EMALAHLENI — Learners from schools across eMalahleni gathered at eMalahleni Resort on Wednesday, 03 June 2026, for a Career Expo hosted by eMalahleni Local Municipality, aimed at exposing young people to educational and career opportunities available to them.
Led by Executive Mayor Vusi Nhlapho, the expo formed part of the municipality’s commitment to youth empowerment and development by providing learners with career guidance as they prepare to make important subject choices and decisions about their future professions.
The event brought together institutions of higher learning, government departments, private sector organisations and youth development stakeholders, who shared information on tertiary education opportunities, bursaries, entrepreneurship, skills development programmes, career paths and workplace expectations.
Addressing learners, Nhlapho delivered a heartfelt message drawn from his own life experiences. Reflecting on his upbringing in an informal settlement by a single parent, he spoke about the challenges he faced growing up, including poverty, bullying and social comparison.
“No matter how different or challenging your background may be, it does not define your final destination,” said Nhlapho.
He encouraged learners to remain focused on their goals, work hard and never allow their circumstances to determine their future success.
As part of the programme, the Executive Mayor selected Lungile Lusenga, a Grade 9 learner from Lehlaka Combined School, to serve as Mayor for a Day.
The initiative aims to groom future leaders, build confidence among young people and encourage academic excellence and active participation in community development.
Speaking during the event, Lusenga encouraged fellow learners to make the most of the opportunities presented to them.
“Today is not just another school event. It is an opportunity to broaden your horizons, discover possibilities and begin shaping the future you want for yourself. The decisions you make during these school years will have a significant impact on the opportunities available to you in the future,” he said.
In an interview with Highveld Chronicle, Lusenga expressed gratitude for being selected as Mayor for a Day.
“I am delighted to have been given this opportunity. It will help me grow, focus on my studies and become a better learner. It has motivated me to work harder and become a responsible leader in the future,” he said.
Siyabonga Mahlangu, a medical doctor from Hlanikahle in Ezinambeni who studied medicine in Russia, inspired learners with a message of perseverance and determination.
He encouraged learners not to allow their backgrounds to limit their ambitions.
“You're somewhere in the future and you look much better than you look right now,” he told learners.
“Don't allow your background to put your back on the ground. Your background does not define who you are. The school you attend does not determine your future. It is the decisions you make every day that will grant you the success you need in life.”
Pastor Thabo Mabogoane also delivered a motivational message, emphasising the importance of investing in future generations and creating opportunities for young people to succeed.
“Blessed is the man who plants a tree whose shadow he will never sit under. Somebody has to plant a seed, and that seed has to grow into a tree. That tree becomes the shade that you are enjoying,” he said.
