By: Meta Tladi (Executive Head of Temporary Employment Services)
On July 12th, 2024, the Motsepe Foundation in partnership with CSG Group and other strategic partners hosted another impactful Information & Opportunities Youth-Tech expo. The Sandton Convention Centre was alive with youthful energy as graduates and other young people eagerly engaged with industry leaders from various companies discussing topics that included recruitment, training and skills development, insurance, investment, banking, telecoms, mining, health and wellness, and workplace readiness. The goal was clear: to find opportunities and prepare for their career journeys.
At the CSG stand, we interacted with over 200 dynamic young people who asked insightful questions about the state of the labour market in South Africa, current employment opportunities, and the skills needed to help them enter the workforce. However, their enthusiasm was also tainted by concerns about the high unemployment rate and finding employment post-graduation. The unemployment rate stands at 32.9% as published by Statistics South Africa in May 2024.
Our Team at CSG team provided valuable advice, guidance, and information on how to prepare for the workplace. We emphasized the importance of being open-minded about career possibilities by considering active, growing, and self-renewing economic sectors, such as
- the energy sector (both traditional and renewable),
- e-commerce and online retail,
- agriculture and agribusiness,
- green and sustainable business,
- and driving technological innovations through AI.
We encouraged them to be a part of the transformational force that will position the South African economy as a notable global player in the 4th Industrial Revolution. Additionally, we urged them to explore opportunities outside of major cities such as Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, and to consider participation in the peri-urban and rural locations such as small mining and farming towns, to help modernize outdated technologies through automation, advanced digital production, robotics, and many other innovative technologies.
Beyond recruitment and training, we highlighted the opportunities available through temporary employment services and enterprise and supplier development programmes. CSG can assist companies in meeting their corporate social investment initiatives (CSI) which can play a significant role in addressing the high unemployment rates. Through TES and the various initiatives, we can provide immediate job placements, allowing young people to gain valuable work experience and skills. ESD programmes can help develop and support emerging enterprises, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
The event really drove home an important message: don’t let rejection stop you. Keep pushing forward, keep learning, and keep developing your skills. The future of our country and our youth hinges on the collaboration between private sectors, government and educational institutions by investing in education and training.
The highlight of the day was seeing the spark of hope in the young people’s eyes, knowing they have a real chance to succeed. It was a rewarding and inspiring experience, and honestly such an honour to meet so many key players from various industries, all united in the goal of providing opportunities for our South African Youth.
Together, I believe we can drive economic growth, support our communities, and create a brighter future for all.
