The Gauteng Department of e-Government hosted a tech expo to bring ICT opportunities to the youth in
Hundreds of young people attended a Youth Tech Expo hosted by the Gauteng Department of e-Government on Thursday, 20 January 2023.
The Tech Expo, held at Seshogong Secondary School in Olievenhoutbosch, was organized to contribute towards youth employment and youth entrepreneurship for the youth in Tshwane. Various companies in the business sector, partnered with the department to enable training and funding opportunities for the youth.
MEC for the Gauteng Department of e-Government, Research and Development and Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Mzi Khumalo, indicated that the expo was organized to empower the youth of Tshwane with career opportunities in the ICT sector, as well as to render assistance to SMME owners with funding opportunities.
“Our aim through this expo, is to assist you in developing your careers through opening up opportunities essential for your growth, whether in employment or entrepreneurship”, said MEC Mzi Khumalo.
The MEC also added that the Youth Tech Expo was hosted in order to educate the youth with key issues regarding the ICT sector and how they can go about starting their own businesses, alluding that knowledge plays a significant role in developing people.
“We are here to empower you with knowledge so that you can be educated and be aware of the various opportunities available for you out there. Knowledge plays a significant role in one’s development. You will be shocked that a number of people missed great opportunities in life because of lack of knowledge. Therefore, when your mind is empowered with the right knowledge, you will be able to make proper and informed decisions about your life”, said MEC Mzi Khumalo.
On the day, the youth were given advise on how to set up their companies to be eligible to do business with the government. They were also taught essential issues, such as financial wellness, managing a business, selecting a career in ICT as well as available ICT training.
The various companies that graced the event and joined hands in empowering the youth were; National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Enterprise Outsourcing Holdings (EOH), First National Bank (FNB), Microsoft, Nemisa, SoftStart, Assupol, Tshepo 1 million, W&R SETTA, and The Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP).
Khathu Ndou, a representative of NYDA, indicated that NYDA focuses on youth entrepreneurs who are just coming into existence and are beginning to display signs of future potential but are not yet fully developed.
Ndou encouraged the youth to register and join NYDA to get support and funding provided to young and upcoming entrepreneurs. .
“The NYDA no longer offers loan finance to young entrepreneurs, the agency provides financial support in the form of ‘micro-finance grants’ to young entrepreneurs and youth cooperatives. I would like to encourage those that are in attendance here today to start using this great opportunity offered by NYDA”, said Ndou.
Keneilwe Sebata was very excited to be at the expo and expressed that through the expo, she has been exposed to a lot of career opportunities.
“I am very happy to here today and I would like to thank the Gauteng Department of e- Government for hosting such a useful event. I have learnt a lot about opportunities that are available out there especially in the ICT industry. Opportunities such as starting my own business, bursaries that are available, and internships together with training opportunities in the ICT sector” said Keneilwe Sebata.
Source: Government of South Africa