VAAL EMPOWAYOUTH WEEK 2026 PUTS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AT THE CENTRE OF YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

By Keitumetse Rampoporo

• ⁠SETA leaders unite to bridge the gap between training and employment, positioning skills development as a direct pathway to real economic opportunities for young people.
• ⁠Emerging sectors such as ICT, insurance, mining, and retail highlighted as high-growth career spaces, with over 240 career pathways identified in some industries.
• ⁠Strong call for entrepreneurship, digital skills, and lifelong learning, encouraging youth to leverage short courses, learnerships, and bursaries to stay competitive in a changing economy.

As South Africa faces persistent challenges of youth unemployment, Vaal EmpowaYouth Week 2026 emerges as a dynamic platform offering practical solutions. The initiative prioritises skills development, innovation, and collaboration to unlock real economic opportunities for young people.

Vaal EmpowaYouth Week 2026 continues to place a strong spotlight on the critical role of skills development in addressing youth unemployment, as Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) leaders engage in a high-level conversation on bridging the gap between training and employment opportunities. The programme continues until Friday.
The session, facilitated by Ms Ayanda Mafuleka CA(SA), brought together CEOs from key SETAs, including:
•⁠ ⁠Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET),
•⁠ ⁠Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA),
•⁠ ⁠Media, Information and Communication Technologies SETA (MICT SETA),
•⁠ ⁠Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA), and
•⁠ ⁠Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA).
The discussion formed part of the broader EmpowaYouth platform, which continues to position itself as a results-driven intervention aimed at transitioning young people from training into meaningful economic participation.

Expanding Access Through Skills and Innovation

SETA leaders emphasised the dynamic transformation of South Africa’s economy, noting that it is essential for young people to develop pertinent, forward-looking skills to remain competitive. Matome Madibana, representing the ICT sector, emphasised the growing importance of digital competencies across industries.
“Information and communication technology cuts across every sector of the economy. Whether it is mining, finance, or retail, digital skills are no longer optional; they are essential,” he said.
He encouraged young people to explore opportunities in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and mobile device repair, noting that short, practical programmes offered through SETAs and TVET colleges provide quicker pathways into the economy.

Beyond Traditional Career Paths

From the wholesale and retail sector, Tom Mkhwanazi challenged common misconceptions about limited career opportunities.
“Our research shows that the wholesale and retail sector alone has over 240 career pathways. It is not just about working in a shop; there are opportunities in logistics, data analysis, store design, finance, and many more,” he explained.

He further emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship, encouraging young people to start and grow their own businesses, particularly within the informal sector, which remains a key driver of employment in South Africa.

Financial Skills as a Foundation for Growth

Speaking from the finance and accounting perspective, Ayanda Mafuleka underscored the importance of financial literacy and professional skills across all sectors.
“Every sector needs a finance professional. Whether it is a small business or a large corporation, there is always a need for bookkeeping, auditing, and financial planning,” she said.
She also urges the growth of black-owned auditing and consulting firms, encouraging young people to collaborate, build enterprises, and create employment opportunities rather than rely solely on traditional job markets.

Unlocking Opportunities in Insurance and Mining

Representing the insurance sector, Gugu Mkhize described insurance as a critical but often overlooked career path.
“Insurance is about financial planning and managing risk. It offers diverse career opportunities, from actuarial science to financial planning and brokerage, and many of these skills are in short supply in South Africa,” she noted.

Meanwhile, Dr Thabo Mashongoane highlighted the broad scope of opportunities within the mining sector.
“Mining is not just about gold and diamonds. It underpins infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing. From jewellery design to green energy minerals, the sector continues to evolve and create new opportunities,” he said.
He also emphasises that technical and vocational training is vital, pointing out that countries with strong economies invest heavily in developing artisan and technical skills.

A Call for Continuous Learning

A prominent theme emerged during the discussion: lifelong learning matters. Leaders from SETA encourage young people to embrace micro-credentials and short courses to stay competitive in a rapidly changing job market. They also highlight the accessible platforms, learnerships, internships, and bursary opportunities SETAs offer, urging young people to identify and leverage these resources proactively.

Strengthening Coordination for Greater Impact

The session reinforced the importance of stronger coordination between government, industry, and training institutions to ensure that skills development translates into real opportunities.

There is consensus that, despite numerous programmes, their effectiveness relies on strategic alignment, robust implementation, and access to essential resources such as funding, job placement, and market opportunities. As Vaal EmpowaYouth Week 2026 progresses, efforts remain focused on developing a coordinated, scalable model to connect young people with concrete opportunities. The collaboration between SETAs and the Department of Social Development demonstrates a strong commitment to transforming South Africa’s youth development landscape, facilitating the transition from training to meaningful economic participation for young people.

In summary, continued partnerships and targeted interventions aim to create a more inclusive youth economy. By focusing on practical skills development and coordinated support, the initiative strives to ensure that these efforts lead to tangible employment and growth opportunities for young people in South Africa.
The five-day engagement concludes on Friday, 24 April 2025, in Sebokeng, Vaal, Gauteng, marking a pivotal moment in advancing South Africa’s youth skills development agenda.