About 2,000 learners from the Western Cape have taken part in the 2026 Mandela Day Career Development Festival, gaining access to information about universities, TVET colleges, SETAs, bursaries, student funding and career opportunities.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) officially launched the first day of the 2026 festival at Umyezo Wama Apile High School in Grabouw on Monday.
The event was designed to help school learners make better-informed decisions about what they want to do after matric by connecting them directly with education and training institutions, government programmes and industry representatives.
For learners approaching the end of their school careers, the festival provided an opportunity to ask questions about study programmes, funding, skills development and possible career paths.
2026 Mandela Career Festival at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 2026 Mandela Day Career Development Festival |
| Organiser | Department of Higher Education and Training |
| Venue | Umyezo Wama Apile High School |
| Location | Grabouw, Western Cape |
| Learners reached | About 2,000 |
| Main focus | Career development and post-school opportunities |
| Institutions represented | Universities, TVET colleges and SETAs |
| Other participants | Industry partners and education stakeholders |
| Key topics | Careers, study options, bursaries, funding and skills training |
Why the Career Festival Matters
Choosing subjects and a career path can be challenging for learners who have not yet had direct contact with universities, colleges, training authorities or employers.
Career development events can help bridge that information gap.
At the Mandela Career Development Festival, learners were able to interact directly with representatives from different parts of South Africa’s post-school education and training system.
This included representatives from:
- Universities
- TVET colleges
- Sector Education and Training Authorities
- Industry
- Government career development services
The exposure allowed learners to compare different routes after school rather than assuming that university is the only option.
Universities and TVET Colleges
One of the key messages from the event was the importance of understanding the different options available after Grade 12.
Learners considering university can investigate degree and diploma programmes, admission requirements and funding opportunities.
Those interested in practical and occupational training can explore Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
TVET colleges offer programmes designed around vocational and occupational skills and can provide pathways into various industries.
The festival therefore gave learners an opportunity to learn about different forms of post-school education in one setting.
SETAs Introduce Learners to Skills Opportunities
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) also participated in the event.
SETAs play an important role in South Africa’s skills-development system and support programmes such as learnerships, internships, apprenticeships and other forms of workplace-based learning.
For learners interested in entering the world of work after school, information from SETAs can help them understand alternative routes into employment and skills development.
The availability of programmes varies between SETAs and depends on individual funding and programme requirements.
Career Guidance for School Learners
DHET officials used the event to encourage learners to think carefully about their interests, abilities and future goals.
Sibongile Hlongwane, Assistant Director for Career Development Services at DHET, provided guidance on choosing school subjects and career pathways.
Learners were encouraged to consider how their current subject choices could influence the courses and careers available to them later.
This is particularly important because certain university, college and training programmes have specific subject and admission requirements.
Apply Early for Post-School Opportunities
One of the practical messages delivered to learners was to start applying early.
Students planning to study after matric may need to apply for admission, funding and accommodation separately, depending on the institution and programme.
Waiting until the final moment can create unnecessary pressure, particularly where institutions have early application deadlines.
Learners were encouraged to investigate available opportunities while still at school.
This includes researching:
- University applications
- TVET college applications
- Bursaries
- Student funding
- Learnerships
- Apprenticeships
- Internships
- Career guidance services
Financial Aid and Funding
The festival also provided information about financial assistance for post-school education.
For many South African families, the cost of higher education and training can be a major consideration.
Learners were encouraged to explore funding options that may be available for their chosen study route.
Funding eligibility varies depending on the programme, institution and financial-support scheme.
Learners should therefore check the official requirements for each funding opportunity rather than assuming that they automatically qualify.
Nelson Mandela’s Legacy and Education
The event was held as part of the Mandela Day Career Development Festival, linking career guidance with the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela.
Addressing learners, Letshego Mokeki, Director for Career Development Services at DHET, encouraged them to take advantage of educational opportunities and remain committed to their studies.
She highlighted education as an important tool for personal development, social transformation and economic opportunity.
The message was particularly relevant to learners preparing to make decisions that could influence their education and career paths.
Industry Participation Gives Learners a Broader View
The participation of industry representatives gave learners an opportunity to learn about careers beyond the classroom.
Industry engagement can help learners understand:
- Which skills employers need
- Which sectors are growing
- What qualifications different jobs require
- What workplace skills are important
- Which careers may be available after training
This type of exposure can help learners connect subjects they study at school with possible future occupations.
Making Better Career Decisions
Career decisions do not necessarily need to be based solely on which occupation appears popular.
Learners can consider several factors, including:
Interests
What subjects, activities or topics naturally interest you?
Strengths
Which subjects and skills do you perform well in?
Career requirements
What qualifications are required for the career you are considering?
Employment opportunities
What industries and occupations could use those skills?
Financial considerations
What will the qualification cost, and what funding options are available?
Alternative pathways
If university is not the preferred route, are there TVET, learnership, apprenticeship or other training options?
Taking these factors into account can help learners make more informed choices.
What Learners Can Do After the Festival
Learners who attended the event can turn the information they received into practical action.
Step 1: Identify possible careers
Make a shortlist of careers that match your interests and strengths.
Step 2: Check subject requirements
Find out whether your current school subjects meet the requirements for those careers.
Step 3: Research institutions
Compare universities, TVET colleges and other training providers.
Step 4: Check funding
Research bursaries, student funding and other financial-support options.
Step 5: Note application dates
Keep a record of admission, bursary and funding deadlines.
Step 6: Apply early
Submit applications before the relevant closing dates.
Step 7: Ask for career guidance
Use DHET career development services and other official guidance resources if you remain uncertain about your options.
DHET Career Development Services
The department encouraged learners to make use of its career development services when deciding what to study or pursue after school.
Career guidance can be particularly useful for learners who are uncertain about which subjects, qualifications or occupations align with their interests.
Students should use official government and education resources when researching career requirements and funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mandela Day Career Development Festival?
It is a career development initiative designed to give learners information about post-school education, training and career opportunities.
Where was the 2026 festival launched?
The first day was launched at Umyezo Wama Apile High School in Grabouw, Western Cape.
How many learners attended?
About 2,000 learners participated in the event.
Who organised the festival?
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Which institutions participated?
Learners engaged with representatives from universities, TVET colleges, SETAs and industry partners.
Did learners receive information about bursaries?
Yes. Financial aid and funding opportunities were among the topics covered at the festival.
Were learnerships discussed?
Yes. SETAs were among the organisations represented, providing exposure to skills-development pathways.
Why should learners apply early?
Early applications can give learners more time to meet admission, funding and documentation requirements before deadlines.
Can learners choose a TVET college instead of university?
Yes. TVET colleges are part of South Africa’s post-school education and training system and provide vocational and occupational learning opportunities.
Where can learners get career guidance?
Learners can make use of DHET Career Development Services and other official education and training resources.
Key Takeaways
- About 2,000 Western Cape learners attended the 2026 Mandela Day Career Development Festival.
- The event was launched at Umyezo Wama Apile High School in Grabouw.
- Learners received information about universities, TVET colleges, SETAs and industry careers.
- Bursaries and student funding were also highlighted.
- Learners were encouraged to apply early for post-school opportunities.
- Career choices should consider interests, strengths, subject requirements and future career pathways.
- SETAs provide another route into skills development through programmes such as learnerships and apprenticeships.
- Learners can seek guidance when deciding between university, TVET, workplace training and other post-school options.
Editorial Policy
This article is based on information supplied about the 2026 Mandela Day Career Development Festival and statements attributed to officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training.
We report the event attendance, participating organisations and guidance provided to learners as stated. We do not claim that attendance at the festival guarantees admission, funding, employment or placement in a learnership.
Information about individual bursaries, courses, learnerships or training programmes should be verified separately with the relevant institution or organisation because requirements, application periods and availability can change.
Official Sources and References
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) — official government information on career development, higher education, TVET and skills development.
- DHET Career Development Services — career guidance and post-school education information.
- Sector Education and Training Authorities — official information on skills-development programmes and opportunities.
- Universities and TVET colleges — individual institutions should be consulted for current admission and funding requirements.
Tip for Learners
Do not wait until matric results are released before thinking about your next step. Start researching careers, checking subject requirements, comparing universities and TVET colleges, and identifying bursaries or other funding options as early as possible. Keep a list of application deadlines and apply through official channels.
