ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EXPOSING LEARNERS EARLY TO THE WORLD OF WORK TO MEET LABOUR MARKET DEMANDS
EThekwini Municipality took a gigantic leap to expose more than 260 high school learners into the world of work through the Take a Child to Work Programme today.
Learners were led to various municipal departments and got a first-hand learning experience which will equip their careers in the near future.
The programme, which included learners with disabilities from disadvantaged schools across the Municipality, represents a bold intervention to guide informed subject and career choices.
This initiative also intended to address youth unemployment, skills shortages and the growing mismatch between education and labour market demands.
Learners from Grades 8 to 12 gathered at the City Hall Church Walk, where they were engaged by municipal leadership and senior management, who delivered strong messages of encouragement and support.
The interaction highlighted the importance of early exposure to working environments in equipping young people with insight, confidence and direction as they make critical career shaping decisions.
Chairperson of the Governance and Human Resources Committee, Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the City’s economic future and service delivery capacity.
“We cannot afford a future where young people graduate into unemployment while critical skills are in short supply,” he said.
He added that the programme is about building relevant skills, creating opportunity and strengthening service delivery through a capable and future ready workforce that will ultimately benefit communities across the city.
“By exposing learners early to the world of work, we empower them to make informed subject and career choices that respond directly to labour market demands and real economic needs,” said Councillor Madlala.
Following the engagement, learners were placed in various municipal departments, where they were mentored by employees and exposed to real working environments and day to day professional practice.
The hands on experience provided practical insight into how classroom learning translates into careers, particularly in fields critical to economic growth and service excellence.
Female learner Nosipho Dlakude, from uMkhumbi Secondary School, KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, who was placed in the Engineering Directorate, said the experience reshaped her view of what is possible.
“Seeing women working confidently in engineering showed me that this space is also for me,” she said.
She added that being guided by professionals helped her understand subjects she needs and what the work really involves.
“This experience has given me clarity and courage to choose a career that can transform my life and allow me to give back to my community,” said Dlakude.
The Municipality reaffirmed its commitment to continuing programmes of this nature, noting that early career exposure plays a critical role in addressing skills mismatches, and developing a resilient workforce capable of delivering quality services.
By linking education to work early, the Municipality is actively shaping a stronger, more inclusive and future focused city.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
