QOTA PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARNERS GET A GLIMPSE OF THEIR FUTURE AT WSU

In line with its commitment to nurture curiosity and ignite passion for learning from an early age, Walter Sisulu University's Makerting and Communication Department hosted a career exploration tour for high school leaners giving them a higher education experience and reviving their interests.  

Approximately 58 Grade 7 leaners from Engcobo’s Qota Primary School converged on the university’s Buffalo City Campus on a guided tour of various departments.

Excited students were subjected to informative talk ranging from course requirements to useful information about different career paths in various the fields including engineering and consumer sciences, analytical chemistry and broadcasting.

Experts gave the pupils a sneak preview of the tricks of the trades.

The visit transformed an ordinary school day into an unforgettable journey of discovery for the young learners.

WSU marketing officer Kgwase Qhali said seeing young learners explore, dream, and discover their potential has always been one of the objectives of the department.

“By opening our doors and showcasing the diverse disciplines within WSU — from Analytical Chemistry and engineering to consumer sciences, our aim was to plant seeds of innovation and ambition that will shape leaders of tomorrow,” he added.

“We commend the educators and learners of Qota Primary for their enthusiasm and thank them for choosing WSU as part of their journey toward excellence,” said Qhali.

For the learners, the experience went beyond just seeing laboratories and studios, it was about seeing themselves in those spaces.

Excitement filled every corridor as they interacted with WSU staff and students, their questions reflecting curiosity, hope, and imagination.

Speaking on behalf of Qeto, Head of Department, Mr Subulele Martins, expressed heartfelt gratitude to WSU for exceeding expectations.

“When we applied here for the tour, we had no idea what is contained in WSU and we wanted our learners to explore, and our expectation we exceeded beyond,” said Martins.

He added that the time marketing officers and colleagues spent, and the dedication to showcase what is offered and programmes available, were commendable.

“The learners were thrilled to experience first-hand what university life feels like and the visit had opened their eyes to new possibilities,” Martins added.

Again, research supported the importance of early exposure to higher education.

Studies by the South African Department of Basic Education and UNESCO showed that learners introduced to university environments at a young age develop stronger academic motivation, higher aspirations, and greater confidence in pursuing tertiary education.

For WSU, such initiatives reflected the university’s enduring commitment to building futures that extend beyond its campuses.

By nurturing young minds from communities like Engcobo, WSU continues to inspire learning that starts early and shaping tomorrow’s innovators, leaders, and changemakers.

As the learners waved goodbye, their faces beamed with inspiration as they did not just see a university that day, but saw themselves in it.

By: Yolanda Palezweni