By: Lebeko Morema

On 27 June 2025, the National Skills Fund (NSF) participated in an exhibition during the Ministerial Youth Day event at Mopani TVET College’s Sir Val Duncan Campus in Limpopo. The event gave the NSF an opportunity to co-exhibit with one of its Skills Development Providers (SDPs), K-Boneng Consulting. The exhibition was regarded as a success, providing a valuable platform for engagement with high school learners, small business owners, and stakeholders including SETAs, TVET colleges, and universities across Limpopo.

The Ministerial Youth Day event commemorated Youth Day in honour of the youth of 1976. It was hosted in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Mopani and Letaba TVET Colleges, the Limpopo Department of Education, and Mopani District Municipality.

The event drew over 1 500 participants, including high school learners from across Mopani District, NEET youth (not in education, employment, or training), current and former TVET college students, and other key stakeholders.

A key highlight was the launch of the R5 million NYDA Youth Enterprise Fund by the Minister of Higher Education and Training. This initiative aims to support young entrepreneurs within Mopani District as part of ongoing efforts to address the high rate of youth unemployment and promote youth-led initiatives.

“Our youth are calling for empowerment, and the bridge between employment and unemployment is skills. Young people face unequal access to education, technology, and training; therefore, this is a national call to action to walk alongside them. We must thank the department for this initiative, which seeks to afford everyone an opportunity,” said Acting Premier Bioskop Makamu.

Minister Nkabane delivered the keynote address, speaking directly to the youth of Mopani District with words of motivation and encouragement. She emphasised the critical role of NEET programmes in empowering young people and addressing their challenges. “As the generation of today, we are clear about our vision. We will address the 3.8 million youth who are not in education, employment, or training. Today we celebrate Youth Month not with a song of defiance, but by commemorating youth with skills, innovation, and opportunities,” she said.

She added that the NYDA Youth Enterprise Fund is not only an investment in the economy but also a step towards youth development, innovation, and the restoration of dignity. Minister Nkabane encouraged young people to take full advantage of the fund, stating, “If the fund is managed properly and truly benefits the youth, the Department of Higher Education and Training is prepared to increase its support, as we have the capacity to do so through the NSF and our SETAs.”