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

On 6 June 2019 the City of Johannesburg Social Development Department hosted a youth skills development expo aimed at providing young people with information about various career opportunities. With over a third of the City's population being under the age of 35, prioritizing youth development is important for the future success of the City.

Soweto Theatre was a hype of activity as over 600 young people from the City's 7 regions attended the youth skills development expo. Organizations from both the public and private sector took the opportunity to engage with the youth on available job and skills training opportunities.

The youth skills development expo started with a panel discussion, where various organizations 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 “the event was very helpful in providing me with information on how to access job opportunities. This type of events must be integrated at schools so that we choose the right subjects for careers"

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

ENDS

Issued by the City of Joburg

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