As South Africa observes TVET Month, a national initiative led by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to promote the value and impact of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, it is an opportune time to reflect on how collaboration can expand access to education, skills development and economic participation for young people.
South Africa’s youth development challenge is too complex for any single institution, department or sector to solve alone. Building meaningful pathways into further education, entrepreneurship and employment requires coordinated action and strong partnerships across the education ecosystem.
This was clear at the 2026 Youth in Action Expo, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 5 and 6 August. Bringing together more than 12,000 young people and 150 exhibitors from education, government, industry and entrepreneurship, the event demonstrated the impact of creating spaces where information, guidance and opportunities are accessible in one place.
For many young people, the transition from school into further education or the world of work can be daunting. While opportunities exist, they are often dispersed across multiple institutions and sectors, making them difficult to find and navigate. Events such as Youth in Action help address this challenge by creating a platform where learners can engage directly with universities, TVET colleges, employers, government agencies and entrepreneurship support organisations in a single environment.
These interactions empower young people to explore different pathways, ask informed questions and better understand the choices available to them. More importantly, they help young people begin to see where they fit into South Africa’s economy and society.
Government’s participation in platforms such as Youth in Action remains critical. It creates opportunities for direct engagement between young people and public institutions while demonstrating a shared commitment to youth development. The presence of Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, alongside other leaders and stakeholders, reinforced the importance of ensuring that young people are connected to the programmes, services and opportunities designed to support their growth and success.
Dr Ismail Teladia (PhD), Senior Curriculum Planner: Life Orientation/Life Skills at the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) who has been instrumental in higher education advocacy reiterates, “The WCED established the Life Orientation Career Clubs at all high schools and at more than 150 primary schools in the province. The idea is for these schools and the learners to collaborate with Higher Education Institutions, TVET Colleges, private colleges and skills development entities. It is for this reason that the WCED fully supports the Youth in Action Expo. What was significant about this year’s event is that we emphasized and focused on the artisanal opportunities for the learners as career options. Hence the Retail Motor Industry (RMI) presence in conjunction with the TVET Colleges. Unless our learners are given access and opportunity, they will always have a deficit when having to make career choices.”
His remarks speak directly to the purpose of TVET Month, which seeks to increase awareness of the critical role TVET colleges play in developing the skilled workforce required by the country’s economy.
TVET colleges occupy a unique position within South Africa’s post-school education and training landscape. By combining practical, technical and occupational learning with industry engagement, they prepare students with skills that are directly aligned to labour market demands. In a rapidly changing economy, this role has become increasingly important.
For False Bay TVET College, participation in Youth in Action was about more than promoting programmes. It was about contributing to a broader conversation on how South Africa can better prepare young people for sustainable futures. Through engagement with learners, parents, educators and industry stakeholders, the College was able to showcase the diverse opportunities available through TVET education and highlight the relevance of skills-based learning in addressing economic and social challenges.
The College was also honoured to welcome Deputy Minister Ms Nonceba Mhlauli to its exhibition stand. Her visit underscored the importance of strengthening connections between government, educational institutions and young people, while reinforcing the collective responsibility of creating pathways to success.
The growth of Youth in Action reflects an increasing demand for meaningful career guidance and access to opportunity. From approximately 1,500 attendees and 42 exhibitors in 2023 to more than 12,000 attendees and 150 exhibitors in 2026, the Expo has evolved into a significant platform for youth engagement and career exploration.
Such momentum should encourage continued investment in career expos, skills showcases and industry engagement initiatives. South Africa needs more opportunities for young people to connect with educators, employers and decision-makers who can help them navigate their future choices.
As TVET Month reminds us, skills development is not solely an education priority. It is an economic imperative and a shared national responsibility. Ensuring that young people can access information, understand their options and make informed decisions requires collaboration between government, education institutions, industry and communities.
If we want young people to participate meaningfully in South Africa’s economy, we must ensure that pathways to opportunity are visible, accessible and connected. By working together, we can create an environment where every young person can develop their talents, contribute their skills and build a better future.
By False Bay TVET College
Developing skilled, capable and future-ready graduates for South Africa’s economy.
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