Manamela.

The 2022 Expo programme will feature physical events, recorded content, streamed content, activations by participating PSET institutions, and school visits. The content will be curated and published on the Departments and all participating SETAs’ social media platforms over the months of May and Youth month, June.