By Noko Mashilo
The Amasobode Foundation is breaking barriers and reshaping the future for rural and township youth of Abaqulusi community in Vryheid, KZN. The event will take place at Makhwatha primary school in Bhekuzulu township on the18 September 2025. This will be the 1st Annual Abaqulusi Career Dress-Up and Expo Day under the inspiring theme, Vision to Vocation, Turning Dreams into Career Paths.
The foundation is the brainchild of Ayanda Muziwandile Kubheka, a Life Orientation and English teacher at Harpo primary school in Lakeside township who is also best known for his radio show Indaba Yomqulusi on Abaqulusi FM, Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 9pm.
Kubheka said the foundation is on a mission to challenge the status quo by providing access to information, exposure, and empowerment that can open doors to scarce-skills careers. “In communities where career guidance is rare or non-existent, Amasobode stands as a beacon of hope, arming young people with the tools and vision they need to break free from the cycles of poverty, unemployment, and inequality,” said Kubheka.
He further said, unlike a typical career expo, this event blends career dress-up, an idea introduced by PACE Career Centre with hands-on exposure to learning and goal setting from an early age. “It encourages creativity, imagination, and self-belief while helping learners connect with their community and see themselves represented in diverse professions,” he said.
He also said the career dress-up element allows learners to step into the shoes of doctors, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and more turning abstract dreams into tangible visions. “Role-playing builds problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, while boosting confidence and giving learners a sense of pride and ownership over their aspirations,” he noted.
Kubheka said grade 7 learners from three primary schools will showcase their talents in categories such as best presenter, dresser, innovator, researcher, and exhibitor, while grade 9 learners will engage directly with colleges and universities to explore study options, entry requirements, and job prospects.
“This unique approach not only nurtures ambition but also creates a continuous loop, reminding grade 9 learners of the dreams they held in grade 7 and inspiring grade 7 learners with the knowledge they will need to make informed choices in the future,” he highlighted.
He also said this event is deeply personal. “Growing up in the rural area, I had little exposure to career options and chose science largely because it was encouraged in my family,” he said.
Kuhbeka believes that education, matched with a learner’s true interests and abilities, is the key to tackling poverty and inequality. “Not every learner is destined for academia; artisanal and technical skills can open equally powerful doors,” he noted.
He also emphasised that hosting this event now, in 2025, is timely. “Both grade 7 and grade 9 are crucial transition points in the South African school system. By equipping learners with knowledge, self-awareness, and realistic career options, this will steer them away from negative influences and toward a future where they can contribute meaningfully to the economy on their own terms,” he said.
Kubheka said this event speaks directly to the AbaQulusi community’s need for informed subject choices, early career guidance, and bridging the rural–urban opportunity gap. “By connecting learners with real-world careers and fostering collaboration among schools, municipalities, SETAs, and businesses, it strengthens community investment in youth development and tackles unemployment through education aligned with market needs,” said Kubheka.
He also said parents, teachers, and community leaders are vital to the event’s success. “Parents provide input through learner pre-assessments, teachers prepare students with personality-based evaluations, and community leaders offer support, resources, and encouragement to validate the programme’s impact,” he said with pride.
Kubheka said participants can look forward to meeting inspiring role models and exhibitors, including Mthashana TVET College, KHETHA, Mr. Evans Mmola from the Department of Higher Education, the Mayor of AbaQulusi Local Municipality, representatives from CUT, Durnacol Skills Hub, VW Vryheid, DUT, and the Department of Basic Education.
“The day will feature vibrant activities such as grade 7 presentations, with awards for best presentation, exhibition, innovation, career dress, and research. PACE Career Centre will honour outstanding learners for the first time, with support from NYDA and the municipality. Media partners like 1KZN TV, Vryheid Herald, and AbaQulusi Community Radio will also be present,” said Kubheka.
He also said in the long term, the event aims to help learners see value in diverse career paths, including trades and technical skills and to choose careers based on purpose rather than status or chasing jobs.
“Success will be measured by grade 9 learners sticking to informed career choices, grade 7 learners embracing trade and entrepreneurship, and more young artisans actively contributing to the local economy and community well-being,” he concluded.
