College of Science, Engineering & Technology

Unisa exposes rural learners to STEM and career opportunities

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In collaboration with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), the Harry Gwala District Municipality hosted the 5th Annual Harry Gwala District Science Engagement Week from 5 to 9 May 2025. An invitation was extended to Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET). The college accepted immediately, as the event falls within its mandate of promoting science, engineering and technology.

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The CSET team at Pholela Special School in Ixopo giving career guidance in the STEM space

The event focused on information for less privileged learners and was held in Kokstad, Ixopo, Pholela and Mzimkhulu, all of which are predominantly rural municipalities in the Harry Gwala District in KwaZulu-Natal. In such areas, there is often little opportunity to attend science engagement events, and as a result, learners lack exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and related career opportunities. The pass rate at most of the schools in these areas is good, especially in mathematics and physical science, so giving learners insight into the practical application of these subjects and advocating for increased youth participation in STEM subjects at such events are extremely important.

The week-long event was a great success, as the college had the opportunity to visit schools, a community hall and a multipurpose centre, and to tell learners about CSET’s offerings and what to expect on enrolling at an open, distance and eLearning (ODeL) university such as Unisa.

The event was attended by about 2 000 learners in Grades 9 to 12 from schools in Kokstad, Mzimkhulu and Ixopo, and also from Pholela Special School. The last day was intended mainly for matriculants, and learners had the opportunity to participate in competitions focusing on the following subthemes:

  • Resilient Futures: STEM Solutions for Climate Adaptation and Disaster Preparedness
  • Empowering Communities: Entrepreneurship and STEM for Sustainable Economic Growth

The CSET delegation included the USEC (robotics) team, whose robotics and coding live demonstrations drew a great deal of attention and elicited considerable interest among learners.

At the end of the event, Queen Mehlomakhulu, Harry Gwala District Chief Education Specialist, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Unisa for having visited the district to provide learners with information not only about career choices, but also about Unisa’s offerings and the possibility of obtaining a globally recognised qualification via an ODeL institution.

* By Lesego Maloka, Administrative Assistant, CSET

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Publish date: 2025/05/19

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