NPOs host career and business expo for Kathorus youth
“I have learnt that as a businessman, networking and collaborations are vital and to be clear on what you need from stakeholders.”
Tsohang Youth Project (TYP) and Business4success (B4S) partnered to host a career and business expo for the youth at Katlehong Family Skills Centre, located at 555 Moseu Street, Tsolo Section, Katlehong, on September 27.
The founder of B4S, Isaac Mavuso, said the idea is for people to get information from different institutions on what they do and how the youth can take advantage of some of those opportunities.
“If you look at the recent spike of unemployment even people with qualifications are struggling. They are in corners asking for jobs. There are a lot of people who do not even have qualifications.
“Another thing we promote is that if you are still young, be encouraged to go back to school. For example, we had Ekurhuleni West College as part of our expo. They have a programme whereby if people are doing full-time school work, they have access to apply for NSFAS or funding,” said Mavuso.
He encouraged youth to fasten their belts for now so that they are sorted for life.
Other stakeholders part of the event include Tsepo 1million, GEP, African Bank, Rosebank College, Eastc, Tfc, Saist, Nyda, Unisa, Department of Labour, Alok, Gcis, FNB, E-learning, Siyafunda, Damelin, Bee Foundation, EWC, Mofaya, Prone, Wisek, and Katkiddo fashion.
One of the young stars who took the opportunity to attend is Mpumelelo Mbalula an artist, motivator and facilitator known as Squaredeye Barz from Katlehong. He said the event was properly planned – the stage feel was amazing and the sound and the microphones were on point.
“I have learnt that as a businessman, networking and collaborations are vital, be clear on what you need from stakeholders,” said Mbalula.
“I would motivate all upcoming entrepreneurs and youth to never sleep on their dreams. Take charge, visit workshops attend events like the career expo because your brand will be exposed to bigger brands and stakeholders.”
The founder of TYP, Moses Gama, explained that a wise man once said a creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.
“Hence, they come together with Mavuso and others to remind the SMEs and job seekers that a sustainable solution is to teach a man to fish, and you would have fed him for a lifetime.”
The event also focused on the issue of drug and alcohol abuse that is ruining youth’s futures.
Gama said they have made a call for adequately resourced inpatient treatment centres and halfway houses within our townships and rural areas. He urged them to at least contribute a minimum of R150 monthly pledge or once off towards building a drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation centre with a halfway house.
Mavuso said the event went well and they are estimating that 300 people attended, excluding the stakeholders.
He said the idea culminated from his experience of being a speaker in many career expos but mainly in areas like Thembisa, Daveyton and other areas.
“I thought of doing something in Kathorus but for out of school and working young people because most of the career expos are held in schools. If we only focus on students we would be turning our backs on the huge pull of young people who are out of work and need some guidance.
“We had one in Vosloorus on August 27. The idea is to have four in the Kathorus area. We had another one in Katlehong and are planning to host the two remaining in Zonkizizwe and Thokoza.”
He said hosting the two events was a challenge as there were a lot of postponements and renegotiating.
“Remember, these are free events are made out of zero budget, but we tried to put together stakeholders and find people who can support with catering.”
