SABYA-NMJF Career Expo 2025
The South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA) in partnership with the Nkosi Minenkulu Joyi Foundation (NMJF) and Kgosi Mabe-O-Molopyane Foundation (KMMF) proudly presented the Annual NextGen Career Expo – North West Edition on 31 January 2025.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela delivered the keynote address at the Career Expo at Rakoko Secondary School, Mabeskraal (North West)
The Annual NextGen Career Expo, North West Edition is a platform to provide crucial career guidance and information on education, skills, and career opportunities available in different sectors. This important event aims to empower young people by bringing relevant career information to them, enabling their career choices, and setting them up for success.
Deputy Minister Manamela was joined by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Honorable Mmapaseka Steve Letsike. Other speakers were from the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, the South African Centre for Digital Languages Resources (SADiLaR), ESKOM, NECSA and the University of Johannesburg to mention a few.
There were 40 participating exhibitors which include various SETAs, the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, Orbit TVET College, UNISA, Standard Bank, IRT Training, NYDA, North West Aviators and Mahlopi Metals Group to mention a few.
The South African government is building a strong economy by encouraging the development of scarce skills in particular, and a key consideration is required by learners to plan their futures by acquiring specific skills and occupations that South Africa needs to grow its economy. It is thus critical for stakeholders to actively participate in ensuring that information is disseminated to help advance their lives.
The Annual NextGen Career Expo – North West Edition aims to bridge the gap between aspiring professionals and industry leaders by providing a platform for high school learners to explore various career paths. The expo will raise awareness of available opportunities, motivate students, and instill hope, particularly for those coming from rural communities. By connecting them with potential employers, educational institutions, and mentors, we aim to empower them with the knowledge and resources necessary to succeed in their chosen careers.
“NextGen” reflects an innovative approach to motivating learners to explore diverse career paths. The primary target audience for the Annual NextGen Career Expo 2025 consisted of 1500 high school learners from Grade 9 to Grade 12 within the Dinaledi Circuit. The high schools targeted were Rakoko, Rantlaka, Semetsa, Malefo, St Anne’s, Kalafi, Herman Thebe, and Moefi. The main subjects in these schools are Mathematics, Science, History, Agriculture, Tourism, Consumer Studies, and Geography, and aim was to provide them with comprehensive career guidance and opportunities to explore various educational and professional pathways.
The Expo was well attended by the learners, community members and leaders, parents, and organisations.
The objectives of the career expo:
- Create a platform for learners to explore various education, skills and career opportunities.
- Encourage learners to consider exploring occupations in high demand locally and internationally.
- Facilitate direct interactions between learners and industry professionals to learn about industry trends.
