Tech expo in Bronkhorstspruit empowers the youth

The Gauteng Department of e-Government hosted a technology expo to bring information and communication technology (ICT) opportunities to the youth in Bronkhorstspruit at Zithobeni Community Hall.

The department organised the expo to contribute to youth employment and entrepreneurship for youths in Bronkhorstspruit. Various companies in the business sector partnered with the department to enable the youths’ training and funding opportunities.

The deputy director general (DDG) for corporate management at the Gauteng Department of e-Government, research and development, Phelokazi Ntanjana, said the expo aimed to empower the youth of Gauteng with career opportunities in the ICT sector and help the small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMME) owners with funding opportunities.

Ntanjana said, “Our aim through this expo is to assist you in developing your careers through opening up opportunities essential for your growth, whether in employment or entrepreneurship.”

The DDG also said they hosted the Youth Tech Expo to educate the youth on key issues regarding the ICT sector and how they can become responsible citizens by shaping their futures, alluding that knowledge and technology play a significant role in developing people.

Ntanjana emphasised the pervasive influence of technology, saying it is central to everything humans do and shapes modern systems.

“We are here to empower you with knowledge so you can be educated and aware of the various opportunities available for you out there.

“Knowledge plays a significant role in one’s development. More so in today’s world. Technology is not just a tool but a fundamental driver of change, influencing how we work, learn, and interact with the world around us.

“Therefore, to be a better person, you also need to evolve with the times, so I urge you to listen to all the presentations by various stakeholders and act so you can become better versions of yourselves,” said Ntanjana.

On the day, the youth learnt how to set up their companies to be eligible for doing business with the government.
They learnt essential issues, such as financial wellness, managing a business, selecting a career in ICT and available ICT training.

The various stakeholders to empower the youth were BAM Telecoms, Sedibeng Municipality, W&R Seta, Vaal University of Technology, Human Capital Learning Solutions, Gauteng City Region Academy, Providence Software Solutions, Sponge In, MTN Huawei and the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa.

Phike Ramashila, a representative of the Huawei ICT Academy, said the educational institution focuses and is committed to empowering the youth with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

“Through our free online courses, we aim to equip young people with the tools to innovate, create, and lead in the digital age,” said Ramashila.

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Ramashila encouraged the youth to take advantage of the academy’s services and interact further with all the other stakeholders to acquire and be empowered with information as much as possible.

Mpho Mkhwanazi (23) was excited to be at the expo and said it exposed her to many career opportunities.

Mkhwanazi said, “I am happy to be here today, and I thank the Gauteng Department of e-Government for hosting such a useful event.

“I have learnt a lot about the opportunities available out there, especially in the ICT industry. Opportunities such as starting my own business, bursaries that are available, and internships, together with training opportunities in the ICT sector.”