The career day/stakeholder collaboration initiative began with Mr Herman Schoombie who later involved Mr. James Munnik envisioning the procurement of appropriate employment for our learners.

Currently, Mr. James Munnik (Department of Labour) who is a registered psychologist is also working on a proposal to Guest Resources on doing psychometric testing of candidates. The latter will be done to recruit the learners who will have the best chances of completing the learnership on both the theoretical and workplace components.

It has since branched out into job creation, career guidance and the motivation of our learners.

The turnout was 80 people.

+/- 65 of the attendees were Learners of Guest Resource Services. All Covid-19 protocols were adhered to.

 

It was opened by a cleric who spoke on the importance of vision.

The stakeholders represented was:

• Guest Resources Services, represented by:

Andiswa Mtombeni, Appifanie Plaatjies, Wally White and Ntando Bucuka who were speakers at the event. They represented individuals who literally climbed the stairs as shown on the logo of Guest Resource Services.

While they spoke on their life and experiences at Guest Resources the audience laughed, cried, cheered, and even sang. It was a magnificent day.

Ms Winette Minnaar of Guest Resource Services assisted as events-coordinator. She led by example and she was also the photographer at this occasion.

Chantel Muchaya was a co-master of ceremonies and speaker. She also managed the fun activities. She helped learners and translated when needed.

Herman Schoombie who co-coordinated the event in terms of speakers, stakeholders, the venue, resources, and activities. He also did the summation of the event.

Nikita Boshof who made the program and was the administrator.

Jennilee Stride who assisted with logistical support of chairs and tables and the invitation of the learners.

See representation below:

• Department of Employment and Labour, represented by
• Tillman Madikane Deputy Director: Head of Labour Centre operations for the department of labour East London who did the welcoming speech and outlined the history and vision of the department.
• Mr James Munnik Assistant Director: Career Guidance Counsellor who did a presentation on job hunting and life skills for people living with disabilities.He shared some profound insights and practical ways of obtaining employment tailored to the audience.
• Mr Vukani Zozoba, Assistant Director Employment Services.He spoke on Operating and Job procurement on the ESSA system. He also urged the learners to understand the importance of employment and to take care of their jobs.

 

Apart from the abovementioned people of the department of employment and labour career counsellors, labour inspectors, employment services practitioners (who registered our learners on their employer employee database), and other supporting staff were present.

 

The Department of Education represented by

• Miss Jola (focus area disabled learners) who spoke on education as the key to progress and practical life skill tips for learners.

Disabled Women South Africa represented by

• Ms Cuma Bokwe: Chair person of Disabled Women South Africa/ Chair person of the Rise and Shine disability magazine. She spoke on overcoming obstacles and how to become a highly functional individual in spite of a disability
• Ms Nokhutula Tsawu: Senior Journalist Rise and Shine disability magazine assisted Ms Bokwe

 

Supported Employment Enterprises an arm of the department of labour was represented by

• Ms Faith Gwegwana Assistant Director Factory Manager. The entity was established for the sole purpose of creating employment for people with disabilities who could not secure employment in the mainstream labour market due to their afflictions. It is governed by protective legislation.She spoke on their factory in East London and their three main streams of income namely steel, textile and woodwork products.

 

Land of the Living / Unantoni Endlini Recycling represented by

• Dr Scott Worley Director and Scientist. He spoke on employment creation and sustained social entrepreneurship at his organisations. He used the analogy of the widow’s flask to motivate learners to become productive with what they have in their hands.

Master of Ceremonies represented by

• DJ Jigga Managing Director – Randowner General, Mdantsane Fm presenter. He was the DJ and a motivational speaker on the day.

 

Fun activities included a dance and seeking sweets in a plate .

Prizes were given to the winners.

The day was described as a huge success by the attendees and participants.

It was also expressed that this was an excellent platform for future collaboration.