By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
Ehlanzeni TVET College has taken a significant step in changing the future of young learners in Mpumalanga Province, by hosting a highly successful Career Summit at Acornhoek Mapulaneng Campus on 25 February 2025, that was attended by 500 Grade 10 to 12 learners from across various schools.
The event was hosted in collaboration with AgriSETA, DALRRD( Department of Agriculture, Land  Reform, Rural Development), Office of the Premier, and it offered learners an opportunity to explore career paths within the agricultural sector and beyond.
According to Ehlanzeni TVET Corporate Communications Manager, Mxolisi Nzimande, the summit featured interactive exhibitions and career guidance sessions, providing learners with hands-on experience, which assisted learners to gain valuable insights into viable career options.
“ In alignment with the National Skills Development Plan(NSDP) 2030, the summit emphasised the importance of accessible career development services, particularly for learners in rural areas. To ensure a cohesive approach to career guidance, various Sector Education and Training Authorities(SETAs), industry employers, and higher education institutions were invited, including local agricultural colleges and TVET institutions,” said Nzimande.
In addition, Nzimande mentioned that the Ehlanzeni TVET College Principal, E.M Mbuyane, reiterated the institution’s dedication towards ensuring that learners receive relevant and high-quality education, by working closely with SETAs in promoting careers in agriculture.
“ Mr Mbuyane highlighted that Mashishing and Mthimba campuses offer Primary Agriculture and Farming Management programs, which remain open to community members seeking to acquire essential skills in the agricultural sector,” said Nzimande.
The MEC of Education in Mpumalanga, Cathy Dlamini, spoke at the event and said the notion that success in education and career is only for those who wear a white shirt and tie, is outdated.
Dlamini furthermore touched on crucial topics such as; Critical Fields of Development(Agriculture and Civil Engineering as drivers of job creation, economic growth, and poverty reduction), Current Challenges(The declining interest in agricultural careers despite Mpumalanga’ strong heritage in the sector and province’s large youth population), Educational Initiatives, Achievements(Establishing 22 Agricultural Schools and the O.R Tambo Mathematics,
Science, and Technology Academy, which supports 101 secondary schools and enhances pass rates in Agricultural Science, Mathematics, and Physical Science), as well as Leveraging Digital Platforms by engaging the youth and increasing interest in critical fields such as agriculture and engineering.
“ We appreciate the visionary leadership which manifested towards the convening of this summit. This summit marks a significant step towards empowering our youth and addressing the skills gap in Agriculture and Civil Engineering, two fields of study that are critical to the future growth and sustainability of our province and nation.
“ It is concerning that there is a decline in the number of learners pursuing careers in agriculture and civil engineering. This summit serves as a vehicle to highlight how these fields of study play a central role in the government’s quests to address the three key priorities: job creation, economic growth, and poverty reduction,” said MEC Dlamini.
In conclusion, Nzimande said;” Ehlanzeni TVET College remains committed to providing transformative education and career development opportunities. By fostering partnerships and aligning with national development strategies, the College aims to empower young people with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector and broader economy”.
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