Motsepe Foundation Hosts Jobs Summit for Unemployed Youth

The Motsepe Foundation has partnered with Naspers, Discovery Ltd, Massmart, RAIN, Sanlam, African Rainbow Minerals, Tymebank, Harambee and the Youth Employment Service (YES) for the first Information & Opportunities Expo, a free-to-attend exhibition for unemployed youth on Tuesday, 28 June 2022, Sandton.

Honouring the transformative potential of South Africa’s young people, the exhibition will unlock opportunities at top listed companies and leading advocacy groups.

Dr Patrice Motsepe, Founder and Executive Chairman of African Rainbow Minerals will deliver a special opening address, alongside remarks by Discovery CEO, Adrian Gore and Naspers’s South Africa CEO, Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa.

More than 6 out of every 10 young people are unemployed, whilst companies report that they are unable to fulfil critical positions. Young people aged 18 – 35 can register to attend the virtual exhibition at https://www.motsepefoundation.org/information-opportunities-expo/, showing their support for unified efforts by business, educational institutions and government.

The Information & Opportunities Expo is a presentation of available learnerships and job openings, as well as investment information for entrepreneurs. For the 3.8 million people who are considered discouraged by their employment prospects, the exhibition also includes a session on wellness that seeks to alleviate the “scarring effects” of long-term unemployment by encouraging their networking and providing tools to prevent harmful psychological outcomes.

“We can and must decisively recraft our economies to ensure youth economic inclusion that contributes to more dynamic and innovative economies. Issues like youth unemployment traverse the neat silos of public and private sector, and they can only really be addressed through multi-stakeholder approaches,” says Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Motsepe Foundation.

“It is important that each of us, particularly those in my position, help our youth with education, invest in youth businesses and expand access to opportunities that will allow them to gain practical experience. This is required for a sustainable and prosperous future for South Africa, Africa and the continent,” says Dr Patrice Motsepe, Founder and Executive Chairman of African Rainbow Minerals.

“Our country has remarkable potential; we need to build on our strengths and change the narrative from one of despair to one of hope and possibility – based on data that show our country is making progress. Perceiving South Africa through a balanced and optimistic lens, coupled with decisive action, will drive confidence and ultimately investment and economic growth. We owe this to our young people, it is the only way to secure their future and nurture their growth and talents.” says Adrian Gore, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Limited.

“Investing in innovation, learning and development is critical in unlocking the potential of our youth. Unfortunately, digital talent is scarce across the world, with South Africa a net importer of digital skills. This, coupled with our high unemployment rate, particularly among the youth, creates a unique opportunity for us to equip our next generation with the skills they require to thrive in an increasing digital economy,” says Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, South Africa Chief Executive Officer of Naspers.