Jabulani Mathonsi|Published
Unemployed residents of KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, will have an opportunity to connect with potential employers at a career fair and integrated services event hosted by the Department of Employment and Labour today, Thursday, October 15.
The event is hosted at Umfolozi TVET College’s Chief Albert Luthuli Campus in Groutville, under the theme “Education for Employability”.
The career fair aims to provide job seekers with a platform to engage directly with employers, learn about available opportunities, access career guidance and gain insight into the skills currently in demand in the labour market.
“The department will assist job seekers to register on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system,” said Nhlanhla Khumalo, the department’s provincial communication officer.
What job seekers need to bring
Khumalo said applicants attending the event should arrive prepared with the necessary documentation.
Job seekers are expected to bring certified copies of their identity documents, updated CVs and certified copies of their qualifications.
Additional requirements may vary depending on the employer and the position being advertised.
Three companies have indicated that they will offer opportunities to job seekers attending the event: Career Box, Roots Butchery and Desai.
Available opportunities and requirements
The participating employers have outlined the following requirements for prospective applicants:
Career Box
Applicants should have:
Matric
Good communication skills
Computer literacy
A willingness to work shifts
Roots Butchery
Applicants should have:
Matric
Reliability
A good work ethic
The ability to perform physical work
Desai
The company is seeking cashiers with the following skills and qualifications:
Matric
Numeracy skills
Customer service skills
Honesty
Job seekers are encouraged to ensure they meet the relevant requirements and have their supporting documents ready when engaging with prospective employers.
Previous career fair created hundreds of opportunities
The Department of Employment and Labour highlighted the impact of its previous initiatives, including a Jobs and Career Fair held at EThekwini TVET College in Cato Manor in 2025.
According to the department, the event resulted in 603 job opportunities being offered. Of these, 279 applicants secured employment through live recruitment, while another 324 secured employment through the ESSA system.
The department’s Work-Seeker Business Unit also assisted 1,637 job seekers, providing support that included ESSA registration and assistance with Z83 application forms.
Khumalo said engagements facilitated through Business Breakfast Sessions had also helped establish strategic partnerships, resulting in 300 in-service training opportunities for EThekwini TVET College students.
“As a result of these partnerships, 262 students were successfully placed in various fields of study for in-service training in July 2026,” Khumalo said.
Bridging the gap between education and employment
The department’s decision to host the latest event at Umfolozi TVET College reflects its recognition of the role technical and vocational education and training institutions play in equipping young people with practical skills for the workplace.
Through the career fair, the department aims to strengthen the link between education and the labour market by helping young people understand how and where they can apply their skills.
The initiative also seeks to connect job seekers with potential employers while providing access to employment services and guidance to support their career development.
IOL