The Mahalapye Generation Unlimited Youth Fair has entered its final day, with young participants reflecting on important lessons gained throughout the event. The fair has created a platform for young people to learn about entrepreneurship, employment opportunities, personal branding and self-reliance. Participants have also had opportunities to connect with organisations that provide business support, funding, skills development and other forms of assistance. The discussions have highlighted the importance of patience and resilience when building a career or starting a business. As the event draws to a close, the lessons shared during the previous days are expected to encourage young people to turn knowledge and ideas into practical action.
One of the key sessions on Day 2 was a hybrid presentation by Leeroy Systems, which introduced Mahalapye youth to Tiro Connect. The platform forms part of the opportunities available through the Presidential Youth Empowerment Campaign and provides a free digital marketplace where young people can find gigs, jobs and longer-term opportunities. The presentation introduced participants to another way of making their skills visible to potential employers and clients. Young people were encouraged to understand that creating a profile and registering on a platform does not automatically guarantee employment. Instead, registration provides employers with another channel through which they can discover skills that already exist within communities.
The introduction of digital employment platforms is particularly relevant as young people continue to look for ways to access work and income-generating opportunities. Platforms such as Tiro Connect can help young people present their skills and experience in a more accessible format while giving businesses another avenue for finding potential talent. However, participants were reminded that simply registering on a platform is only one step in the process. Young people also need to develop their skills, present themselves professionally and remain persistent when opportunities do not materialise immediately. The lessons around networking and self-branding therefore complement the practical value of digital platforms by helping participants understand how to position themselves when seeking opportunities.
The Mahalapye Generation Unlimited Youth Fair also brought together several local stakeholders who contributed to discussions on entrepreneurship, skills and regulatory requirements. Organisations including CEDA, LEA, BTO, BURS and the Department of Cooperatives participated in group discussions aimed at helping young people understand the different aspects of establishing and managing enterprises. These discussions gave participants an opportunity to engage with institutions that play different roles in supporting businesses and regulating economic activities. Understanding these requirements can help aspiring entrepreneurs avoid some of the challenges that arise when starting a business without sufficient information. The engagement also demonstrated the value of connecting young people directly with organisations that can provide guidance as they develop their business ideas.
Entrepreneurship lessons were further strengthened by the personal experience of YDF beneficiary Bakang Motholo, who operates in the beef production sector. Motholo shared his entrepreneurial journey with participants and spoke about the importance of resilience, patience and steadfastness when starting and managing a business. His experience provided a practical perspective on the challenges that entrepreneurs can face after receiving financial support and beginning their operations. He also reminded YDF beneficiaries about the importance of repaying the loan components associated with the programme. His message reflected the revolving fund principle behind the YDF, including the concept of Akola ke Akole, where support can continue reaching other young people when beneficiaries meet their repayment responsibilities.
The group presentations provided another opportunity for participants to put their learning into practice. Attendees presented their ideas while a panel of industry specialists offered guidance on how those concepts could be developed into stronger business models. The specialists encouraged participants to examine their ideas carefully, identify practical requirements and consider how collaboration could strengthen their ventures. Working together can allow young entrepreneurs to combine different skills, knowledge and resources while addressing challenges that may be difficult to manage individually. The emphasis on turning ideas into action also reinforced the wider message of the fair, which is to equip young people with knowledge that can be applied beyond the event.
The Generation Unlimited Youth Fair has also taken a broader approach to youth development by addressing issues that extend beyond employment and entrepreneurship. Mental health, drug and substance abuse specialists were engaged to educate participants about healthy living and the challenges that can affect young people’s wellbeing. Including these discussions recognises that successful youth development requires attention to both economic opportunities and personal wellbeing. Young people need access to information that can help them make informed decisions about their health, relationships, careers and future goals. The inclusion of these specialists therefore added another dimension to the fair’s programme and created space for conversations about challenges that can affect young people in their everyday lives.
As the Mahalapye Generation Unlimited Youth Fair reaches its final day, the lessons from the event extend beyond individual presentations and discussions. Networking has shown participants the value of building relationships with people, organisations and potential business partners. Sessions on self-reliance and self-branding have encouraged young people to recognise the skills they already possess and learn how to communicate those skills effectively. Entrepreneurship discussions have highlighted the importance of patience, resilience, compliance and responsible financial management. With participants now reflecting on what they have learnt, the next step is to apply those lessons to their businesses, careers and personal development while continuing to seek opportunities for growth and collaboration.
