In a spirited address at the Youth in Action Expo, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli delivered a powerful clarion call to the nation’s young people, urging them to actively leverage the array of government programmes designed to unlock pathways to education, skills development, meaningful employment, and entrepreneurial success. Speaking to a vibrant crowd of students, job-seekers, and young innovators gathered at the expo, Mhlauli emphasized that the tools for transformation are already in place—but they require proactive engagement from the very generation poised to inherit the country’s future.
“Opportunity does not knock twice,” Mhlauli declared, her voice cutting through the hum of the exhibition hall. “Our government has established numerous initiatives, from bursary schemes and vocational training to small-business funding and digital skills bootcamps. These are not just posters on a wall—they are lifelines. But young people must step forward, ask questions, and claim their space in this economy.” She highlighted specific programmes, including the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention and the National Skills Fund, encouraging attendees to visit the various government stalls at the expo to register and access tailored support.
The Deputy Minister also took a moment to challenge the private sector and civil society to deepen their partnerships with state initiatives, stressing that youth empowerment is a collective responsibility that cannot be left to government alone. Her remarks struck a resonant chord with the audience, many of whom shared personal stories of navigating the difficult transition from education to the workforce.
As the expo buzzed with networking, workshops, and career exhibitions, Mhlauli’s message stood clear: the future belongs to those who prepare for it today. With determination in her tone, she reminded the youth that their energy, creativity, and resilience are South Africa’s most valuable untapped resources. The time to act, she insisted, is now.
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