CUT Welkom Campus welcomed approximately 300 Grade 10 and 11 learners from Lejweleputswa District Schools. The expo was highly interactive, with learners actively participating through questions and answers, allowing them to engage directly with the experts and gain a deeper understanding of nuclear science, radiation, energy and the career opportunities available within the sector.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) is strengthening its commitment to developing South Africa’s next generation of STEM professionals by bringing learners closer to the world of science, technology and innovation.

In partnership with the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), CUT opened the doors to nuclear science, energy and exciting STEM career opportunities for learners from across the Lejweleputswa District at the Welkom Campus on 28 August 2026.

The initiative forms part of the university’s ongoing efforts to build stronger partnerships with schools, industry and the broader community, while creating meaningful opportunities for learners to explore higher education and diverse career pathways.

The STEM Career Expo is an educational outreach initiative designed to prepare learners for STEM career pathways, connect them with industry professionals, and contribute to building a strong pipeline of future skills. More than simply exploring career opportunities, the Expo seeks to inspire learners, broaden their horizons, and empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and STEM leaders that South Africa needs to drive innovation, development, and economic growth.

The expo role players and partners included Institutions of Higher learning, National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), Eskom Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, Harmony Gold Mine, the Department of Electricity and Energy and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), giving learners an opportunity to engage with professionals across the nuclear, mining and energy sectors.

Topics covered included the importance of nuclear energy, nuclear waste management, regulation of the nuclear sector, career opportunities, science and engineering courses, nuclear power generation, nuclear science and technology, the nuclear fuel cycle, and uranium mining and production.

Mr Mosala Mogorosi, Communications and Stakeholder Relations representative from National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) responsible for Public Education, nuclear safety and Corporate Social Investment.

Coordinated by Mr Mosala Mogorosi, Communications and Stakeholder Relations representative at the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), with responsibilities spanning Public Education, Nuclear Safety and Corporate Social Investment, the STEM Career Expo aims to spark learners’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and inspire them to pursue careers in these critical fields.

Mogorosi said the initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen South Africa’s future skills pipeline by exposing learners to STEM careers from an early age and providing them with guidance on the diverse opportunities available. “The objective of this initiative is to support government’s efforts to build a strong skills pipeline by encouraging learners to develop an interest in STEM from an early age and guiding them towards the diverse career opportunities available in these fields. Through this outreach programme, we are also working to bridge the gap, particularly in rural areas where learners often have limited access to opportunities and exposure to STEM-related careers. To broaden these opportunities, we have partnered with the mining industry, the power generation sector and institutions of higher learning, creating platforms where learners can engage directly with professionals and gain first-hand insight into STEM careers. By investing in learners today, we are working towards a future with a strong pool of skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to our economy and help address the critical shortage of skills, particularly in engineering and the sciences,” said Mogorosi.

In his remarks, Mr Matome Kganakga, Deputy Director: Brand and Marketing, said that the Central University of Technology (CUT) was grateful to be part of the STEM Career Expo. He noted that the expo differed from previous initiatives hosted by the university, as it was more targeted and focused on learners with a specific interest in STEM. “This time, we specifically targeted learners who have chosen STEM subject combinations, with the aim of broadening their understanding of the vast range of opportunities available within the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Kganakga.

He added, “The Expo is designed to expose learners to a wide range of STEM careers and fields of study, helping them make informed decisions about their future academic and career pathways. Through meaningful engagements with professionals, institutions and industry experts, learners are gaining a deeper understanding of the diverse opportunities available within the sciences and related fields.”

According to Kganakga, another key focus of the Expo is to enhance learners’ awareness and understanding of nuclear energy, its applications and its benefits to society and the country. “By introducing learners to fields such as nuclear science, energy, space science, engineering, technology and other specialised scientific disciplines, we are broadening their understanding of what is possible within STEM and encouraging them to explore career pathways they may not have previously considered,” he added.

STEM careers are among the scarce and critical skills needed to drive South Africa’s economic growth, technological advancement, energy security and sustainable development. “As an institution of higher learning, we recognise our responsibility to contribute to the national development agenda by encouraging more young people to pursue these critical fields. Through such initiatives, we are investing in the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, researchers and technology professionals. We are not only informing learners about career opportunities but also preparing them to see themselves as part of the solutions shaping South Africa's future."

Saremone Bonolo from Leseding Technical School kept presenters and scientists on their toes with a stream of thoughtful and constructive questions, sparking curiosity and deepening her interest in nuclear energy and engineering. Her enthusiasm and inquisitive spirit are a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing young minds and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.

For learners such as Saremone Bonolo from Leseding Technical School, the STEM Career Expo opened the door to possibilities beyond her initial interest in medicine, sparking a new interest in engineering. Kopano Kgasago from Lephola Secondary School, who was still exploring her career options, also gained a broader understanding of the diverse opportunities available within STEM, helping her envision new possibilities for her future. Meanwhile, Ananetse Diphoko from Kutlwanong Technical High School expressed his appreciation to CUT for bringing meaningful STEM exposure and career opportunities closer to home.

Participating learners were rewarded with exciting gifts from presenters for answering scientific questions correctly, adding an element of fun and friendly competition while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and active engagement with STEM. Through these experiences, the Expo is helping learners discover new passions, broaden their horizons, and make informed decisions about their future careers.

Mr. Gilbert Lekwe, a scientist from the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), brought science to life through an exciting and interactive Science Show. His engaging demonstrations showcased the fun side of science while keeping learners informed, inspired, and entertained. The expo encouraged learners to look beyond the classroom and discover how science, technology and innovation can be applied to solve real-world challenges facing South Africa and the world.

The experience continued at the exhibition stalls, where learners interacted with participating organisations before the day concluded with an engaging science show from NECSA.