With little or no effort to test underlying assumptions in the South African context, South African career counsellors have traditionally depended on "proven" assessment methods. Career counselling needs to move away from the almost sole use of psychometric tests to an approach that recognises an individual's social and historical background. Our research in Limpopo demonstrates the need for multiple approaches to the collection of comprehensive data in assisting students to make appropriate career choices. Whether traditionally advantaged or disadvantaged, all students need comprehensive information, both objective and subjective, to allow for appropriate career decision making. Therefore, the focus in career counselling in South Africa should be on the collection and utilisation of comprehensive information to assist all students to make successful career choices. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)