Buti Manamela urges South African pupils to explore creative careers

South African Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela encouraged school pupils to consider careers in creative and cultural fields at the Heritage Careers Expo, SABC reported on October 9.

The fourth annual Heritage Careers Expo took place at Capricorn TVET College's Seshego Campus near Polokwane in Limpopo. Pupils from several high schools explored opportunities in fashion, music, visual arts, hospitality and hairdressing.

Manamela encouraged pupils to see those interests as potential professions requiring education. Talent and enthusiasm alone are insufficient, he said, pointing to training available at universities of technology and technical and vocational education and training colleges.

The minister also highlighted opportunities to start businesses. In his view, these careers can help people establish enterprises and employ others. His remarks concerned the sectors' potential rather than announcing a new funding programme or guaranteed employment.