Learners at Mpeni Senior Secondary School (Ward 2) are getting practical guidance on what to study after matric and how to pay for it. The Alfred Nzo District Municipality, working with the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality, is hosting a focused Career Expo during Thusong Service Centre Week, with on-site help for NSFAS and local bursaries. Exhibitors include Ingwe TVET College, Central University of Technology (CUT) and SIMAMA Career Guidance—so learners can compare pathways and plan their next steps.
What Happened
The Career Expo at Mpeni S.S.S is part of the national Thusong Service Centre Week, an outreach that brings government information and services closer to communities. On the day, learners receive:
Career talks and subject-choice guidance (especially useful for Grade 9 and Grade 12).
Hands-on help with NSFAS applications and information on municipal bursaries.
Direct access to TVET and university representatives to discuss entry requirements and deadlines.
Partners on site include SIMAMA Career Guidance, CUT, NSFAS, Ingwe TVET College, and the Special Programmes Units (SPU) from both municipalities, with Cllr. Sindiswa Phosiwa facilitating the programme.
Official Response
Organisers say the goal is to make post-school choices simpler and fairer for rural learners by removing information gaps and travel costs. The expo supports the mandate of Thusong Centres to deliver government services where people live.
Learn about Thusong Service Centres on gov.za
Check NSFAS funding criteria and documents at nsfas.org.za
Explore Ingwe TVET College programmes at ingwecollege.edu.za
View CUT faculties and admissions at cut.ac.za
Community Impact
For families in Bizana and surrounding villages, the expo offers one-stop access to institutions and funding bodies. Teachers say the timing helps Grade 9 learners pick subjects that keep doors open, while Grade 12s can finalise 2026 applications with fewer delays. Parents are encouraged to ask exhibitors about closing dates, bridging/extended programmes and TVET-to-university pathways.
With many households in the Alfred Nzo District balancing school, transport and application costs, having NSFAS and colleges on site reduces barriers and speeds up decision-making.
Next Steps
Get your documents ready: SA ID/birth certificate, latest report, parent/guardian details and income info.
Create/update online profiles: Start with nsfas.org.za and your chosen institution’s portal.
Note deadlines: Ask exhibitors for 2026 closing dates, required subjects and any RPL or access programmes.
Stay informed: Track new bursary calls via your school and municipal SPUs.
Internal guides and hubs (Pondoland Times):
1Attribution
Reporting by Pondoland Times Education Desk. Information compiled from municipal programme notes and on-site facilitation at Mpeni S.S.S during Thusong Service Centre Week.
