The University of Venda (UNIVEN), in partnership with Mukonazwothe Career Support Group, hosted a transformative week-long career guidance from 21 to 25 April 2025. This dynamic collaboration aimed to ignite ambition, provide guidance, and inspire 5000 Grade 9 learners from Vhembe East District to shape their futures with clarity and purpose. A total of 158 schools participated in this year’s career exhibition, reflecting the growing interest and commitment to empowering learners with valuable information and guidance for their future careers
During the welcome and purpose address, Mr. Justice Lebopa from the University of Ven-da’s Department of Marketing, Branding, and Communication highlighted the theme of the second UNIVEN-Mukona Career Guidance event: “Shaping Tomorrow’s Lead-ers.” He emphasized that the initiative brings together education, industry, and gov-ernment to empower rural youth with the knowledge they need to make informed career choices. The programme featured motivational talks, skills workshops, and en-gaging exhibitions. It provided learners with valuable information about various ca-reer paths and the importance of selecting the right subjects early—so that by the time they reach Grade 10, they can make well-informed decisions about their future careers.
The recent career exhibition at the University of Venda brought together distinguished speak-ers from academia, industry, and the public sector, all of whom contributed valuable in-sights aimed at empowering learners with information and inspiration for their future careers.
Mr. George Mathye from the Department of Agriculture opened the event by dis-cussing career opportunities within the agricultural sector. He highlighted the avail-ability of funding support for learners throughout their academic journey, en-couraging students to consider agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path.
Representing the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, Ms Mu-ravha Malima outlined the range of qualifications offered by the faculty, pro-viding detailed information on course durations and admission requirements.
Ms Carmen Johnson, a career coach from the Mukona Foundation, brought a pro-fessional perspective on career readiness. She emphasised the importance of men-torship and soft skills, underscoring how critical thinking, communication, and emo-tional intelligence workshops can enhance academic and professional success.
Mr Godfrey Mavhasa, a presenter at Phalaphala FM, shared practical insights into the media industry, providing learners with an understanding of the dynamic nature of careers in broadcasting and journalism. Ms Murendeni Mukwevho, a Generic Manager at UNIVEN and a practicing beehive farmer, spoke passionately about entrepreneurship. She encouraged learners to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and to explore opportunities beyond conventional employment. Ms Moloko Ramatshila, a successful businesswoman, introduced learners to the wide-ranging opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors, drawing from her personal experiences to illustrate the potential for growth and innovation in these industries.
From the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture at UNIVEN, Ms Julia Sigama elab-orated on the diverse careers and qualifications offered within the faculty. She provid-ed an overview of its three main divisions: Agricultural Sciences, Engineering and Built Environment, and Natural and Mathematical Sciences. In her closing remarks, she urged learners to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, as strong performance in these areas is essential for admission into many programmes.
Adding a school-level perspective, Ms Maria Makhubele, a teacher at Thambisa Sec-ondary School, stressed the importance of career guidance for Grade 9 learn-ers. She highlighted how early exposure allows students to make informed sub-ject choices before they become limited in later grades. She commended the event for including younger learners and encouraged its continued support.
Grade 9 learner Yinhla Zabel Mutarini from Ngezimani High School shared her experi-ence, stating that the expo helped her make an informed career decision. Initially aspir-ing to become a businesswoman, she was inspired to pursue a career as a dietitian—combining her interests in health and business—after guidance from mentors at the event. She emphasised the value of early career exploration in shaping one’s future.
Over the course of the five-day event, ten interactive break-away sessions were held—two per day—covering vital topics such as emotional intelligence, career planning, and personal discipline.
These sessions, facilitated by Triads Consulting and Ms. Carmen Johnson, offered profession-al insight and mentorship aimed at equipping learners with essential soft skills for success.
A key highlight of the programme was the career exhibition itself, where learn-ers had the opportunity to explore career paths, engage with professionals, and in-teract with academic representatives. This hands-on experience gave learners a clear-er understanding of their options and the steps required to achieve their goals.
Daily panel discussions themed “What is in this Career?” brought a personal and inspiring ele-ment to the event. Professionals from diverse backgrounds shared their career journeys, chal-lenges, and successes, helping to demystify various professions and spark curiosity in learners.
These sessions offered a unique opportunity for students to connect with role models and gain real-world perspectives on potential career paths.
The success of the event was made possible through the collaboration of the University of Ven-da, the Mukonazwothe Career Support Group, and the Limpopo Department of Education.
The Department played a pivotal role by mobilising learners from 18 circuits within the Vhembe District, ensuring broad access and participation.
Echoing the vision of the career exhibition, Mr Aubrey Matsila, Director of the Muko-na Foundation, praised the event as exceptionally well-organised, highlighting the im-pressive turnout of learners and the strong support from the Department of Education. He emphasised the value he places on the Foundation’s partnership with the University of Venda in their shared mission to empower and inspire rural youth. Mr Matsila expressed deep gratitude for the enthusiastic response from exhibitors, de-scribing it as both humbling and a powerful affirmation of the event’s significance.
The exhibition stood as a clarion call to corporate partners, government agencies, and academic institutions to collaborate in shaping a brighter future for rural learners. With targeted investment in educational outreach, the ripple effects can up-lift entire communities and narrow the opportunity gap between urban and rural areas.
As the career exhibition week unfolded, it became clear that a new future was envisioned—one rooted in leadership, ambition, and hope. At the University of Venda, with steadfast guidance, community support, and the passion of motivated young minds, the seeds of transformation are already taking root in the heart of Limpopo’s Vhembe district.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
