Top radio presenter hosts exciting career exposition for Centane pupils

HUNDREDS of pupils from schools in Centane realised the value of their dreams when radio personality Zusiphe Mtirara hosted a career expo in her hometown on Wednesday last week.

The expo was held in a fully packed Centane Community Hall with over 300 pupils from nine different schools in Centane attending.

AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcawu was an honorary guest speaker.

Centane-born SABC radio presenter Mtirara said she felt the need to host the programme in her hometown because most pupils in the area were isolated and uninformed when it came to knowledge of career opportunities pupils can pursue.

“The pupils were very excited to experience this. I understand because it was their first time having such an event in their area and I hope they have received some valuable information,” said Mtirara.

Isolomzi Senior Secondary School, which saw a rapid rise in its matric pass rates, was also present. The school which managed a 40% pass rate in 2016 received 100% last year.

Walter Sisulu University, University of Fort Hare, King Hintsa technical vocational education and training (TVET), Buffalo City TVET colleges and various government departments gave expertise advice at the expo.

The Mnquma municipality was also involved in the expo. Municipal spokesman Loyiso Mpalatshane said they did not hesitate when Mtirara came to them for assistance.

“We gave her moral support for her event to be a success. Education is a priority to us and we support anyone or anything that has to do with education,” said Mpalatshane.

He said the doors were open for anyone in need of assistance from the municipality.

“We know most rural areas are poverty-stricken, [and] we believe education could save people from poverty,” said Mpalatshane.

Mtirara said plans were afoot to host another expo.

“This year it was a pilot and it was very successful. I have already drafted plans for the next one and the plan is to make it bigger.” —