City wraps up Youth Expo at Nasrec
22 June 2016
For 10 days, several City of Johannesburg entities and departments participated in the Gauteng Provincial Government’s Youth Expo to mark the 40th anniversary of Youth Month and to empower the youth with information that could enhance their lives.
The expo opened on Friday June 10 and wound up on Sunday June 19.
During the exhibition, young people had the opportunity to closely learn about internships, learnerships and bursaries available in City entities such as the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo as well as the Department of Health and Social Department.
EMS Spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said the expo was an opportunity for the youth to learn about various careers in the entity.
“Most people only know about the firefighting part of EMS. But we actually have careers such as fire safety management, call taking, dispatching, etc. The past 10 days were an opportunity to showcase these careers,” said Mulaudzi.
He added that more than 5 000 young people visited the EMS stand since the beginning of the expo. Twenty-two-year-old Ralph Mahlaba of Senaoane, Soweto, said the exhibition was an eye-opener.
“I’ve been attending the expo since Tuesday until today (Sunday June 19). I’ve gathered a lot of information from the Jozi@Work-Vulindlel’ eJozi stand on how to start a business or a co-operative.
“My immediate plan is to open innovation parks around Soweto by using the empty spaces. I’ve gained a lot of information. So, from tomorrow, I’m starting work,” said Mahlaba.
Benedict Mashopa of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, which is driving the City's R150-million Vulindlel' eJozi Programme, said more than 250 youths were registered for employment and empowerment opportunities under the initiative. Asamkele Zimu, 27, of Roodepoort, was one of the young people who visited the expo.
“I’ve visited a few stands. I got information about how to get started in business when I went to the Jozi@Work-Vulindlel’ eJozi stand.
“I think it’s good that the City shed some light on career opportunities that are there for the youth because most of them don’t know there is a wide range of careers to choose from in the City. “Events like this are helpful. When you are here, you even get to see people who are running their own businesses and you can get help on how to start your own,” she said.