GUGULETHU MHLONGO
DURBAN – the eThekwini Municipality today, kick started its Youth Employability Indaba Expo. The aim of the expo is to provide learners from various schools within the city of Durban and surrounding areas. With a platform to learn about skills training opportunities that will enable them to secure employment or empower them them in operating their own businesses.
The two day event that concludes tomorrow, 21 May 2025. Is taking place at the Chief Albert Luthuli Convention Centre at the ICC in Durban.
Speaking on behalf of, the Department of Social Welfare, Mrs. Puna Mkhize. Advised the learners of programs and skills training that the department offers. These include a six months program where youth receive various training. Character building activities and they are linked to various institutions such as the NYDA, where they are assisted with their business registration. In the instance where they are unable to find employment. As a means of assisting them with generating their own income, they are given tools to help operate their businesses. They are also awarded a certificate as the skills training is accredited.
The department also runs a youth camps and initiatives aimed at uplifting school dropouts, rehabilitation centres for those who have been exposed to substance abuse and victims of teenage pregnancy. Where they are integrated back to their communities, emotionally healed and empowered with skill to help them secure employment or run their own small businesses.
The youth were also educated on the importance of digital literacy, in coding, data analysis, the use of AI and robotics. Mr. Sandile Mahlanga from Microsoft gave a projection on careers that are going to become obsolete in the next five years. As they are going to be taken over by digital technology. These include, financial accounting, law and medicine.
Dr. Sandile Mbatha, the Chief Solitions Officer of SM Digital. Added that the use of digital technology will solve important social issues. Such as where there is a shortage of mathematics teachers. An AI tutor can be used to teach learners mathematics at interphase level.
Other organisations in attendance today included Elangeni TVET College, represented by, Mr. Muzi Mashozi. Mr. Innocent Duma from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Mr. Michael Zulu, from the Durban University of Technology. Learners were advised to do their due diligence in researching on skills that are in demand in order to apply for courses that are more likely to secure them employment. They were also encouraged to apply early with the CAO office at R250 or a R450 fee for late registrations. To apply for NSFAS if they come from a home where the over houdehold income is R350,000 or less per annum. Learners were encouraged to work diligently towards attaining academic results of an aggregate of 50% and above, for mathematics and languages. As well as points above 28, for 6 subjects excluding Life Orientation which should also reflect a good mark.
Learners were spoiled to a live performance by musician, Gudaazi and the events Program Director was Tee Xaba from Durbans, East Coast Radio.