MEDIA RELEASE

STEM CAREER DAY INSPIRES FUTURE INNOVATORS THROUGH INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION COLLABORATION

Gqeberha, 14 May 2026 – The STEM in ACTION Programme, an engagement entity within the Nelson Mandela University Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology (EBET), hosted its annual STEM Career Day on 12 May 2026 at the Business School, bringing together learners, educators, principals, EBET Faculty and industry leaders in a shared effort to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nelson Mandela Bay.

STEM in ACTION is a long-standing educational initiative aimed at improving learner performance and participation in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and related STEM subjects. The programme works closely with schools across Nelson Mandela Bay through learner support interventions, educator development programmes and industry partnerships to expose learners to career opportunities within the STEM sector.

The STEM Career Day was designed to inspire and empower learners by exposing them to real-world STEM careers, industry professionals and tertiary education pathways. The event created an interactive platform where learners could engage directly with professionals, participate in career-focused breakaway sessions and gain insight into the skills and qualifications required within various STEM-related industries.

The event included 94 Grade 11 learners from 14 partner schools involved in the STEM in ACTION Programme, as well as their educators and principals.

Industry partners present included Volkswagen Group Africa, South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) Regional Office, Jendamark Automation, Unifrutti and Microcare Solar Energy. These organisations facilitated interactive sessions aimed at exposing learners to career opportunities in engineering, manufacturing, infrastructure development, automation, renewable energy and technology.

Delegates from SANRAL Head Office in Johannesburg were also in attendance, demonstrating SANRAL’s continued commitment to educational development, youth empowerment and the advancement of STEM education initiatives within South Africa.

During the closing reflection, Rochelle Blaauw, SANRAL Board Member, encouraged learners to embrace opportunities that shape their futures.

“You are not who you are right now. Initiatives like the STEM Career Day helps you choose who it is you want to become. SANRAL long realized that we cannot just build safe roads, but by investing in you, we are building the future of South Africa.”

Speaking on the impact of the programme, Mr Ian Balie, Principal of Strelitzia High School, said:

“STEM in ACTION is such an exciting topic at our school. Learners are trying to boost their progress, especially in Mathematics and Physical Science in order to be a part of this wonderful initiative. It is a win-win for everyone.”

Ms Reinet Roetz, Physical Science Educator at Andrew Rabie High School, added:

“Being a part of the STEM in ACTION Programme as an educator for 11 years has helped me build my confidence as an educator in the classroom. I attend their Physical Science Educator Development programs and it has helped me tremendously.”

Nabeelah Jappie, Marketing Co-ordinator at STEM in ACTION, described the event as a significant success and highlighted the importance of partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities for young people.

“The success of the STEM Career Day once again demonstrated the impact that collaborative partnerships can have on shaping the future of our youth. Initiatives like this expose learners to opportunities they may never have imagined for themselves and help them see the value of pursuing careers within STEM fields. It is encouraging to witness industries, educators and institutions coming together for a common purpose – to inspire, empower and invest in the next generation,” said Nabeelah Jappie, Marketing Co-ordinator at STEM in ACTION.

The success of the 2026 STEM Career Day once again highlighted the importance of collaboration between education institutions, government entities and industry stakeholders in creating meaningful opportunities for young people and strengthening South Africa’s future STEM workforce.

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