About 2,000 learners in the Western Cape have been given access to career guidance, study information and skills-development opportunities through the 2026 Mandela Day Career Development Festival.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) launched the first day of the festival at Umyezo Wama Apile High School in Grabouw, bringing together learners, educators, universities, TVET colleges, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and industry representatives.
The event is aimed at helping young people make informed decisions about what they want to do after school.
For learners approaching matric and those still deciding which subjects or career paths to pursue, the festival provided an opportunity to speak directly to organisations involved in higher education, vocational training, skills development and employment.
Mandela Career Festival 2026 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 purpose | Career guidance and post-school opportunities |
| Participants | Universities, TVET colleges, SETAs and industry |
| Opportunities discussed | Study, bursaries, funding, skills training and careers |
| Key message | Plan early and make informed career decisions |
Why the Career Festival Was Held
Many learners leave school without a clear understanding of the different opportunities available after matric.
The festival was designed to address this information gap by bringing several parts of South Africa’s post-school education and training system together in one place.
Learners could engage with representatives and learn more about:
- University study
- TVET college programmes
- SETA opportunities
- Bursaries
- Student funding
- Skills training
- Career pathways
- Scarce skills
- Industry requirements
This direct interaction can help learners understand that there are multiple routes they can take after completing school.
Universities and TVET Colleges
Universities and TVET colleges were among the institutions represented at the festival.
Learners considering university could obtain information about academic programmes, admission requirements and possible funding opportunities.
Those interested in practical and vocational education could learn more about TVET colleges and the types of training available through the post-school education system.
The festival therefore gave learners an opportunity to compare different education pathways before making decisions about their futures.
SETAs Highlight Skills Development Opportunities
The participation of Sector Education and Training Authorities was another important part of the event.
SETAs support skills development in different economic sectors and can provide opportunities such as:
- Learnerships
- Apprenticeships
- Internships
- Skills programmes
- Workplace-based learning
These programmes can provide alternative pathways for young people who want to develop practical skills and gain workplace experience.
However, each SETA programme has its own requirements, application period and eligibility criteria.
Learners should therefore check individual opportunities through the relevant SETA’s official channels.
Learners Encouraged to Plan Early
One of the key messages from the festival was the importance of preparing for life after school before matric results are released.
DHET Assistant Director for Career Development Services Sibongile Hlongwane encouraged learners to think carefully about their school subjects and how these relate to possible career choices.
She also encouraged learners to apply for post-school opportunities as early as possible.
This includes researching admission requirements and application deadlines for universities, TVET colleges, bursaries and other programmes.
Choosing Subjects With Future Careers in Mind
School subject choices can influence which courses and careers a learner can pursue later.
For example, certain qualifications may require particular subjects or minimum marks.
Learners should therefore investigate the entry requirements for careers they are considering.
A useful approach is to:
- Identify careers that interest you.
- Find out what qualifications those careers require.
- Check the subject requirements.
- Compare institutions offering the qualification.
- Research funding opportunities.
- Keep track of application deadlines.
This can help learners avoid discovering important admission requirements only after completing matric.
Bursaries and Student Funding
Financial support was also among the topics covered at the festival.
For many learners, the cost of post-school education can be a major consideration.
Learners were encouraged to investigate available funding options and determine whether they meet the requirements.
Depending on the student’s circumstances and chosen programme, possible sources of financial support may include:
- Government student funding
- University bursaries
- Corporate bursaries
- SETA-funded programmes
- Scholarships
- Other education funding programmes
Learners should always check the official requirements, closing dates and application procedures for each funding opportunity.
Career Guidance Can Help Learners Make Better Choices
Career decisions can be difficult, particularly for learners who have not yet had exposure to different industries.
DHET Career Development Services can help learners understand possible career pathways and make connections between their interests, school subjects, qualifications and occupations.
At the festival, learners were encouraged to think about their:
- Interests
- Strengths
- Skills
- School subjects
- Career ambitions
- Education options
A career choice does not have to be based simply on which occupation is popular.
It should also take into account the learner’s abilities, interests and the qualifications required to enter the chosen field.
Industry Representatives Give Learners Workplace Insight
Industry participation provided another perspective for learners.
While universities and colleges can explain qualifications and courses, employers and industry representatives can help learners understand what happens after completing their education or training.
Industry engagement can introduce learners to:
- Workplace expectations
- Required skills
- Career progression
- Industry qualifications
- Emerging occupations
- Skills shortages
- Practical career opportunities
This can help learners connect their education with the skills needed in the workplace.
Education as a Pathway to Opportunity
Speaking to learners at the event, Letshego Mokeki, Director for Career Development Services at DHET, encouraged them to make use of educational opportunities available to them.
Drawing on the legacy of Nelson Mandela, she highlighted education as an important contributor to personal development, social transformation and economic opportunity.
The message was that learners should take responsibility for planning their futures and make decisions that can expand their opportunities after school.
What Learners Can Do After Attending the Festival
Learners do not need to wait for another career event before taking action.
They can start by creating a simple career plan.
Step 1: Choose possible career fields
Write down careers that match your interests and strengths.
Step 2: Check the requirements
Find out which subjects, marks and qualifications are required.
Step 3: Research institutions
Compare universities, TVET colleges and other recognised training providers.
Step 4: Research funding
Look for bursaries, student funding and other financial assistance.
Step 5: Record deadlines
Create a list of application closing dates.
Step 6: Apply early
Submit applications through official channels and keep confirmation of submission.
Step 7: Seek guidance
If you are unsure about your choices, use recognised career guidance services.
Why Applying Early Matters
Post-school applications can involve more than simply completing an online form.
Students may need to provide:
- Identity documents
- School results
- Proof of residence
- Academic records
- Financial information
- Supporting documents
Some programmes also have limited spaces or earlier application deadlines.
Starting early gives learners more time to correct mistakes and submit missing documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mandela Day Career Development Festival?
It is a DHET initiative that connects learners with information about careers, higher education, vocational training and skills-development opportunities.
Where was the 2026 festival launched?
The event was launched at Umyezo Wama Apile High School in Grabouw, Western Cape.
How many learners attended?
Approximately 2,000 learners participated.
Who organised the event?
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Which organisations participated?
Representatives from universities, TVET colleges, SETAs and industry participated.
Were bursaries discussed?
Yes. Learners received information about bursaries and student funding opportunities.
Can learners learn about learnerships through SETAs?
Yes. SETAs support various skills-development programmes, including learnerships and other workplace-based learning opportunities.
Why should learners apply early?
Early applications give learners more time to meet admission and funding requirements and submit the necessary documents.
Is university the only option after matric?
No. Learners can consider universities, TVET colleges, learnerships, apprenticeships, internships and other recognised education and training pathways.
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 connected with universities, TVET colleges, SETAs and industry representatives.
- Information covered careers, study programmes, bursaries, student funding and skills development.
- Learners were encouraged to apply early for post-school opportunities.
- School subjects should be considered carefully because some careers have specific admission requirements.
- SETAs can provide alternative pathways through learnerships, apprenticeships and other skills programmes.
- Career guidance can help learners connect their interests and strengths with possible education and career pathways.
- Learners should use official sources when applying for study, funding or training opportunities.
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’s attendance, participating organisations and career guidance messages as provided. We do not suggest that attending the festival guarantees admission, funding, employment or placement in a learnership.
Individual universities, TVET colleges, SETAs and funding programmes have separate requirements and application deadlines. Learners should verify these details directly with the relevant official organisation before applying.
Official Sources and References
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) — official information on higher education, TVET, skills development and career services.
- DHET Career Development Services — official career guidance resources.
- Universities and TVET colleges — official admission and programme information.
- Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) — official skills-development opportunities and programme information.
Tip for Learners
Start planning before matric. Research careers, check the subjects and marks required, compare universities and TVET colleges, look for bursaries and keep a list of application deadlines. Most importantly, use official websites when submitting applications or personal information.
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