Youth Tech Expo empowers West Rand students
Young people from across the West Rand gathered in Kagiso for a two-day Youth Tech Expo, gaining digital skills, career insights, and access to internships and funding opportunities.
Chief Mogale Hall was abuzz with innovation and opportunity as young people from across the West Rand gathered for the two-day Youth Tech Expo, hosted by the Gauteng Department of e-Government.
The expo, held on February 5 and 6, aimed to equip young people with critical digital skills while opening doors to career opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
According to the department’s spokesperson, Sithembiso Ndlovu, the expo focuses on empowering young people to use technology for economic inclusion, social impact, e-Waste management, and job creation. Central to the programme was a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital platforms, highlighting practical ways for young people to generate income, build sustainable careers, and remain competitive in a technology-driven world.
Speaking at the expo, Gauteng Department of e-Government Chief of Staff Wiseman Simelane said the initiative is designed to prepare young people for the realities of the digital economy.
“The expo is about equipping young people with practical digital skills and connecting them to real opportunities. We want young people to see technology as a tool for economic inclusion, innovation, and job creation,” Wiseman said.
The expo also provided access to internships, bursaries, and business funding, with partner organisations sharing information on programmes available within their sectors.
Thato Molefe, one of the participants, said the expo broadened her understanding of digital opportunities.
“I’ve always thought technology was only for people with advanced degrees, but this expo showed me that there are many entry points. I now understand how I can use digital platforms to start earning an income and even build a business,” Thato said.
Another participant, Siyabonga Ndlovu, welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with potential employers and funders.
“What stands out for me is the access to internships, bursaries, and funding information all in one place. Meeting organisations that are willing to support young people gives me hope that there is a future for us in the digital space,” Siyabonga elaborated.
Participating partners included GREYCODE, Creators Ark, Fundi, Harambee, NEMISA, and FNB South Africa, among others.
