On the 24^th – 25^th of April 2017 the JB Marks Foundation Trust in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) hosted a Career Exhibition at the Mthatha Airport Hangars.

Schools from the former Ngcobo, Mthatha, Qumbu and Libode Education Districts got an opportunity to assemble almost 8000 pupils in one place with an aim of exposing them to different career opportunities available to them.

In an interview with Mr. SimphiweNanise, a Trustee in the JB Marks Foundation Trust, Communications get a brief overview on the background of the Trust, what it does and its objectives.

The trust was established in 1997 by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). The purpose of the Trust is to assist members of the NUM to expose both members and their dependents to education.>

The bursary fund caters for high school and tertiary education. In conjunction with the Eastern Cape Department of Education, it also holds annual career exhibitions throughout the country.MrNanisealso mentioned that the Trust does not only focus on the learner but also looks at the needs of the teachers.

Speaking during the event, MEC for Education, MandlaMakupula, welcomed this initiative and said that “it is a great opportunity for learners in rural areas. He further acknowledged the significance of this partnership and is looking forward to future collaborations on other developmental programmes to ensure that the learner in the rural areas gets the best education.

He also recognized the work done by Mr. Derrick Elbrecht, National Treasurer for NUM as well as a Trustee in the JB Marks foundation. Under the umbrella of Ubank, he built classrooms in the Bizana, Nkantolo and Ngcobo areas. He also accredited and commended the Chamber of Mines for investing in areas where they get labour.

The Exhibition was attended by various stakeholders from different corners of society who were there to showcase the different and vast career opportunities that exist in different sectors.

A teacher at NgwayiBanjwa Senior Secondary School, Mr. NqakalaNdikhumbule said thatthe exhibition had been very resourceful and he appreciated the diversity in the presentations.

He also made mention that this had broaden his mind in terms of what he would be applying in his school when offering career guidance to learners. He remarked that he had taken it upon himself to equip Grad9 and Grade 12 learners with information on career pathing. He also assists Grade 12s to applying on time to university and choosing relevant courses.

Lange Lihle who is a grade 12 learner at Zimele High School said that this exhibition came at the right time as she was confused on which career to take.