Over 1 000 learners flock to first-ever STEM career expo in Manguzi

Overwhelming turnout at science and tech career expo in rural Manguzi

 

More than a thousand learners from schools across the uMkhanyakude District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal attended the career expo hosted by the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, in Manguzi on Friday, 24 July.

 

Held as part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (DSTI) National Science Month programme, the expo sought to expose learners in this deep rural and poverty-stricken area to career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while inspiring them to pursue studies and careers in these critical fields.

 

The first-of-its-kind event in the area, the expo featured a range of interactive science and technology exhibitions and demonstrations, including virtual reality, cybersecurity, agriculture, energy generation and other emerging technologies. Learners also had an opportunity to engage directly with exhibitors and professionals from various sectors.

 

Addressing learners in both English and the local isiZulu language, Deputy Minister Gina urged them to take advantage of opportunities presented through science and technology education.

 

“Thandani iMathematics kanye neScience batabami. Ikusasa lenu loqhakaza, futhi nohamba umhlaba wonke. A learner who passes Grade 12 with Mathematics and science is exposed to valuable opportunities to enter careers that South Africa needs today and in the future. Do not run away from mathematics and science. These are not subjects only for clever learners, but for anyone willing to work hard and succeed,” said Dr Gina.

 

The Deputy Minister told the learners that the future of Manguzi was in their hands. “The future of this area, Manguzi, lies in your hands as residents here. You should leave this place to study, work, and gain experience, then return to develop Mhlabuyalingana and the entire District,” she emphasised.

 

Ms Gugu Mthembu, a maths and science teacher at Sizaminqubeko Combined School, plays a great role in assisting learners as the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists coordinator in the region.

 

“Through the Eskom Expo programme, we encourage learners to be curious, think critically and use science to solve the problems they encounter in their daily lives. Seeing their projects showcased alongside cutting-edge technologies at this expo has boosted their confidence and reinforced the message that innovation can come from any community, regardless of its circumstances,” said Ms Mthembu.

 

Displaying three of the nine projects at the career expo, Ms Mthembu pointed out the potential these learners have, despite the difficulties of poverty and unemployment in the region.

 

One of her learners, Mandla Gwala, showcased a helicopter model developed through the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists programme, much to the excitement of the entire gathering.

 

The Grade 11 learner said the career expo had broadened his understanding of opportunities in STEM fields. “Today showed me that science and technology can help us solve real problems in our communities. Meeting professionals and seeing the different exhibitions has motivated me to work harder in mathematics and science and pursue a career in engineering.”

 

Describing his helicopter model, Mandla said the technology plays an important role in transportation, communication, medicine and rescue operations, while the project showed how STEM subjects work together to solve real-world problems.

 

“For this project, I designed and built a working helicopter model with an advanced control system. The aim was to understand how helicopters fly and apply engineering, electronics, and design skills to create a model that could demonstrate the principles of flight,” said the budding young scientists.

 

Another highlight of the expo was a presentation by young innovator Ms Thando Gumede, who introduced learners to IRIS, an AI-powered teaching robot developed to enhance learning experiences in schools.

 

Sharing her journey as a technology entrepreneur, Ms Gumede encouraged learners to pursue careers in science, technology and innovation, demonstrating the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in education and beyond.

 

Several government departments and agencies participated in the expo, including the Departments of Health, Employment and Labour, Basic Education, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and the National Youth Development Agency.

 

The overwhelming turnout and enthusiastic participation by learners underscored the growing appetite for science, technology and innovation opportunities among young people in rural communities. The expo not only exposed learners to a range of rewarding STEM careers but also demonstrated how innovation can be harnessed to address real-world challenges and contribute to South Africa's future development.

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

 

For more information, please contact Veronica Mohapeloa at 083 400 5750 or veronica.mohapeloa@dsti.gov.za