On June 27th, Buffalo City Metro in South Africa buzzed with excitement as Deputy Minister of Employment and Labor, Ms. Boitumelo Moloi, co-hosted a Youth Day Career Expo. The event was held in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Department of Employment and Labor, Gompo Traditional Council, Office of the Premier, Buffalo City Metro, and Kidd’s Beach Constituency Office. The Career Expo aimed to assist work-seekers in accessing available opportunities in the labor market.
Government Initiative to Reduce Unemployment
The Career Expo is part of the District Development Model, a government initiative designed to create a favorable platform for the youth and work-seekers. By expanding their networks, learnerships, internships, apprenticeships, bursaries, and entrepreneurship, the government aims to contribute to reducing unemployment rates in the region.
Accessing Job Opportunities through Innovative Systems
Work-seekers attending the event were required to bring their IDs and CVs, which were utilized to register them into the Department’s Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) database. This innovative system creates a platform that matches work-seekers with available job opportunities for placement, free of charge.
Moreover, the Public Employment Services (PES) Employment Centre provided a range of PES services, ensuring that every work-seeker received the necessary assistance. Several institutions of higher learning and training, such as universities and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges, participated. Funding institutions and sector education and training authorities (SETAs) were also present, imparting information and knowledge to assist the youth in broadening their horizons.
Exhibitions to Develop the Youth and Raise Awareness
The event was held at the Bhongweni Sports Field (eNtenteni), Fort Grey, near King Phalo Airport, starting at 8 am. The following day, June 28th, another career exhibition was held in Tsolo Junction Hall, Mhlontlo Local Municipality. Through partnerships with various stakeholders, the Department aimed to develop the youth of the province and raise awareness of the opportunities to enhance their employment prospects.
Equipping the Youth for Successful Career Navigation
Deputy Minister Boitumelo Moloi and her team’s efforts exemplify the dedication of the South African government in providing the youth with the necessary resources and assistance to forge a brighter future. These exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to expose young professionals to a diverse range of career paths and give them valuable information on how to access and leverage these opportunities.
Addressing the Pressing Issue of Unemployment
In addition to equipping the youth with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their careers, these events play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing issue of unemployment in South Africa. By fostering an environment that encourages professional growth and development, the government hopes to create a more robust and sustainable workforce for the future.
Creating a Diverse and Skilled Workforce
The success of the Career Expo in Buffalo City Metro and the follow-up event held in Tsolo Junction Hall highlights the potential for growth and development of the youth in South Africa. As more young professionals gain exposure to various industries and sectors, the country’s labor market is set to benefit from a diverse and skilled workforce, ready to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving economy.
The South African government’s commitment, led by Deputy Minister Boitumelo Moloi, to provide the youth with the essential tools and resources to navigate the labor market successfully is evident through events like the Career Expo. Through these initiatives, the government seeks not only to reduce unemployment rates but also to empower the next generation of professionals to contribute significantly to the country’s growth and development.
