The Department of Employment and Labour proudly participated in the Interdepartmental Career Choice Expo held at Spamplek Sports Ground in Daggakraal, where government and key stakeholders came together to guide learners on future career pathways. The event, led by the Department of Basic Education, formed part of Freedom Month and School Democracy Month commemorations on Friday, 17 April 2026.

Addressing a gathering of learners, Deputy Minister Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala highlighted the urgency of expanding access to economic opportunities, particularly as the country marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 student uprising. The year of “golden jubilee" putting young South Africans to work. she highlighted the need to translate historical reflection into tangible outcomes for young South Africans.

“The Career Expo is more than just an event; it is a platform that connects young people to real opportunities, skills development and pathways into the world of work," she said.

Deputy Minister Nemadzinga-Tshabalala outlined the department's evolving role, that its mandate goes beyond regulations to actively promoting decent work and supporting job creation. Through initiatives such as job placement services, skills development programmes and the Labour Activation Programme (LAP), the department aims to equip young people with practical, employable skills.

Her address formed part of a broader oversight programme across Mpumalanga, where she engaged with both educational institutions and labour centres to assess service delivery and support interventions. The visit began at George Hofmeyr Special School in Standerton, followed by an oversight visit at the Standerton Labour Centre, before proceeding to Osizweni Special School in Secunda, within the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality.

These school visits were conducted under the Department's Giving Back to School initiative, which seeks to engage directly with school management, educators and support staff to better understand institutional challenges. As part of the outreach, the Deputy Minister distributed school shoes to learners, an initiative aimed at restoring dignity and boosting learner confidence.

Attention then shifted to the Secunda Labour Centre, which had been temporarily closed on 14 April 2026 following reported complaints. Meeting with management, the Deputy Minister assessed the underlying issues and initiated measures to restore operations. The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery within labour centres.

The oversight programme concluded at the Piet Retief Labour Centre, where operational conditions were further evaluated through engagements with management.

This week engagements reflect a coordinated government effort to bridge the gap between education and employment, while addressing service delivery challenges and advancing youth participation in the labour market.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za

                                                                                                                                                     -ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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