By Cynthia Modiba
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, in partnership with the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga, and accompanied by former Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, led a Career Expo and Outreach Programme at the Masameni Sports Field in Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal.
The initiative brought together government, education institutions and community stakeholders to connect young people to opportunities in defence, technical trades, and vocational training. It forms part of a broader effort to bridge the gap between education, skills development, and economic participation, while strengthening collaboration between sectors and promoting social cohesion and patriotism.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) focused on showcasing relevant courses, promoting demand-driven skills development, and providing guidance on post-school education and training pathways aligned to labour market needs.
Minister Angie Motshekga, in her keynote address, highlighted the importance of positioning the defence sector as both a national service and a gateway to technical careers.
“Our young people must see defence as a career of choice, one that instils discipline, patriotism, and technical capability, while opening doors to opportunities in sectors such as engineering, aviation, maritime services, and security.”
Building on this, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma emphasised the need to ensure that these opportunities reach underserved communities, particularly in rural areas.
“We must ensure that every young person, regardless of where they are, has access to opportunities that prepare them for the future. Skills development remains the foundation of economic participation.”
Reinforcing this collective approach, Deputy Minister Dube-Ncube highlighted the importance of coordinated action across government and industry.
“We must work together to ensure that training programmes are accessible, relevant, and aligned to labour market needs, so that young people can transition into meaningful employment or self-employment.”
The National Skills Fund (NSF) participated in the exhibition, engaging directly with learners and stakeholders. While the NSF does not provide bursaries directly, its role as a funding entity enables institutions to deliver programmes that connect young people to employment opportunities and support long-term skills development.
Exhibitions from defence units, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and training providers offered practical exposure to career pathways. Through interactive displays, demonstrations, and information sessions, learners were able to explore opportunities in defence services, engineering, and vocational trades, linking education pathways to real economic opportunities.
The Ixopo Career Expo ultimately reinforced a shared message, that meaningful collaboration between government, education, and industry is essential to unlocking opportunities for young people and building a skilled, inclusive workforce that can contribute to South Africa’s development.