Opinion
MORE than 4,000 Grade 12 learners from across the John Taolo Gaetsewe District are set to converge in Mothibistad this week for one of the province’s largest youth empowerment initiatives — Phunya Tsela 2025.
The third annual Phunya Tsela Career Expo, taking place on June 24-25 at the Thabo Moorosi Multipurpose Centre, is more than just an event — it’s a catalyst for change. Aptly named Phunya Tsela, meaning “Pave the Way”, the expo is designed to connect rural learners with life-changing opportunities in education, training, and the world of work.
Held during Youth Month and ahead of South Africa’s hosting of the 2025 G20 Summit, the event echoes the national call for inclusive growth and youth development — ensuring that rural youth are not left behind in the fast-changing global economy.
The programme will bring together learners from 32 high schools, offering them access to career exhibitions, bursary guidance, and entrepreneurship workshops. This year’s expo is backed by a powerful coalition of partners including government departments, civil society, and major mining houses — demonstrating what’s possible when the public and private sectors collaborate.
“We are not just investing in career exhibitions — we are investing in the futures of young people who will one day contribute to South Africa’s economy and global competitiveness,” said representatives from the initiative’s partners. “Our commitment goes beyond compliance — it is about building sustainable communities.”
The two-day event promises a dynamic line-up of activities:
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Career exhibitions
hosted by TVET colleges, universities, SETAs, and corporate partners
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“Funding Navigator” stations
offering learners practical support on bursaries and applications
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Skills and entrepreneurship workshops
to equip youth with tools that can be applied in both self-employment and formal employment.
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Sports, Arts, and Culture activations
, including the new Sports F.A.M.E. Education Hall
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) agency has thrown its support behind the initiative, aligning it with South Africa’s G20 priorities of education equity, youth employability, and community-driven development. Recognised as a grassroots model of inclusive growth, Phunya Tsela is seen as a national blueprint for impact in under-resourced areas.
As the Northern Cape celebrates Youth Month, Phunya Tsela 2025 stands as a bold reminder of what can be achieved when communities, companies, and government pave the way together — for a future where no child is held back because of where they live.
* The initiative is backed by a strong coalition of partners, including the Northern Cape Department of Education, GCIS, John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust, Assmang Khumani Mine, Assmang Black Rock Mine Operations, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining, Kudumane Manganese Resources (KMR), SIOC Community Development Trust, and the Kasi Career Expo.
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