10/06/2026
Youth Empowerment Workshop Equips Young People with Skills, Resources and Opportunities
The Provincial Legislature, in partnership with Joe Gqabi District Municipality and various youth development stakeholders, hosted a District Youth Parliament Workshop and Digital Youth Summit at the Joe Gqabi District Municipality Council Chambers. The workshop brought together young people from across the district to explore opportunities for economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, skills development, and meaningful participation in shaping their future.
The workshop was designed to assist young people in establishing and growing sustainable businesses by providing information on available support structures, resources, funding opportunities, and development programmes that can contribute to their success. The initiative sought to equip participants with the knowledge and tools required to navigate the evolving economic landscape and take advantage of emerging opportunities.
The programme featured two key sessions. The first session; Future Skills for Economic Inclusion, focused on digital skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, employability, and emerging opportunities. Participants gained valuable insights on the skills required to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world and the importance of embracing innovation and technology as drivers of economic growth.
The second session; Youth Economic Empowerment and Enterprise Development, also explored digital skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, employability, and emerging opportunities, with presentations from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA). The session highlighted various business development programmes, funding opportunities, mentorship initiatives, and support mechanisms available to aspiring entrepreneurs and young business owners.
The workshop further featured a panel discussion comprising representatives from NYDA, SEDFA, Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), South African Youth Council (SAYC), Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICTSETA), Ikhala TVET College, MMX Foundation, and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC). The panelists shared valuable information on education and training opportunities, skills development programmes, enterprise support services, funding mechanisms, and career development pathways aimed at empowering young people and promoting economic inclusion.
The programme concluded with an interactive Real Talk: Youth Challenges, Opportunities and Youth Parliament Dialogue, which provided a platform for participants to openly discuss issues affecting young people, share experiences, identify opportunities, and propose solutions. The dialogue encouraged active participation and highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, educational institutions, development agencies, and young people in advancing youth development and economic empowerment.
The workshop reaffirmed the commitment of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, Joe Gqabi District Municipality, and its partners in creating opportunities for young people through skills development, entrepreneurship support, innovation, and meaningful engagement, ensuring that youth remain active contributors to the social and economic development of the district.
