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Unisa inspires learners to dream big during career day

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Mmangakane Yvonne Mmako

Unisa's Directorate of Student Development, under the Office of the Dean of Students, participated in a career day for Grade 7 learners, hosted by Mafumbuka Primary School, located in Soshanguve, Pretoria. The career day aimed at encouraging the development of learners through education. 

Ephenia Mavis Nakedi, Principal of Mafumbuka Primary School, officially opened the programme and warmly welcomed the learners, educators and guests. Nakedi emphasised the importance of early career awareness and shared the objective of the day, which was to inspire learners to begin planning their academic and professional paths, and to introduce them to a range of career opportunities.

Following her remarks, four learners recited poems in four different languages to showcase the school's extracurricular activities. The inspiring event featured several guest speakers from various professional fields, including self-employed individuals who shared their career journeys.

One of the day’s highlights was the address by Mmangakane Yvonne Mmako, acting Training, Research and Capacity Development Specialist from Unisa’s Directorate of Student Development. Mmako emphasised the importance of research in the career development process, encouraging learners to gain a thorough understanding of the educational landscape in South Africa, such as knowing how many universities exist, where they are located, and the different faculties and qualifications they offer. She also urged learners to stay informed about application processes, opening and closing dates, entry requirements, as well as to prepare the required documentation in advance.

To complement her message, Mmako distributed Unisa-branded diaries and lanyards provided by Unisa’s Office of the Dean of Students. While presenting a token of appreciation to Grade 7 prefects, Mmako highlighted the importance of developing learners’ leadership skills early – from their roles as prefects in primary schools, to student leadership roles in higher education institutions.

Other guest speakers represented diverse fields, including health sciences, social sciences, accounting sciences, entrepreneurship and law enforcement, further offering learners a broad perspective on possible career paths. Self-employed professionals shared their experiences of starting and running their own businesses, providing learners with practical insights into entrepreneurship.

The career day was a resounding success, igniting curiosity and enthusiasm among the Grade 7 learners. The school demonstrated its strong commitment to empowering its learners with knowledge, resources and motivation, thereby laying the foundation for informed and ambitious future leaders.

The Office of the Dean of Students reaffirmed the university’s dedication to community engagement and educational outreach programmes through the active participation of its staff members.

* By Mmangakane Yvonne Mmako, acting Training,  Research and Capacity Development Practitioner, Directorate of Student Development

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Publish date: 2025-10-22 00:00:00.0

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