​Soweto Theatre was a hive of activity as over 600 youth from the City of Johannesburg's seven regions attended the youth skills development expo this week.

One of the challenges the City faces is the large youth unemployment that currently stands at about 40%. The City is the driving force behind South Africa's economy. Ensuring that the City reaches 5% economic growth by 2021 that reduces unemployment, inequality and poverty is a top priority for Joburg.

The City's Social Development Department hosted the expo on June 6 aimed at providing the youth with information about various development opportunities. With over a third of the City's population being under the age of 35, prioritising youth development is important for the future success of the City.

Humphrey Rikhotso from the City's Skills Development Unit said that events such as the youth skills development expo are also important in ensuring that the youth stay away from bad things such as crime and drugs.

“The high rate of unemployment among the youth and lack of adequate skills development opportunities are some of the contributing factors of social ills," said Rikhotso.

Organisations from both the public and private sector took the opportunity to engage with the youth on possible job and skills training opportunities they have available.

The expo started with a panel discussion, where various organisations gave the youth information on how to access resources to start business. Some of the topics covered in the panel discussion was financing, how to write a business plan and how to access mentorship opportunities.

One of the young people who attended the event, Sindiswa Gumede, said: “It was very helpful in providing me with information on how to access job opportunities. This type of event must be integrated at schools so that we choose the right subjects for careers."

As part of the City's initiative to provide young people with work and skills opportunity, it has a Skills Development Unit that runs youth centres that give career advice, provide the youth with access to internet and printing services. The City also offers bursaries, internship and EPWP opportunities to the youth.