The Gauteng E-Government hosted a vibrant Youth Tech Expo at the Halala Community Centre in Soshanguve, Block H, aimed at empowering young people in the ICT sector. Speaking about the expo, the Media Liaising Officer at the MEC’s office, Mr. Neo Goba, outlined the goals and impact of the initiative.
“This event is part of our broader strategy across Gauteng’s five corridors. We specifically chose Tshwane, particularly Soshanguve and Mabopane, due to the high unemployment rates in these areas,” Goba explained. “We saw this as an opportunity to assist young workers, especially those who are unemployed, by exposing them to opportunities within the ICT and tech sectors.”
Led by MEC Bonginkosi Dhlamini, the Department of E-Government is championing initiatives to equip South African youth with skills to thrive in the tech industry.
“Our focus is to bring opportunities directly to the youth,” said Goba. “Take, for instance, the market for fixing cell phones—an industry often dominated by individuals from other countries, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh. “We are saying to the SA youth this is your opportunity to be in the ICT and tech sectors.”
The initiative aims to upskill unemployed youth, providing them with practical knowledge and the tools needed to participate in the growing tech economy.
“Our goal is to empower South Africans to reclaim this sector,” Goba emphasised. “By skilling our young people, we not only give them a livelihood but also foster a sense of ownership in industries where they have traditionally been underrepresented.”
The Youth Tech Expo featured workshops, skills training, and networking opportunities tailored to help attendees unlock potential careers in ICT and related fields. It also sought to inspire attendees to take advantage of available resources to secure a brighter future.
This initiative highlights the Department of E-Government’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment while fostering local talent in the digital economy.
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/1ZYgjJDwpIY
