21/10/2025
BCMM Hosts STEM Careers Expo with the Department of Electricity and Energy
The Department of Electricity and Energy, in association with the Youth Unit in the Office of the Executive Mayor at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality hosted a STEM Careers Expo on 17 October 2025, at George Randell High School in East London.
Key government officials present at the event included Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Ms Samantha Graham-Mare, Chief of Staff at the Department of Education, and Member of the Provincial Legislature, Hon. Sokujika, as well as MMC for Infrastructure at BCMM, Cllr Yomelela Tyali. The SGB Chairperson at George Randell High School, Mrs Noloyiso Damane, was also in attendance, and juxtaposed the era in which she grew up as a youngster, with this day and age, encouraging the youth in attendance to make full use of their time and information which would be provided.
In his opening remarks, Cllr Yomelela Tyali reflected on the significance of the event of the day, as it was also a full-circle moment for him, given that George Randall High School was his alma mater. In addition, he encouraged all students to seize the numerous opportunities which would be presented to students at the event.
Keynote speaker at the event, Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, amongst other things, indented the importance of the energy and electricity sector in South Africa, as well as the opportunities available to professionals such as engineers, amongst others in South Africa, in such fields.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the importance of dreams for young people. In addition, the Deputy Minister also participated in a question-and-answer session, providing clarity for high school students who sought to know more about certain topics.
MC for the event, Mr Siyanda Pali, from the Youth Unit in the Office of the Executive Mayor, also encouraged the young people in attendance to dream big dreams.
Other key stakeholders which played an invaluable role in the success of the STEM Careers Expo include Eskom, the EWSETA, LPGSA-ORYX, DEE: Integrated Electrification Program, DEE: Nuclear Technology & Safety/ Nuclear Policy, the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa, IPP Cennergi, National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute, the NYDA as well as the South African Young Nuclear Professionals Society (SAYNAPS).
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality is committed to the human capital of South Africa and is pleased to have played a role in equipping the next generation of professionals in critical fields as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, which are certain to remain pivotal in the advancement of South African society.
