Empowayouth Igniting Futures at Mpumalanga Bushbuckridge

By: Nsuku Khosa

ONE OF THE ABSA REWARD YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR WINNER.

Youth of Bushbuckridge gathered at hilltop Assembly Mkhuhlu to attend the Empowayouth weekend which was sponsored by TETA from the 27-29 July. About 100 speakers were gathered there with 50 exhibitors and 1500 youth. The youth of Bushbuckridge was very excited about the opportunities that came with EmpowaYouth weekend which were jobs, funding, internships and mentorship for entrepreneurs.

In a transformative event that brought hope and opportunities to the youth of Mpumalanga Bushbuckridge, the EmpowaYouth Weekend unfolded as a sign of promise. The event, made possible through a collaboration between ABSA and TETA (Transport Education Training Authority), saw a rise of young individuals from various backgrounds converging with aspirations of securing jobs, scholarships, internships, and bursaries. This two-day affair not only showcased the commitment of these institutions to the youth's future but also underscored the pressing need to uplift and empower the young generation.

About 50 young entrepreneurs were given the opportunity to pitch their business ideas and got the opportunity to win great prices from Absa that was going to help them with their business and got placements of Mentors individual. Even those who came without ideas got to learn about how to kick off their own business and how to be young entrepreneurs.

THE TETA TEAM PANEL

On the educational front, TETA played a vital role in this empowering weekend. As the Transport Education Training Authority, TETA recognizes the importance of education in propelling the youth towards fulfilling careers. The provision of scholarships and bursaries showcased TETA's commitment to not only improving access to education but also enabling the youth to pursue fields that are pivotal to the nation's growth, including transportation and logistics.

ABSA, a leading financial institution renowned for its commitment to community development, demonstrated its dedication once again by co-sponsoring the event. Recognizing that unemployment remains a significant concern among the youth, ABSA's participation in the EmpowaYouth Weekend signalled a concerted effort to bridge the gap between aspirations and achievements. By offering job opportunities and internships, ABSA not only opened doors but also nurtured potential for lasting success.

The most important challenges that the youth are facing today were also touched on this event some which are mental health, the was a panel discuss about the importance of mental health in today’s world. The panel was held by Dr Faith Mahlangu and Mr Billy Selekane which was facilitated by Sechaba Motsieola. Dr Faith stated “we cannot achieve what you want to achieve if you are not well, if your mind is not showing up- “

THE MENTAL HEALTH PANEL

The youth got to meet some of the Mpumalanga youth stars who are making it out there and met the Head of EmpowaYouth which is Dumisile Le Roux and the TETA CEO Maphefo Anno-Frempong. The SABC was also there broadcasting the Mpumalanga TETA EmpowaYouth event live. On the Tourism stage there was on of Mpumalanga’s very own Mr Mduduzi Vilakazi, the CEO of Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks together with Mr Nhlanhla Themba the Senior Marketing Manager: SANPARKS, they discussed about how tourism is very important for job creation in Mpumalanga.

The impact of the EmpowaYouth Weekend extended beyond the two days of the event itself. The connections made, knowledge gained, and aspirations kindled will undoubtedly ripple through the lives of the participants, influencing their choices and decisions for years to come. The collaborative effort between ABSA and TETA stands as a testament to the private sector's crucial role in fostering societal development and creating avenues for progress.

The EmpowaYouth Weekend in Mpumalanga Bushbuckridge marked a significant milestone in the empowerment of the youth. With ABSA and TETA at the helm, the event showcased a holistic approach to empowerment, addressing not only immediate job opportunities but also long-term educational pursuits. As the participants return to their daily lives armed with newfound opportunities and insights, the ripple effect of this empowering weekend is bound to contribute to a brighter, more prosperous future for both the individuals and the community at large

THE EMPOWAYOUTH TEAM.