WATCH | KZN youth urged to seize digital economy opportunities
The event is part of government's strategy to tackle youth unemployment by preparing young people for careers in the digital economy.
Hundreds of young people from across KwaZulu-Natal gathered in Estcourt on Friday as government launched a renewed drive to equip the province’s youth with digital skills and create pathways into the technology and creative industries.
The Youth Digital Media and Film Indaba, led by Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele and Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality Deputy Mayor Nhlanhla Dladla, and UMkhambathini Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Sphiwe Mngoma, has brought together aspiring filmmakers, digital content creators, entrepreneurs, technology experts and industry leaders to explore opportunities in one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors.
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The event is part of government’s strategy to tackle youth unemployment by preparing young people for careers in the digital economy, while encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in digital media, film and emerging technologies.
Addressing delegates, Gungubele outlined government’s plans to strengthen partnerships that will expand opportunities for young creatives and innovators, saying investment in digital skills is essential to building an inclusive economy and preparing South Africa’s youth for the future of work.
He says the indaba focused on digital innovation, skills development, employment, entrepreneurship and access to opportunities within the digital media and creative industries.
Gungubele also encouraged young participants to gain practical insights into careers and business opportunities.
The indaba follows the successful four-day Youth Tech Rise Bootcamp, which concluded on Thursday after exposing participants to coding and robotics, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, virtual reality and 3D printing.
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The programme was designed to build confidence among young people and encourage them to pursue careers in science, technology and innovation.
Gugungubela added that the initiative forms part of the year-long commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Student Uprising and Mandela Month, with the government using the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to empowering young South Africans through digital inclusion and economic participation.
