“VUT and BANKSETA equip Life Orientation teachers with career guidance skills to support informed subject and career choices in South Africa.”
31 March 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Peter Masela
3 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT), in partnership with BANKSETA, is taking decisive steps to strengthen career guidance in South African schools by empowering those at the frontline of learner development.
On 25 March 2026, the VUT Conference Centre in Vanderbijlpark became a space of both celebration and purpose as Life Orientation teachers from across the Sedibeng District gathered for the Career Development Programme Certificate Ceremony. The initiative, led by VUT’s Accountancy Department, represents a significant milestone in equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to guide learners towards meaningful and informed career pathways.
Launched in the 2026 academic year, the programme is currently being piloted, with plans for expansion in the coming years. It focuses on Grade 12 Life Orientation teachers, providing specialised training to enhance their capacity to support learners in making critical subject and career decisions.
Speaking at the event, Head of Department, Professor Johannes Maseko, emphasised the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the future workforce. “Teachers are the bridge between learners’ dreams and their realities. By empowering you, we are investing directly in the future of our country,” he said.
The programme responds to a growing national concern, the declining number of learners pursuing Mathematics and Accounting. With only an estimated 34% of learners taking pure Mathematics in 2025, stakeholders are increasingly alarmed by the long-term implications for sectors such as banking, finance, and commerce.
Through this initiative, teachers are equipped with practical knowledge and skills to guide learners on subject selection from Grade 10, career planning, university applications,
and access to funding opportunities. The aim is not only to improve academic outcomes, but to nurture informed, confident, and future ready learners.
Delivering a congratulatory message, Professor Muntuwenkosi Chili, Executive Director for the Centre for Academic Development (CAD) at VUT, underscored the importance of continuous professional development. “A teacher who continues to learn becomes more innovative, more responsive, and more impactful. When teachers grow, students succeed, and when students succeed, our nation thrives,” he noted.
Representing BANKSETA, Ms Busisiwe Budulwayo highlighted the organisation’s commitment to strengthening skills development within the financial sector. She commended VUT for its proactive approach in forging partnerships that directly benefit both educators and learners. “Programmes such as these ensure that learners are guided towards careers that are not only relevant, but essential to the country’s economic growth,” she said.
The programme’s impact is already beginning to surface. According to Ms Gugu Phahle from the Sedibeng West District, and a recipient of the certificate, several schools have started implementing the insights gained during the training. “We are preparing learners not just for examinations, but for life. Career guidance is essential in helping them discover their potential and make informed decisions about their futures,” she explained.
The ceremony was not merely a moment of recognition, but a call to action. Teachers were encouraged to return to their classrooms as change agents, mentors who will inspire, guide, and shape the next generation.
In closing, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Professor Chengedzai Mafini reflected on the enduring value of educators. “We are here today because of teachers who once believed in us. The knowledge you have gained must now be passed on, because in every learner lies untapped potential waiting to be realised,” he said.
Looking ahead, the programme is set to expand to include more schools, including those in Sasolburg within the Metsimaholo Local Municipality, further deepening its reach and impact.
As VUT advances on its Road to 60, initiatives such as this reaffirm the University’s commitment to social impact, skills development, and a future where education serves as a catalyst for transformation.