Authored by: Captain SA

Thembisa, Ekurhuleni – May 26 to 28, 2025 – EmpowaYouth, a dynamic South African initiative focused on youth empowerment, is currently hosting a transformative three-day workshop titled EmpowaYouth Weekend. This inspiring event aims to equip young people with tools, insights, and connections to succeed in today’s economy.

#EmpowaYouth #ThembisaYouth #YouthDevelopment

The workshop features masterclasses, industry dialogues, and networking sessions that allow attendees to engage with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and motivational speakers. These sessions are tailored to provide practical guidance and share real-life success stories.

#YouthEmpowerment #FutureLeaders #MasterclassMoments

The event is powered by strategic collaborations with leading partners and stakeholders committed to investing in South Africa’s future leaders.

#PartnershipForProgress #CommunityImpact #YouthMatters

Nyiko the Great MC launched the event with a heartfelt welcome and shared his personal journey of self-belief and perseverance, immediately setting a powerful tone that resonated with the audience.

#NyikoTheGreat #Inspiration #KasiHeroes

DJ Sbu (Sibusiso Leope), an icon in the entrepreneurial and media space, delivered an electric message encouraging youth to leverage social media not just to consume content, but to create value, build brands, and monetize attention. His message: “Don’t just like celebrities – become one by creating impactful content.”

#DJSbu #UseSocialMediaWisely #BuildYourBrand #MonetizeYourContent

The event has been strongly supported by key strategic partners including CCBSA, Standard Bank, NYDA, YES 4Youth, YFM, Gauteng Film Commission, ALX South Africa, W\&RSETA, and Get Informed Youth Development Center. Their involvement demonstrates a powerful public-private partnership aimed at transforming lives.

#CorporateSupport #PublicPrivatePartnership #YouthOpportunities

Councillor Kgafela Francis, representing Ward 5, highlighted the pressing need for a one-stop youth development center in Thembisa to serve as a hub for skills development, mentorship, and resources.

#ThembisaOneStopShop #YouthSupport #Ward5Leadership

Faith and motivation were brought into focus by Bishop ABE Sibiya of Zoe Bible Church, who shared insights on how spirituality and business success intersect. Abner Mariri, a celebrated author, empowered the youth with a message on courage, resilience, and strategic risk-taking.

#FaithAndBusiness #CourageToSucceed #AbnerMariri #BishopABE

Fusi Motaung, an HR executive, emphasized the importance of self-awareness and its role in career growth. Insights from the transport and logistics sector were also shared by Sphiwe, and representatives from Uber SA and Transnet, who opened doors to exciting career pathways in these industries.

#KnowYourself #LogisticsIndustry #UberSA #TransnetOpportunities

EmpowaYouth continues to pursue its mission of closing the gap between youth and opportunity. By bringing business leaders and institutions into local communities, the initiative is creating a new blueprint for inclusive youth development.

#YouthInBusiness #EmpowerThroughAction #EmpowaYouthMission

The Thembisa workshop is a vibrant example of what can be achieved when vision, collaboration, and commitment converge. Young people left the event with new skills, new inspiration, and a clear call to action.

#ThembisaWorkshop #IgniteTheYouth #PurposeDriven

For more information on upcoming initiatives and how to participate, visit: https://empowayouth.co.za

#GetInvolved #YouthTransformation #EmpowaYouthZA

Workshop Spotlight: Tshepo Modimola – NYDA Ekurhuleni

Tshepo Modimola, Regional Coordinator of NYDA Ekurhuleni, outlined critical programs designed to prepare youth for economic participation, including:

Job readiness training
Skills-based job placement
Business funding ranging from R10,000 to R300,000 across four tiers for informal enterprises

#NYDA #YouthFunding #SkillsForJobs

Keynote Highlight: Tom Mkhwanazi – CEO, W\&RSETA

Tom Mkhwanazi inspired attendees to challenge conventional thinking around jobs. He urged youth to explore the Retail & Wholesale sector, which is rapidly evolving and full of opportunity. W\&RSETA supports youth through:

Retail supply chain training
Informal trader development
SMME support and entrepreneurial programs
Graduate training
Bursary funding

#WRSETA #RetailCareers #FutureOfWork

Empowerment Talk: Ntsako Mhlanga – CEO, Learnergy Group

Ntsako Mhlanga shared a three-step blueprint for building a successful brand:

Community – Surround yourself with driven people
Compliance – Discipline starts with small, daily actions
Completion – Always follow through

Learnergy Group supports over 200 youth with job applications, CV writing, and personal development every week, focusing on long-term impact.

#LearnergyGroup #YouthSupport #PersonalDevelopment

MasterClass Highlight: CR(EAT)E – Monetising What You Create

Lihile Nqini, Managing Director of MaXhosa Africa, emphasized the need to define your brand identity and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Her advice: “Don’t just build a product — build a brand.”

#MaXhosaAfrica #BrandBuilding #CreateToEarn

Panel Discussion Summary: Youth Driving Innovation in Manufacturing

The “Future is Now” panel showed how the manufacturing industry is evolving, opening doors for young innovators.

Sophia Tiro (FP\&M SETA) emphasized the role of AI and tech in reshaping manufacturing and encouraged youth to apply for bursaries and training.
Melicia Labuschagne (Liqui Moly SA) highlighted the creative potential within manufacturing.
Abisha Caterer (Printing SA) described manufacturing as the lifeblood of development, advocating for technical and creative upskilling.

#ManufacturingYouth #InnovationInIndustry #PrintingSA #LiquiMoly

Retail as a Career Panel – Hosted by Noni Khumalo

Facilitated by award-winning presenter and MC Noni Khumalo, this session emphasized that retail is more than just sales. It includes roles in strategy, data, and content creation.

Ntombi Dludla (Boxer Group): Confidence and soft skills open doors
Marlene Urquhart: Digital readiness and information are key
Buhle Sibuyi (Sasol): Communication and attitude matter
Shimami Hlangwani: Grow your visibility and digital knowledge

#RetailCareers #YouthInRetail #NoniKhumalo #SoftSkillsMatter

Recognition: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa

A huge shoutout to Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) for their consistent commitment to youth entrepreneurship. Their contribution made it possible for fast food entrepreneurs in Thembisa to receive substantial support.

Congratulations to our winners, who each received R50,000 in funding to elevate their businesses!

#CCBSA #BusinessFunding #SupportEntrepreneurs

This is what happens when opportunity meets hustle. Let’s keep pushing forward — the future is now!

#OpportunityMeetsHustle #ThembisaSuccess #YouthOnTheRise