SEBOKENG.- Empowaworx brought a life-changing, transformational week of inspiration and empowerment to the youth of Sebokeng through EmpowaYouth Week, which took the township by storm.
The event was held at Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex in Zone 14, Sebokeng, Vaal.
Empowaworx creates impactful, growth-oriented, and transformational events across various audience streams, ranging from youth and entrepreneurs to women and men. Their events make a fundamental difference in the world and the lives of individuals.
Empowaworx, along with several partners including Bidvest Prestige, Bidvest Protea Coin, African Bank, W&R Seta for skill development, Coca-Cola, and Primemedia Outdoor, collaborated to empower the youth of Sebokeng and provided valuable services to them. The event sparked enthusiasm among the youth to embark on journeys toward a brighter future.
The event provided a platform for exceptional talks, enlightening masterclasses, and invaluable opportunities for jobs, skill training, and funding for entrepreneurs. Karabo Creative Academy, IRT Training, Africa Tikkun, Brightstone Academy, Absa Bank, and Arenes Crafts were also present to offer lifetime opportunities to the youth. The program directors, Bujy Bikwa and Thabo Mokoni from Lesedi FM, ensured the smooth running of the event.
Among the speakers present were Parks Tau, the Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mlamuli Mbambo, an international speaker, Fish Mahlalela, the Deputy Minister of Tourism of South Africa, and Freddy Makgato, CEO of the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA).
The program aimed to empower the youth and encourage them to realize that everyone has a story to tell. Empowaworx sought open-minded young people who could use the week to network and gather information. The informative sessions provided insights into the corporate world.
“I am a recovering drug addict standing tall for 12 years; that is why I say everyone has a story to tell. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Planning is crucial for success; otherwise, failure is inevitable. Break the generational curse cycle; this session empowered youth to make things happen,” said Abner Mariri, the best-selling author and international keynote speaker.
Panel discussions focused on helping youth find their place in the value chain, exploring opportunities available to them, and encouraging their involvement. Panelists included industry professionals like Shimami Hlongwani from Clicks Group- UPD, Jabulani Ncube, Zwelethu Phasha, and Sibahle Sithole.
The event also addressed the impact of joblessness on mental health, with insights shared by Kgaugelo Photoane, a life coach, and Lebogang Sethole, Human Capital Executive Primedia, emphasising the importance of self-care and timing.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Dumi Le Roux, the General Manager of Empowaworx and head of EmpowaYouth, mentioned their journey since 2015, expanding the platform to focus on different industries and hosting a larger number of young people.
They have moved from impacting 200 to 20,000 youths, with at least 600 engaged daily in Vaal. They delve into sectors like transport, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and energy, which offer significant opportunities to the youth.
The youth were inspired by the presence of Somizi Mhlongo, a beloved South African icon, who encouraged them amid rising unemployment. Two teenagers won a cash prize for creating an app to assist community members in starting and studying a business. Absa was also present, encouraging youth to sign ED forms.
Sindi Mboana, a resident of Evaton, expressed her surprise at the event’s impact, describing it as mind-opening and empowering, truly embodying EmpowaYouth’s mission.