POLOKWANE – The Peter Mokaba Stadium was the centre of a significant National Youth and Career Exhibition held on Sunday, coinciding with national Youth Day.

The event was graced by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Mayor John Mpe, who addressed the gathering in a vibrant venue tent, pledging government support for the youth.

Outside the tent, numerous young attendees queued for guidance and opportunities from youth government organisations, which highlighted the urgent need for even short-term employment through the Expanded Public Works Programme to achieve financial stability.

Many youths travelled from across the province, eager to register with the Employment and Labour, Higher Education and Training departments and institutions of higher learning, hoping for future assistance.

The event’s atmosphere echoed the spirit of June 16, 1976, a historic day when black learners protested against Bantu education amid racial segregation. This parallel drew attention to the ongoing struggles for equality and opportunity.

Statistics SA reports that youths aged 15 to 34 account for 45.5% of unemployment in the first quarter of 2024, with 32.7% of Limpopo residents unemployed. Among those commemorating the day was Mahlatse Maifo (26), dressed in her local school’s uniform.

An aspiring social worker, Maifo hoped the National Youth Development Agency (Nyda) would fund her non-profit organisation, which supports the poor and abused in her village.

Nyda, with offices in the CBD, assists with job preparation, placement, scholarship provision and guidance for second-chance matriculation, among other services. The agency also aids in applying for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

Under the theme ‘Actively Embracing the Socio-Economic Gains of Democracy’ Mashatile, in his keynote address, lamented the high youth unemployment rate, emphasising the need for economic inclusion.

“We must include young people in discussions that influence their current and future growth. We are aware of the challenges the youth face, such as poverty, poor mental health, social inequality, and high levels of unemployment. We must not lose sight of empowering young people economically. Economic growth and transformation, and job creation have been at the forefront of the six administrations’ programmes,” Mashatile remarked.