More than 12 000 young people gathered at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on 5 and 6 August for the fourth Youth in Action Expo, reflecting the growing demand for practical guidance, credible information and clearer pathways into education, skills development, entrepreneurship and employment.
The free two-day Expo brought together 150 exhibitors, including educational institutions, employers, government departments, entrepreneurship support organisations and industry bodies, creating a single destination where young people could engage directly with the people and organisations helping shape their futures. Its continued growth, from 1 500 attendees and 42 exhibitors at its launch in 2023, demonstrates the increasing need for accessible spaces that connect young people with opportunity.
Held at a time when 45.6% of South Africans aged 15 to 34 are not in employment, education or training, the Expo continues to respond to one of the country’s most pressing socio-economic challenges by helping young people navigate the transition from education to employment with greater confidence and clarity.
Rather than expecting attendees to navigate opportunities on their own, the Expo brought the organisations behind them together under one roof. Young people were able to ask questions, compare options and access practical information on bursaries, scholarships, internships, graduate programmes, career pathways, entrepreneurship support and skills development initiatives.
The programme also reflected the changing nature of work. Ten Speaker Corner sessions explored topics including artificial intelligence, financial wellness, workplace readiness, CV preparation, interview skills, sustainability, mobility, innovation and emerging career pathways, equipping attendees with practical insights to prepare for the future.
Young people also heard from leaders across government, education, skills development and humanitarian work. Speakers included Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers; Mr Nezaam Joseph, Chief Director: Skills Development at the Western Cape Government’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism; Dr Ismail Teladia, Senior Curriculum Planner at the Western Cape Education Department; and Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli, Deputy Minister in the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Their contributions focused on what it takes to turn potential into progress, from building the right mindset and workplace skills to strengthening the partnerships that create pathways into education, entrepreneurship and employment.
“When we launched the Youth in Action Expo four years ago, our aim was to create a platform where young people could engage directly with the organisations and institutions that could help shape their futures,” said Taubie Motlhabane, Chief Executive Officer of the CTICC.
“The growth from 1 500 attendees and 42 exhibitors in the inaugural year to more than 12 000 attendees and 150 exhibitors in 2026 is a clear indication that the need for this platform has never been greater.
Young people are actively seeking guidance, credible information and meaningful pathways into education, skills development, entrepreneurship and employment. This response strengthens our commitment to bringing those pathways within reach.”
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers, said access remains central to unlocking young people’s potential.
“Young people do not lack potential. What they often lack is access to the right opportunities, guidance and support. The Youth in Action Expo helps bridge that gap by bringing young people face to face with the organisations that can help them take their next step. That is how meaningful change begins.”
For many attendees, the Expo provided more than information. Direct conversations with exhibitors, speakers and industry professionals helped them better understand the opportunities available and what they could do next. The prevailing sentiment was one of gratitude for the opportunity, together with greater clarity and confidence about their education, training and career journeys.
Presented by the CTICC in partnership with the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, Gift of the Givers, Independent Media, AV Network and Scan Display, the Youth in Action Expo demonstrates the impact of collaboration in expanding access to education, skills development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for young South Africans.
As the Youth in Action Expo prepares to enter its fifth year in 2027, its continued growth reinforces the importance of creating accessible, collaborative spaces where young people can connect directly with the knowledge, support and opportunities they need to shape brighter futures.
