On 12 March 2026, SANAC, in partnership with the Department of Social Development and key stakeholders, successfully hosted a vibrant Iindlela Career Fair at the Ga-Taueatsolala Community Care Centre in Limpopo. The event followed closely on the heels of another impactful career fair held in Giyani on 10 March 2026, forming part of a broader, community-driven initiative to expand access to career guidance and economic opportunities for young people in rural areas.
Across South Africa, youth, particularly those in rural communities, continue to face significant barriers in accessing information about higher education, career pathways, and labour market demands. With youth unemployment (ages 15–24) remaining alarmingly high at 58.5% and over 3.5 million young people classified as not in employment, education, or training (NEET), the need for targeted, scalable interventions has never been more urgent. These realities are further compounded by high school dropout rates, especially in marginalised communities, underscoring the importance of early and sustained career guidance.
Providing background on the programme through which these Career Fairs are implemented, SANAC Programme Manager, Ms Nomfundo Mbuli, said; “The Department of Social Development (DSD) is implementing the Orphaned and Vulnerable Children and Youth (OVCY) Skills Development Project through a cooperation agreement between the governments of South Africa and Germany, with funding from the German Development Bank (KfW). The South African National AIDS Council is coordinating the implementation in partnership with a service provider.
The project is being implemented across 17 designated Community Care Centres in rural areas of Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and North West, in response to the persistent challenges of youth unemployment, limited access to information, inadequate educational support, and a lack of opportunities for skills development and work experience.
It seeks to empower orphans, vulnerable children, and youth aged 15–24 to become responsible, self-sufficient, and self-reliant adults, while supporting their meaningful integration into the labour market and broader society. Importantly, the programme also provides protection against the vulnerabilities associated with prolonged unemployment, particularly among young women. This initiative is aligned with Goal 1 of the NSP (2023–2028), which focuses on removing barriers to HIV, TB, and STI outcomes by expanding access to economic strengthening opportunities,” said Ms Mbuli.
The Career Fair in Ga-Taueatsolala directly responded to these challenges by creating a dynamic platform where over 500 young people, including high school learners, out-of-school youth, and beneficiaries of the CCC training programme, could explore diverse career opportunities. The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including universities, TVET colleges, training providers, local businesses, and industry professionals. Through interactive career booths, live demonstrations, and networking sessions, participants were exposed to sectors such as agriculture, education, construction, and the creative industries. These engagements offered practical insights into career options, as well as information on learnerships, internships, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Beyond information sharing through speeches and presentations by institutions, industry experts, and professionals, the fair fostered meaningful connections. Learners from surrounding schools had the opportunity to engage directly with potential employers, mentors, and training institutions, enabling them to build networks that can support their transition into employment or further study. Parents and community members were also actively included, reinforcing the importance of collective support in shaping young people’s aspirations.
The success of the Ga-Taueatsolala Career Fair, alongside the earlier event in Giyani, highlights the true statement of power of localised, collaborative approaches in addressing systemic challenges. By bringing resources directly into communities, the Iindlela Career Fairs are not only expanding access to information but also restoring hope among young people.