The City of Johannesburg’s Library and Information Services (LIS) hosted a dynamic career guidance session for Grade 12 learners on Friday, 25 April, at the Ferndale Recreation Centre in Randburg. Organised and led by Matete Lesele, Senior Librarian at the Randburg Library, the event offered learners insights into a diverse range of career paths and post-matric study options.
“The purpose of this initiative was to connect learners with higher education institutions and professionals to help them make well-informed choices about their futures,” said Lesele. “By creating this platform, we aimed to inspire students, encourage lifelong learning, and promote youth empowerment through access to relevant resources and guidance.”
Sindisiwe Xakaza from the University of Johannesburg revealed that the institution had received over 500,000 applications for the 2025 academic year. “Given the limited spaces available at universities, it’s vital for learners to explore a range of options,” she stressed.
A variety of educational institutions participated in the event, including Boston City Campus, HAS Hospitality (specialising in culinary arts), a School of Arts focused on motion pictures, and ETA Sports and Fitness, known for its qualifications in the rapidly growing sports science field. Each institution provided information on their programmes and answered questions from enthusiastic students.
Learners also discovered opportunities in fields such as fashion design through the Fashion Institute and emergency medical services through Medcare Education, where a career in saving lives was highlighted as both meaningful and impactful.
Vincent Keith Kwashira, a Grade 12 student from Winners Academy, expressed his excitement: “I’m passionate about aviation and sound engineering. This session has really helped—I even got help with some application forms.”
Aaliyah Zulu from Oceans High School shared that although she hopes to become a doctor, the event broadened her understanding of other routes to reach her goals. Supporting teacher Xolisile Busakwe emphasised the value of the session: “Not every learner will pursue a traditional academic career. This kind of exposure helps them consider alternative, yet rewarding, career options.”
The event served as a crucial step in preparing matriculants for life beyond school, equipping them with knowledge, confidence, and access to new possibilities.
