Career Expo Lights the Way for Grade 11 and 12 West Rand Learners.
Thabo Motlhabi
Hundreds of grade 11 and 12 learners from high schools across the West Rand gathered at Christ Can International Church, based in Kagiso 2 Ext 12. On Saturday, 27 June 2026. The expo aimed to empower young people with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their future studies.
The campaign brought together education professionals, business leaders, healthcare practitioners, media personalities, and community stakeholders committed to investing in youth development through education and career guidance.
Stakeholders who participated during the expo:
* Media personality Mr. Samora Mangesi.
* Gauteng City College
* Mogale Tailing Retreatment, Mr. Mlondolozi Makuni
* Emergency Medical Services
* Mabena Property and Construction Solutions. Mr. Musa Mabena
* Educator at SG Mafaesa Secondary School
* Chris Can International Church Volunteers
The initiative proved to be an eye-opener for many learners who had limited knowledge about university admission requirements, career planning, and available study opportunities. Various speakers explained the importance of achieving good academic results, improving marks in key subjects, and understanding the admission points scores (ASA) system used by universities. Learners were also informed that colleges provide valuable alternative pathways for those who may not meet universities’ admission requirements. The exposé encouraged high school learners to work extra hard, improve their academic performance, and make informed career choices based on their talents, skills, interests, and abilities. Organizers emphasized that education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and building strong communities through creativity, innovation, and skills development.
Media personality Mr. Samora Mangesi praised the initiative and encouraged learners to pursue careers driven by passion and purpose:
“One of the most important things is passion, curiosity, and determination. Listening to the speakers today, I was inspired by the powerful messages they shared. They encouraged these learners not only to become the best vision of themselves but also to pursue careers that give them purpose.”
Educational speakers also guided learners on how to calculate their (APS) scores, understand universities’ and colleges’ admission requirements, and choose career paths that match their interests and academic strengths. They stressed that improving year-end marks could significantly increase learners’ opportunities for admission to higher learning institutions.
As a learner who took part in the expo, Rowena Tshipangana described the expo as both informative and inspiring:
“The event was impactful. Most of us weren’t aware of the importance of APS for applications. We also didn’t know which careers would suit us, but the career inclination test really helped.
Another learner added, Sipho Sahula, “The expo was impactful, and it should be expanded because many learners don’t have a vision. This event fulfilled God’s purpose.”
Throughout the day, volunteers assisted learners in completing tertiary application forms and career inclination assessments designed to identify careers suited to their knowledge, skills, talents, interests, and personalities. Learners also used the church’s laptops to complete applications while exploring the Gauteng City College prospectus and other career opportunities.
As a founder of Christ Can International Church, Prophet Johan Dala encouraged learners to remain hopeful and never hesitate to seek guidance:
“It’s very important to ask, first of all, and be positive-minded; even though you come from disadvantaged backgrounds, that doesn’t determine your destiny or future or who you are. I’m saying to them, “Stand up and ask for help; we are here to assist.”
The expo highlighted the importance of providing learners with access to career information, mentorship, and practical support, equipping them with tools needed to make informed decisions about their future.
The campaign concluded with learners engaging directly with education institutions, industry representatives, and professionals to ask questions about career choices, study opportunities, bursaries, and how to overcome challenges they may encounter on their educational journey.