DSD INSPIRES FUTURE LEADERS THROUGH THE TAKE A CHILD TO WORK PROGRAMME

By Precious Mupenzi

• The learners in the City of Tshwane who participated in the Department of Social Development’s Take a Child to Work Day saw up close and personally the services and programmes that support vulnerable children, families and communities.
• Throughout the day, learners engaged with officials from different branches of the department, participated in career guidance sessions, and interacted with tertiary institutions and professionals from different fields.
• Thirteen-year-old Kgotso Sibanyoni, who is in Grade 8, said the sessions on gender-based violence and bullying had left a lasting impression on him – “I now know that I must report it immediately.”

The Department of Social Development opened its doors to learners from across the City of Tshwane as part of the annual Take a Child to Work Programme, held during Child Protection Month under the theme “The future is at work”.

The programme on 5 June 2026 brought together learners from nine schools and child and youth care facilities across Pretoria, providing them witaan unique opportunity to experience the world of work, engage with professionals, and explore career opportunities available within government and beyond.

The initiative forms part of the department’s ongoing efforts to promote the rights, well-being and development of children while empowering them to make informed decisions about their future careers.

Participating schools included Mamelodi High School, Holy Trinity Secondary School in Winterveldt, New Eersterust Secondary School in Hammanskraal, Klipgat Secondary School in Klipgat, Rhulani Secondary School in Soshanguve, and Saul Ridge High School in Atteridgeville, as well as two schools catering for learners with disabilities – Tshegofatsong Special School in Mamelodi East and Reinotswe LSEN (learners with special educational needs) School in Mabopane. Learners from Leamogetswe Safety Home in Saulsville also took part in the programme.

Throughout the day, learners engaged with officials from various branches of the department, participated in career guidance sessions, and gained first-hand insight into the services and programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable children, families and communities.

The programme also provided learners with an opportunity to interact with tertiary institutions and professionals from different fields, exposing them to a range of career pathways.

For many learners, the experience was both educational and inspirational.

Thirteen-year-old Tshepang Kolele, a Grade 8 learner from Klipgat Secondary School who dreams of becoming a doctor, said the programme taught him important life lessons beyond career choices.

“I learned about bullying and why we should not bully other children. I also learned that we do not have to rush in life because of peer pressure.

“I met learners from other schools and felt inspired. The programme also helped me understand the important work that the Department of Social Development does for children and communities,” he said.

His classmate, Kgotso Sibanyoni, also 13 and in Grade 8, said the sessions on gender-based violence and bullying left a lasting impression on him.

“We learned about gender-based violence and femicide, and bullying. If I see someone being bullied, I now know that I must report it immediately. I am grateful for this experience because it taught me more about a department that is at the centre of our needs as children. One day I would like to become a civil engineer,” said Sibanyoni.

Educators accompanying the learners welcomed the initiative, describing it as a valuable platform for career development and exposure.

Teacher Boitumelo Tshele said the programme comes at an important stage in the learners’ educational journey.

“This engagement is important because it exposes learners to different careers and opportunities.

“Some of these learners are moving into the senior phase and will soon be required to select subjects that will shape their future careers. Exposure programmes such as this help them make informed decisions and broaden their understanding of the possibilities available to them,” she said.

Since introducing the programme in 2016, the Department of Social Development has used Take a Child to Work as a platform to expose young people to different career paths while building their confidence, aspirations and understanding of the workplace.

The initiative has evolved to ensure the inclusion of both boys and girls, as well as children with disabilities, reflecting the department’s commitment to equal opportunities for all children.

As Child Protection Month draws to a close, the programme served as a reminder that protecting children extends beyond safeguarding them from abuse and neglect. It also includes creating opportunities that nurture their talents, build their confidence and empower them to realise their full potential.

For the learners who spent the day engaging with professionals, exploring careers and envisioning their futures, the experience offered more than a glimpse into the workplace – it opened a window to new possibilities.