Kouga – Kouga Local Municipality is proud to announce the inaugural Kouga Careers Expo 2025. This is an empowering event dedicated to shaping the future of the region’s youth.

Taking place on 10 and 11 April 2025 at Mentors Country Estate in Jeffreys Bay. This transformative exhibition is set to provide career guidance, training opportunities, and access to employment resources for senior learners and unemployed youth.

A collaborative initiative spearheaded by Kouga Local Municipality’s Special Programmes Unit in the Office of the Executive Mayor, Inkanyezi, and Mentors Country Estate. This event is designed to connect young individuals with academia, business, and government sectors. Thus paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.

A commitment to change

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its potential impact on the community. “It is with immense pride that we welcome the first-ever Kouga Careers Expo 2025 to Kouga.

“This initiative underscores our commitment to empower the youth and tackling the challenge of unemployment head-on. By equipping our young people with the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities, we are not only investing in their future but also strengthening the socio-economic fabric of our region.”

A platform for growth and development

The two-day expo will feature an array of interactive resources, all free of charge to schools and visitors:

• Career Counselling & Assessments. In-person career guidance, including online career assessment tests that provide instant, detailed reports.
• Department of Education Approved Guidance. A comprehensive, interactive tool aligned with the Grade 12 Life Orientation syllabus, offering step-by-step career planning support.
• Exhibitions & Networking. A chance for young individuals to engage directly with employers, educational institutions, government agencies (including the Department of Labour and SETAs), and community-based organisations.

Why should you participate?

For businesses, educational institutions, and government entities, the Kouga Careers Expo offers a unique opportunity to:

• Demonstrate corporate social responsibility and support community engagement.
• Directly contribute to reducing youth unemployment in the region.
• Support the socio-economic development of Kouga by investing in the next generation.
• Build brand awareness and loyalty by connecting with future talent.

Building a sustainable future

“Career planning is the foundation of job creation, and through this event, we aim to make career thinking a priority for our youth,” said Bornman. “By making this an annual initiative, we ensure that every young person in Kouga has access to the tools and knowledge they need to build a meaningful and successful future.”

Empower the youth

With local high schools from Hankey, Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay, Patensie, and Thornhill invited to participate, the event promises to be a game-changer for career development and job readiness.

More information

Exhibitors and organisations are invited to join this groundbreaking initiative and engage with the future workforce of Kouga as a lead to empower the youth.

For more information, contact Kouga Special Programmes Unit Coordinator, Mishka Pillay at mpillay@kouga.gov.za or 064 686 3338.

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