​As part of empowering young people and tackling unemployment head-on, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, in partnership with Emfuleni Local Municipality, several government departments, and Non-Profit Organisations, hosted a vibrant Youth Career Expo on Thursday, 12 June 2025, at Dirang Ka Kagiso Child and Youth Development Centre in Bophelong.
The expo aimed to open doors for youth by showcasing various career paths across industries, including the public sector. It also served as a vital networking platform, connecting young people with institutions offering guidance on skills development, career planning, and employment opportunities.

Addressing the energetic crowd, Ms Gloria Rampai, Community Development Manager in the Gauteng Department of Social Development, encouraged the youth to rise above their circumstances and seize available opportunities.

“We brought this career expo to Bophelong because this community faces serious challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality, ”said Rampai.“Our goal is to empower young people with information and inspire them to fight for their future. Bophelong is also grappling with high rates of substance abuse among youth, so bringing these services here is both timely and necessary.”

Rampai also urged young people to make full use of Dirang Ka Kagiso, a centre funded by the Department that offers valuable skills training programmes.

Adding to the empowerment drive, Ntoma Sebayane from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) reaffirmed the agency’s support for youth entrepreneurship.

“NYDA remains committed to supporting youth-owned businesses with both financial and non-financial interventions,” said Sebayane. “I challenge young people in Bophelong to grab this opportunity with both hands.”

One of the success stories from Dirang Ka Kagiso, 20-year-old Dimakatso Dlamini, applauded the initiative. Trained as a broadcaster at the centre, Dlamini is now a radio presenter and a shining example of what’s possible when youth are equipped with the right tools.

“I came to this organisation with no skills. Today, I can stand behind a microphone and speak to the people of Sedibeng. Thanks to Dirang Ka Kagiso, I now believe that nothing is impossible,” she said proudly.