The eThekwini Municipality’s Human Settlements and Technical Services hosted a strategic stakeholder engagement session at the Durban ICC on 21 November 2025. The gathering brought together education partners to reflect on the impact of the city’s STEM outreach programmes rolled out to high schools throughout the year.
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) was among the key institutions present, having supported initiatives such as the Grade 12 Career Symposium, school roadshows, winter school programme, Grade 9 Expo and Subject Selection, Women in Science, and Career Dress-Up Day. These programmes aim to inspire learners and align with the Integrated Development Programme (IDP), NDP, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that education efforts contribute to long-term social and economic development.
Opening the session, Veena Naidoo, Coordinator in the municipality’s Technical Services Cluster, expressed pride in partnerships spanning the Umlazi, Ugu, and Pinetown education districts. “The future belongs to those who prepare for it. It is an honour to be among a passionate group taking care of the future of eThekwini Municipality,” Naidoo said.
The eThekwini Municipality STEM outreach delivered impactful programmes throughout the year, including the Grade 12 Career Symposium, which reached 45 schools with career guidance; a Winter School Programme that strengthened learners’ skills in Mathematics, Physics, and English; and the Grade 9 Expo and Subject Selection, enabling early career planning for learners as young as 14. Initiatives like Women in Science empowered 700 female learners from 16 schools to pursue STEM careers, while the Career Dress-Up Day encouraged Grade 7 learners from disadvantaged schools to research and present their dream careers, fostering ambition and creativity at an early age.
MUT also showcased its Engineering Bridging Programme, a flagship initiative designed to create pathways for learners who may not meet the traditional entry requirements for engineering studies. This programme serves as a critical steppingstone, offering foundational courses and academic support that prepare students for the rigors of engineering qualifications. By addressing gaps in mathematics and science competencies, the bridging programme ensures that talented learners from diverse backgrounds are not excluded from pursuing careers in engineering. It has been widely recognised as a lifeline for aspiring engineers. The Pre-Tech programme, as it is widely known aligns to eThekwini’s vision of fostering inclusivity and helping the municipality meet its goal of developing scarce technical skills for the future workforce.
Closing the session, Naidoo commended the collective effort. “Your partnership, from the Department of Education, universities, TVET colleges, Career Connect, Standard Bank, and the eThekwini Support Services Team, has made this year a resounding success. Together, we are inspiring and empowering learners and strengthening the future of our city.”