Automotive Expo provides food for thought for youngsters

The Automotive Expo, hosted at the East London Industrial Development Zone, gathered about 250 young people and stakeholders from the automotive and broader industrial sectors. The event offered young attendees a chance to explore study options, career paths and new opportunities they had not previously considered.

NYDA deputy chair Bonga Makhanya stated that starting the programme in Buffalo City demonstrated the potential among young people and the importance of investing in practical initiatives. Transport deputy minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa highlighted the strategic importance of the automotive industry as one of the pillars of the country's industrial economy.

Buffalo City mayor Princess Faku said bringing young people together with government, industry and educational institutions was crucial in tackling youth unemployment. She noted that the automotive industry was changing rapidly with advanced technologies, creating new skills demands.

The NYDA programme targets people aged 18 to 35, including unemployed youth, TVET students and young entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to connect participants with training, internships, employment and enterprise opportunities while addressing the skills mismatch in the sector.