The National Tourism Career Expo (NTCE) in Polokwane was an exciting event bringing together eager learners and experienced tourism professionals. With a powerful opening by Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu, the expo highlighted how tourism connects cultures and boosts the economy. Attendees discovered a world of opportunities and learned about skills training programs aimed at empowering youth and women in the industry. The event celebrated 30 years of democracy in South Africa, inspiring the next generation to become leaders and innovate in the vibrant tourism sector. Overall, NTCE showcased the endless possibilities for a bright future in tourism.
Cape Town is investing R77 million in a program to tackle youth unemployment and skills shortages in informal settlements. The program provides temporary employment contracts as janitors and diverse training programs, aimed at reducing unemployment and boosting confidence and independence among participants. With an emphasis on personal development and valuable work experience, the program is a powerful investment in the future of Cape Town’s youth.
Sindisiwe Chikunga presented a budget vote address that focused on empowering youth, women, and persons with disabilities. The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has been revamped, and the South African National Service Institute (SANSI) has been established to address youth unemployment. Financial empowerment is a key strategy, and initiatives have been launched to encourage womenled Cooperative Finance Institutions (CFIs). The department is also committed to addressing genderbased violence and fulfilling its international responsibilities.
South Africa’s Youth Day, celebrated on June 16th, pays tribute to the bravery and fortitude of young citizens in the country. It commemorates the Soweto Uprising of 1976, where black students protested against repressive educational laws. Today’s youth continue to draw inspiration from this event and are actively involved in social and political movements, advocating for change. The government has established legal frameworks and departments dedicated to empowering and uplifting the youth, aiming to create a more equitable society. South Africa believes in the potential of its youth as agents of social transformation, and aspires for a brighter and more just future.
National Youth Day in South Africa honors the brave youth who stood up against apartheid in 1976 and continues to celebrate the crucial role the youth plays in the country’s progress. The government is committed to empowering young individuals and transforming them into tomorrow’s leaders through initiatives targeting youth empowerment and job creation. The youth forms over twothirds of the population, making their involvement not simply desirable but essential for South Africa’s advancement, economic growth, and diminishing social inequalities.
Cape Town has launched Jobs Connect, a recruitment platform that aims to connect job seekers with potential employers in the city. The service offers work readiness training and a digital evaluation of numeracy and literacy skills, and has already attracted over 100,000 users. The initiative has been earmarked for a significant R5.5m budget, and is aimed at reducing the financial burden of job hunting and creating new opportunities in sectors such as call centres, hospitality, manufacturing and retail.
Understanding the Role of Youth in Tourism: Insights from Deputy Minister, Fish Mahlalela
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, gave a powerful speech at the Sharing of Best Practices Workshop, emphasizing the vital role of youth in the tourism industry and the global economy. He called for creative strategies to empower and celebrate young individuals, especially those in developing nations. Mahlalela highlighted the impact of the recent health crisis on the tourism sector and urged for collective efforts towards recovery, including supporting small businesses and providing opportunities for youth in tourism and hospitality. He expressed optimism for a more inclusive, innovative, and interconnected future for the industry.
The Youth Cadet Programme in Cape Town is a rigorous threeyear course that aims to mold its participants into holistic individuals with leadership traits. The programme covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including communication, professional conduct, physical fitness, arts and culture, navigation, agriculture, and environmental awareness. Through participation in outdoor activities, cadets acquire knowledge about teamwork and leadership, putting them in a strong position to tackle future challenges and act as representatives for law enforcement agencies.
Phateka Mrwebi founded the Silver Girls Netball Club to offer atrisk girls in Khayelitsha a positive outlet and prevent them from falling victim to drug abuse and teenage pregnancy. Through netball, Mrwebi has created a supportive environment for the girls to steer clear of hazards in their surroundings and pursue a more promising future. The team has achieved considerable success in the sports field, and many of the young girls have recognized the lifechanging effect it had on their lives. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of sports in shaping the lives of young people.
Vuk’Talks is a collaborative initiative between the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) and educational institutions in South Africa, aimed at empowering the country’s youth. The initiative offers a platform for young people to discuss critical issues like career opportunities, entrepreneurship, skills development, and training. In addition to the dialogue series, Vuk’Talks launched a podcast in June 2023, which caters to the increasing trend of mobile news consumption among South Africa’s digitally connected youth. The success of the Vuk’Talks initiative demonstrates the South African government’s commitment to ensuring that the youth are informed, engaged, and empowered.
Masiphumelele is a township located in the bustling metropolis of Cape Town that has been long associated with poverty and suffering. However, a group of nine high school girls from Masiphumelele has collaborated with photography students from the Stellenbosch Academy of Photography and Design to showcase the true spirit of the township. Their project, Masiphumelele: Through The Struggles We Rise, captures the beauty, culture, and resilience of the community.
The Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department of the City of Cape Town launched the Rapid Employment and Development Initiative (READI CT) in 2021. This program aims to empower young individuals by offering them learning opportunities and enhancing their skills. By increasing their employability, READI CT seeks to foster meaningful contributions to the community.
Cape Town is a cultural hub that has become a breeding ground for artistic expression. Recognizing the transformative power of art, the Arts and Culture Branch of the City of Cape Town launched the Arts Aweh! programme. It aimed to provide a creative and nurturing environment for young people to explore various art forms, build connections, and appreciate each other’s unique perspectives.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a weekly highdensity operation named Operation Shanela, aimed at tackling genderbased violence and femicide (GBVF) related crimes. This nationwide initiative has been led by Provincial Commissioners in all provinces, focusing on engaging young men across the country to develop strategies and plans for the prevention and combating of GBVF crimes.
In Botshabelo, located in the Free State Province of South Africa, the Department of Tourism, along with the Department of Small Business Development and the Free State Department of Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism and Environment Affairs, is organizing a community engagement event aimed at empowering the youth in the tourism sector.
The Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (POCS) held a successful Youth Day Programme on June 19th, 2023, at the Delft Civic Centre. The event aimed to empower and support the youth in Delft, addressing critical issues such as GBV and personal trauma.