The Department of Employment and Labour is participating in the Youth Expo that took place last Friday, 4 July 2025, at Simson Sefuthi Hall in Botshabelo, Free State Province.

This initiative, was held in response to an invitation by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Hon. Seiso Mohai, for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Other invited Deputy Ministers were Hon. Pinky Kekana from Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), with the Premier of Free State, Letsoha-Mathae, including the Mangaung Metro Executive Mayor, Cllr. Gregory Nthatisi.

The event was organised over two days, with the first day paying oversight visits to Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo Industrial Parks, and later on there was a Youth In Business Dialogue.

On Friday, the event focused on the Grade 11s and 12s and the Premier and the Deputy Ministers delivered key messages to encourage the learner to focus on their studies and presented to them opportunities available to them after finishing their studies. 

This forms part of the Department's ongoing efforts to deliver essential services to local communities. The Department's presence at the event was led by Deputy Minister Ms. Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala.

Addressing the youth in attendance, Deputy Minister Nemadzinga-Tshabalala emphasised the importance of government interventions aimed at reducing youth unemployment and promoting inclusive economic participation. She noted that several impactful youth-focused initiatives are currently being implemented in the Free State, as part of a broader national strategy.

Among these, the NETCAMPUS programme has been nationally approved to benefit 4,000 young people. The first cohort of 2,000 participants completed training in 2023, while the second cohort began training on 1 May 2025. Of this group, 100 beneficiaries are from the Free State. The total investment in this initiative amounts to R396,116,000. Additionally, the Ubuntu Pro Solutions training programme began on 1 April 2025, supporting 100 young people in the province.

Furthering these efforts, the CYMBOL Consulting programme was launched on 2 June 2025. It is designed to support 5,100 beneficiaries nationwide, with 500 currently undergoing training in the Free State. Another initiative, Thotjha Trading, commenced on 9 June 2025 in Phuthaditjhaba. It has already begun training the first 300 of its approved 1,000 participants.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted recruitment efforts currently underway. The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is in the process of recruiting 50 young people each in Theunissen and Welkom. Meanwhile, NOVA College is engaging 25 participants each in Phuthaditjhaba and Welkom, and an additional 50 in Bloemfontein.

Looking ahead, several projects are planned for further implementation across the Free State. NOVA College will train 100 additional young people across Phuthaditjhaba, Welkom, and Bloemfontein. The Technology Innovation Agency is expected to reach another 100 youth between Theunissen and Welkom. The Free State Gambling Board, in partnership with the Free State Development Corporation (FDC), will lead a province-wide initiative aiming to recruit 6,500 individuals for training in plumbing, new venture creation, information technology, and quality management.

NTSeki Technologies will recruit 700 young people in Mangaung Metro and Lejweleputswa, offering training in plumbing, advanced security, and electrical engineering. Meanwhile, the Mining Development Agency plans to recruit 200 participants in Brandfort for training in poultry and crop farming.

The minister further informed the youth about the Compensation Fund Bursary Scheme that is aimed at helping qualifying young people who want to study at Universities, TVET Colleges and CET colleges fully funded.

“In the Free State, one hundred and sixty-five (165) young people are currently studying at universities, TVET colleges, and CET colleges fully funded- said Hon. Deputy Minister Nemadzinga."

Deputy Minister Nemadzinga-Tshabalala concluded by reaffirming the Department's commitment to empowering young people through accessible opportunities, practical skills development, and strong partnerships across the public and private sectors.

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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