Career expo ignites pathways to employment for disadvantaged pupils

The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) was abuzz with energy as hundreds of grade 12 pupils from over 50 township and rural schools across eThekwini gathered for the Youth Employability Indaba and Career Expo.

The conference is a bold intervention aimed at tackling youth unemployment and bridging the critical skills gap.

The venue was transformed into a powerhouse of opportunity, connecting young people to real career pathways, in-demand skills, and future-focused industries in an ever-evolving digital world.

Hosted by the eThekwini Municipality, on Thursday and Friday, May 28 and May 29, the indaba brought together a dynamic mix of government, private sector leaders, higher learning institutions, digital companies, and industry experts, all committed to equipping learners with career guidance, digital exposure, scarce skills knowledge, and access to bursary opportunities.

Participating organisations actively showcased their services and engaged directly with pupils, providing hands-on exposure to real-world opportunities and practical career pathways.

Delivering a keynote address on behalf of Mayor Cyril Xaba, the chairperson of the Governance and Human Resources Committee, Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, underscored the urgency of preparing young people for a rapidly changing world of work.

“The world of work is changing rapidly due to technology, artificial intelligence and automation. This platform equips pupils to prepare for their future careers,” he said.

He emphasised that, at a time when youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge, such initiatives are critical in addressing the skills mismatch by aligning young people with industry needs and emerging opportunities.

“This initiative ensures that every pupil, including pupils with disabilities, has access to information, support, and opportunities,” shared Cllr Madlala.

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Held under the theme: ‘Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Rural and Township Schools’, the indaba placed young people, particularly those from underserved communities, at the centre of opportunity, empowerment, and informed career decision-making.

Through high-impact engagements, exhibitions, and expert-led sessions, pupils were equipped with vital insights into career choices, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and the skills needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.

For many pupils, who attended the Indaba and Career Expo, the experience was life-changing.

A pupil, Thabile Meyiwa from Singele High School in Mfume, reflected: “This has opened my eyes to opportunities I never knew existed. I now have hope, direction, and a clearer understanding of the skills I need to succeed. It has inspired me to believe in my future.”

This symposium stands as a catalyst for change, igniting ambition, expanding horizons, and empowering a generation to rise beyond barriers and shape their own future.