Ntambanana matrics were instructed in the many higher learning options awaiting them at the Thursday’s career Expo. Hosted by the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone ( RBIDZ), in partnership with Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), the Expo outlined opportunities afforded to youth through their initiatives.

These includes back-to-school programmes, bursaries to purse tertiary studies as well as internships and learnerships once they have completed tertiary studies. In attendance we the CEO of MISA, RBIDZ Board members, as well as leadership from Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), the City of uMhlathuze and King Cetshwayo District Municipality and community leaders.

During his address, RBIDZ CEO Thabane Zulu highlighted skills and entrepreneurship development, including incubation programme aimed in supporting youth with start-ups for their businesses. He encouraged pupils to choose careers wisely, focusing on scarce ‘STEMS’ courses.

Zulu noted that the RBIDZ has investors seeking unique skills for their projects, and the future depends on youngsters for new talent that will drive industrialization and labour. “The “RBIDZ projects are not hypothetical, but practical drivers of the South African economy and are by their nature attuned to stimulating economic activities and creating roles that requires scarce and emerging skills derived from the youth. “It is our responsibility to ensure the future belongs to youth, which is prepared, supported, inspired and well aware of what to expect”, said Zulu.

During the Expo, pupils were introduced to a range of professionals, tertiary institutions and industries that were representing on the day.