Deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa convened the sixth Soweto Youth Development Expo on Saturday this past weekend.
The expo which was attended by more than 6000 pupils from schools in and around Soweto was held at the University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus.
Ramaphosa was accompanied by 10 other cabinet ministers and deputy ministers. The expo was aimed at bringing career opportunities closer to Grade 11 and 12 pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
It was focused on careers, study opportunities, funding for businesses and funding opportunities for post matric studying. More than 60 companies supported the expo. Various government departments and agencies were exhibiting on the day.
They were providing young people with information regarding university funding and other opportunities available for them after completing their matric.
Delivering his keynote address, Ramaphosa said South Africa has become a land of opportunities and it is important for young people to take those opportunities.
“It is important for you as young people to take up these opportunities and utilise them effectively and advance your lives going forward. Another important thing is to always be focused on your dreams and your careers,” said Ramaphosa to pupils who filled the Imbizo Hall.
The deputy president said the expo was inspired more than anything by the fact that young people in this country are hungry for success, for progress and for education.
Gauteng Department of Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi assured pupils that his department will make sure that all resources needed for their education will be made available.
Pupils were given a chance to ask questions directly to the deputy president and ministers and have them answered right there.
Other ministers who attended the expo and interacted with young people include Small Business minister Lindiwe Zulu, minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services Siyabonga Cwele and deputy minister for Higher Education Mduduzi Manana to name just a few.
Manana spoke extensively about the importance of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and encouraged pupils to consider them as an alternative to universities.
This was the biggest of the six expos thus far according to the deputy president.
