Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) played a leading role in inspiring the next generation of scientists and professionals at the Seabe Community Career Fair, held on 27 March 2026 at Seabe Secondary School in Mpumalanga. In collaboration with the University of South Africa (UNISA) and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), SMU contributed to an impactful initiative that reached more than 1,000 learners and unemployed youth from disadvantaged communities.
Organised by UNISA, the career fair aimed to equip learners with critical information on career pathways, study opportunities, and the skills required to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market. The event created a dynamic and interactive platform where Grade 10 to 12 learners could engage directly with higher education institutions, explore academic programmes, and gain clarity on their prospects.
Learners from seven neighbouring schools — Ramoshidi Technical Secondary School, Pungatsha Secondary School, Dikotela Secondary School, Mmamatli Secondary School, Molebe Secondary School, Thufane Secondary School, and Seabe Secondary School — attended the event in large numbers. Their strong participation reflected a growing eagerness among young people to access higher education opportunities and make informed career decisions.
SMU’s School of Science and Technology (SST) was at the forefront of the engagement, with representatives from the Dean’s Office and several academic departments, including Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Physics, and Statistical Sciences. The team provided comprehensive guidance on academic programmes, admission requirements, application processes, deadlines, financial aid, and student life, ensuring that learners left with practical and actionable information.
A defining feature of SMU’s presence was the highly interactive nature of its exhibition. Learners had the opportunity to engage directly with lecturers, postgraduate students, and science professionals, creating meaningful connections and fostering a deeper understanding of scientific careers. PhD students, in particular, played a vital role in motivating learners by sharing their academic journeys and research experiences.
Lebogang Monama, a PhD student in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, inspired many with her story of perseverance and achievement. By sharing her journey, she demonstrated that advanced academic success is attainable, even for learners from under-resourced backgrounds. Her engagement, alongside other postgraduate students, provided relatable role models and encouraged learners to envision themselves pursuing higher levels of study.
Florene Seseng from SMU’s Mobile Science Lab emphasised the importance of taking science education beyond traditional classroom settings. “Our goal is to make science accessible and exciting for every learner, regardless of their background. By bringing practical demonstrations and real-world applications to communities, we are igniting curiosity and helping learners see themselves as future scientists,” she said.
The Mobile Science Lab added a practical, hands-on dimension to the exhibition, capturing learners’ attention and reinforcing key scientific concepts through demonstration and experimentation. This experiential approach not only enhanced understanding but also sparked enthusiasm and curiosity among participants.
For many learners, the career fair proved to be both informative and transformative. Thabang Monare, a learner from Mmamatli Secondary School, described the experience as eye-opening. “This event opened my eyes to many career opportunities I did not know about. Speaking to the university representatives helped me understand what I need to study and how I can achieve my goals. I now feel more confident about my future,” he said.
Such feedback highlights the critical role of initiatives like the Seabe Community Career Fair in bridging the gap between secondary education and higher learning. By providing access to information, mentorship, and inspiration, SMU and its partners are actively contributing to the development of a well-informed and motivated generation.
SMU remains committed to expanding access to higher education through strategic partnerships and impactful outreach programmes. Its participation in community-based initiatives such as this career fair underscores the University’s dedication to transforming lives through education, advancing excellence in science and innovation, and strengthening its role as a catalyst for social and educational development in South Africa.
By Dimakatso Modise
