VEREENIGING — In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at inspiring local youth, the St James Development Organisation recently hosted its first-ever Career Expo in Vereeniging.

The event welcomed professionals from a wide range of industries including Communications, Medicine, Education, Safety and Risk Management, Brand Marketing, Accounting and Auditing, and Tourism with the goal of exposing young people to diverse career opportunities.

The objective of the expo was to show young attendees that their background does not define their future. By introducing them to professionals who come from similar communities and have achieved success in various fields, the event sought to inspire hope and ambition.

Each guest speaker was given a time slot to share their personal and professional journeys, including their academic paths and how they carved out sustainable careers.

Speakers emphasised that today’s youth are fortunate to have a vast array of career options available to them and encouraged them to explore these opportunities boldly.

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager and Communications Specialist Palesa Modisane, urged young people to work hard and remain committed to their dreams. She also highlighted the role of community support in her own life.

“I owe my success to my family, my church, and my community,” Modisane said.

“I remember times when even though my family couldn’t afford transportation, members of the church stepped in to ensure I got to school or interviews. That’s what a true community does.”

She reinforced the timeless African saying that a child is raised not only by their parents but by the community as a whole.

Other speakers encouraged youth to explore non-traditional career paths, particularly those who may struggle with subjects like mathematics and science. They emphasised that success is still within reach, even for those who don’t follow conventional academic routes.

The panel of fifteen professionals made a lasting impression on both the youth and parents in attendance, opening their eyes to the endless possibilities.

Lindiwe Sebaya, one of the event organisers, expressed her hope that the expo would plant seeds of ambition and determination in the next generation:

“We wanted to give our youth the kind of information we wish we had back in high school. Each guest brought their unique life story, including the obstacles they overcame to reach success. These stories reminded us that while every journey has its struggles, those struggles can become stepping stones to something greater. We believe our youth will benefit immensely from the tools and insights shared at this event.”

The event also included a one-on-one session where attendees could engage directly with the professionals, ask specific questions about fields of interest, and receive guidance on what to study and which institutions to consider.