By Johnathan Paoli
Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has announced the launch of a R5 million Youth Enterprise Fund, as part of the government’s efforts to reaffirm the importance of empowering young people through education, skills and opportunities.
Nkabane made the announcement during her address at a Youth Month commemoration at Mopani TVET College’s Sir Val Duncan Campus.
The event, under the theme “Skills for the Changing World: Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation”, drew over 1500 attendees.
“Today, almost four out of 10 young people in this country are classified as not in education, employment or training. This is not just a statistic, it’s a national emergency. Each youth represents untapped potential, a future that hangs in the balance, a dream deferred,” Nkabane said.
The fund, established in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Mopani District Municipality, will support young entrepreneurs in starting and growing businesses in the district.
Describing the initiative as “more than an investment in the economy”, the minister said it was an investment “in youth agency, dignity and innovation”.
Higher education director-general Nkosinathi Sishi reaffirmed the department’s commitment to building a responsive post-school education and training system.
“We are strengthening our labour market intelligence systems to identify 350 occupations in high demand,” he said.
Sishi emphasised the department’s alignment with the green economy, including renewable energy and hydrogen technologies.
“We must work with our institutions to align curricula with future skills needs,” he urged.
Sishi noted the importance of accessible career guidance, revealing plans for an online system to help students understand qualifications, pathways and job prospects.
South African Technical Vocational and Training Student Association president Kgaogelo Chokoe welcomed the fund, calling it “an investment in dreams, aspirations, and the boundless potential of young people”.
She urged young people to become creators of technology, not just consumers.
“South Africa needs skilled professionals in multiple sectors. Not everyone needs to go to university, and that is okay,” she stated.
Chokoe called for further investment in campus safety, innovation hubs and sustainability.
South African Public Colleges Organisation president Tebogo Kekana praised TVET colleges as “cool” and practical paths to success.
He noted the expansion of accredited trade test centres and supported international exchange programmes.
“Together, we are transforming education. Together, we are transforming young lives,” Kekana declared.
NYDA Limpopo head Moscow Maepa urged the youth to take charge of their future.
“You are the power behind the future we are building. Your potential is not only seen, it is needed,” he said.
Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality mayor Merriam Malatji celebrated the event’s local impact.
“Mopani TVET College offers a gateway to high-demand skills in engineering, hospitality, business and ICT. These are not just courses, they are stepping stones to meaningful careers,” she said.
Malatji thanked Nkabane for choosing Ba-Phalaborwa to host the national event and called on youth to seize the moment.
“You are our hope, our innovators, our change-makers. Embrace education, entrepreneurship, or training with purpose,” she said.
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