Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, has encouraged youth to take up heritage careers as it is the key in socio-economy, self-employment and restoring heritage.
He was addressing college students and learners at the launch of the third edition of Heritage Career Expo at the Motheo TVET College’s National Artisan Academy in Bloemfontein on Thursday (26/05).
The expo theme “Unlocking the Wealth in Our Heritage”, aims at exposing youth in the post schooling education and training sector to the heritage industry. The expo runs in June, coinciding with Youth Month.
The heritage career expo targets students studying in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and universities.
It is a flagship project of the Department of Higher Education Science and Innovation and is supported by various higher education institutions, including the SETAs.
“TVET colleges are fundamental to help you unlock your potential. Heritage careers are important to promote what South Africa is, its diversity, art, and entertainment as performing musician,” said Manamela.
More than 300 Gr. 12 learners from schools in Bloemfontein were introduced to a range of programmes through which they could become entrepreneurs.
These include beauty spas, hairdressers and visual media and visual art, chefs and crafters as well as jewellery.
Manamela said heritage careers were equally important as science and technology careers, in terms of creating opportunities.
“We want you to be creative and innovative to change the discourse of South Africa and the world through skills that you will acquire at TVET institutions and universities,” said Manamela.
He said government makes it possible for undergraduate students needing funding to study further through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Manamela said more than 60% of students at tertiary institutions were funded by NSFAS.
Sureyyah Moroka from Kimberley and Kamohelo Sebonya from Jagersfontein are among the 100 students currently enrolled in the Visual Art and Design programme at the institute. Both say that visual art inspires them and that they feel honoured to have their skills honed at the institution.
