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Today, the 4th of August 2015, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, MP, rolled out the 2015 Apply Now/Khetha Career Guidance Campaign by visiting three schools in Bergville, in KwaZulu-Natal Province. ‘For those learners who have not yet applied to institutions of higher learning for the 2016 academic year, please apply now because September is the cut-off deadline for many institutions of higher learning’, said the Deputy Minister.

The Apply Now Campaign

Deputy Minister Manana, accompanied by the Mayor of Okhahlamba Local Municipality, Cllr DT Sibeko, interacted with Grade 8 to 12 learners at Mhlawazini High School, Mavumbuka High School and Ntathakusa High School. He outlined the Apply Now/Khetha Career Guidance Campaign which is aimed at encouraging learners to apply on time for admission to post-school institutions and thus avert possible stampedes and long queues that take place at the beginning of each academic year. The Career Guidance component of the campaign seeks to inform learners about career choices available within the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.

The campaign was initiated by the Department of Higher Education and Training following the unfortunate incident that happened at the University of Johannesburg in 2012 where a mother died in a stampede whilst accompanying her child to submit a late application.

The Apply Now Campaign runs from March to September, across the country to assist learners to make informed choices when applying to institutions of higher learning. It also seeks to inform learners about things to look out for when choosing their institutions of higher learning to avert being conned by unregistered and bogus colleges who offer them unaccredited qualifications.

TVET Colleges

The Deputy Minister encouraged learners to consider Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges as an alternative to university education because the skills needs of the country necessitate massive production of artisans from TVET colleges. He further informed learners that this first week of August is termed a TVET Week where colleges are hosting learners from high schools during their Open Days. Mnambithi TVET College and Umfolozi TVET College promoted opportunities that exist in their colleges.

The 100 Occupations in High Demand

The Deputy Minister had a conversation with more than 1000 learners from Grade 08 to 12 in the rural schools of Bergville and further promoted the “100 Occupations in high demand” list that was released by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, in 2014. This will assist learners to make informed career choices to avoid a situation where they too join a cohort of unemployed and unemployable graduates.

NSFAS

Deputy Minister Manana informed learners about the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) which is aimed at assisting poor and deserving students to further their studies within the post-school sector. NSFAS has to date assisted more than 1.5 million beneficiaries who have since joined the ranks of the black middle class. NSFAS interacted with learners during the Deputy Minister’s visit.

SETAs

The Deputy Minister informed learners that there are currently 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) which are responsible for learnerships and other training opportunities for learners who cannot pursue further education and training.

Learner Representative Council

Ms Silindile Kubheka (18), a Learner Representative Council President at Mhlawazini High School encouraged learners to heed the call and apply on time. ‘We promise to obtain above 80% pass for matric so we can benefit fully on the opportunities shared by the Honourable Deputy Minister’, said Kubheka.

Career Development Services

The Department of Higher Education and Training currently runs a Career Development Services Centre to assist learners with career advice. The Deputy Minister encouraged learners to use their cell phones to reach the Centre as follows:

SMS or “Please Call Me”: 072 204 5056

Telephone: 086 999 0123

E-Mail: careerhelp@dhet.gov.za

Facebook: www.facebook.com/careerhelp

Twitter: http://twitter.com/rsacareerhelp

Website: www.careerhelp.org.za

National Career Advice Portal: http://ncap.careerhelp.org.za

Walk-in Center: 123 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria

Issued by The Department of Higher Education and Training