Final-year students at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) took a major step toward career readiness during an Employability and Work Readiness Workshop hosted by the Directorate of Health and Wellness at the Pretoria Campus.
The workshop brought together professionals from across South Africa’s employment landscape - including industry leaders, alumni, government partners and internal TUT experts - who offered practical advice, success strategies and motivational insights to prepare students for the transition from university to the workplace.
Delivering the keynote address, Jonas Magedi, Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, urged students to embrace innovation, ethical leadership and lifelong learning. “Our graduates must be solution-driven, with the capacity to address the country’s socio-economic challenges and effect positive change,” he said.
Jonas Magedi addresses students at the Employability and Work Readiness Workshop, Pretoria Campus.
He also encouraged students to actively attend workshops, seminars and conferences, noting that many job opportunities are born in such spaces. “Don’t wait, start creating ideas and turn them into businesses that uplift your communities,” he added.
Godfrey Baloyi, an Engineering alumnus and former Health and Wellness Peer Educator, reflected on his involvement in the 2010 World Cup Legacy Project. According to him, workplace success starts with self-direction. “Adaptability, communication, problem-solving and project management are essential skills that will set you apart,” he told students.
“Don’t wait for opportunities, create your own! Upskill through short courses and learn the soft skills the workplace demands,” he continued.
Minah Ngwetjana from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) addressed students’ role in work-integrated learning (WIL), stressing the importance of responsibility and commitment. “We can facilitate placements, but students must submit their placement letters and logbooks,” she said.
Other speakers included:
- Mbali Blose (DKMS-Africa): Spoke about graduate support and company recruitment processes.
- Musa Aphane (SANBS): Shared career paths in health sciences and application procedures.
- Tshepo Ngawato (Gauteng Health): Warned against misinformation during applications and outlined consequences.
- Albert Sekgobela (TUT Cooperative Education): Encouraged students to seek support in preparing resumes and securing WIL opportunities.
In his closing remarks, Kholofelo Mawela, HIV and AIDS Programme Coordinator, thanked the University and the participating directorates for creating a unified support system for students pursuing employment.