The Gauteng Department of e-Government hosted a successful Youth Tech Expos on 07 February 2024. The expo was held at Naledi Community Hall in Soweto.
The Youth Tech Expos featured comprehensive ICT skills trainings, learning about the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, exploring career opportunities in the digital realm, connecting with industry experts and potential mentors, as well as discovering the latest advancements in cybersecurity and digital marketing. The expo also served as a platform for various opportunities, including internships, bursaries, ICT skills training, and employment for the youth.
The expos commenced in 2022 intending to assist the youth in Gauteng with various opportunities in the ICT field and open up employment opportunities through partnering with key stakeholders. So far, more than 100 young people have benefitted through the expos. The Department of e-Government MEC Mzi Khumalo expressed his enthusiasm for the success of the Youth Tech Expo.
“The Youth Tech Expo is a testament to our commitment to developing and empowering our youth in the Gauteng province. Through initiatives like these, we are creating a pathway for the next generation of tech leaders, ensuring that Gauteng remains at the forefront of innovation and progress. The collaboration with our esteemed partners further strengthens our collective impact to foster a brighter future for our youth”, said MEC Khumalo.
The expo also brought together key stakeholders, including BAM Telecoms, Netcampus, Nedbank, ITech Drone Kings, Vaal University Technology, Nemisa, WERSTA, IEC and the Gauteng Department of Treasury, who actively participated in creating an environment that promotes learning and skill development for the youth.
Bam Telecoms Marketing Officer Paballo Phetlho encouraged young people who were in attendance to register and join Bam Telecoms to benefit from the development processes offered by the organization.
“I would like to encourage all young people who are here today, to go out there and register to be part of Bam Telecoms. We play a very essential role in empowering young people to achieve their dreams. We offer coaching and mentorship, capacity building, training & and skills development, networking and linkages, together with market access and suppliers development opportunities”, said Paballo.
Thando Nxumalo a participant in the youth tech expo expressed her excitement about the expo.
“I am very happy to be here, and I would like to thank the Gauteng Department of e-Government for hosting such a useful event. I am here to learn a lot about opportunities that are available out there in the ICT industry. Career and entrepreneur opportunities. I am going to make all the information that I will have gathered to be very useful in building my career”, said Thando.