Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli has called on young people to take advantage of education, skills development, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities to improve their prospects and contribute to South Africa’s economic development.
Addressing the Youth Career and Services Expo in Thembalethu, George, Western Cape, Mhlauli emphasised the importance of connecting young people with government services, educational institutions and organisations that can help them move from learning to earning.
“Today is about more than an exhibition of services,” Mhlauli said, adding that the expo is about connecting young people to opportunities, bringing government closer to communities and ensuring that the support available through government and its partners reaches those who need it most.
She also added that young people must remain at the centre of South Africa’s development, and that the country’s future depends on investment in their skills, ambitions and potential.
She acknowledged the challenges facing young people, including unemployment, limited access to education and training, lack of workplace experience, and difficulties in accessing funding, mentorship and business opportunities.
“It is therefore not enough to encourage young people to work hard and pursue their dreams. We must work collectively to ensure that they have access to the information, resources and opportunities needed to turn their aspirations into reality,” Mhlauli said on Thursday.
Career and services expos, she said, provide a platform for government departments, educational institutions, public entities and other organisations to engage directly with young people and provide information about available opportunities.
Education and skills development
Mhlauli encouraged young people to explore different education and training pathways, including universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
She noted that South Africa’s 50 public TVET colleges offer qualifications in fields such as engineering, information technology, agriculture, hospitality, business and skilled trades, while the country’s 26 public universities develop professionals, researchers, innovators and leaders.
“Whether you choose a university or a TVET college, what matters is how you apply your knowledge. I encourage young people to pursue internships, apprenticeships, volunteering, leadership and practical workplace experience. Qualifications open doors, but initiative, adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning help you progress,” she said.
She also highlighted the role of the National Skills Fund, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and industry partnerships in supporting skills development and strengthening the link between training and labour market needs.
On access to higher education, she urged prospective students to familiarise themselves with the funding support available through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
“If you are considering university or TVET college but are concerned about affordability, visit www.nsfas.org.za to establish whether you qualify. Applications for the 2027 academic year are still open and are expected to close on the 31st of October 2026. Do not assume that you will not qualify before checking the requirements,” she said.
READ | NSFAS receives over 868 000 applications for 2027 funding
Connecting young people to earning opportunities
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2020 to respond to youth unemployment.
At the centre of the intervention is the National Pathway Management Network (NPMN), which connects young people to information about jobs, internships, learnerships, apprenticeships and other earning opportunities through partnerships involving government, educational institutions, the private sector and civil society.
According to Mhlauli, the PYEI has facilitated access to more than 2.5 million earning opportunities, while more than 5.9 million young people are registered on SAYouth.mobi and over 5.36 million on Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA).
In the first quarter of 2026 alone, 155 161 new opportunities were created, with more than 70% accessed by young women.
“These figures demonstrate the scale of efforts to connect young people to economic participation. However, we recognise that more work remains to ensure that opportunities are accessible and lead to meaningful, sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
She shared the story of Adelia Njabulo Nqubuka, who registered on SAYouth.mobi and enrolled in a programme run by Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator.
Having started without established connections or business capital, Nqubuka developed her skills and gained experience before establishing her own construction company, a sector historically dominated by men.
“Her story demonstrates what can happen when opportunity meets initiative. Government can establish platforms, support programmes and build partnerships, but young people must also register, apply and pursue the opportunities available to them,” the Deputy Minister said.
Mhlauli encouraged unemployed young people to register on SAYouth.mobi, which is free and zero-rated on participating mobile networks. – SAnews.gov.za
