BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– Armed with notebooks, application forms and dreams of a brighter future, thousands of young people are turning out in growing numbers at the National Career Expo, eager to discover opportunities that could shape the course of their lives.
The initiative, which is being rolled out across the country as part of the government’s decentralisation programme, is bringing career guidance, skills development opportunities, scholarship information and internship opportunities directly to communities.
Speaking during the Kusile Breakfast Show on Eswatini TV on August 4, 2026, Assistant Measurement Officer Lucky Dlamini, who serves under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, said the response from young people had been overwhelming, with large crowds attending events held at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground in Mbabane and Mayaluka Stadium.
Dlamini said the National Career Expo had become a collaborative effort involving several government ministries, youth organisations, educational institutions and private sector companies working together to empower young people.
“We would like to express our gratitude to everyone involved in making this initiative a success. The turnout has been remarkable, and we have witnessed tremendous enthusiasm among young people from different backgrounds,” he said.
According to Dlamini, the programme has attracted learners from primary and secondary schools, university students, graduates and out-of-school youth seeking information about their future career paths.
He said the Ministry of Labour and Social Security was using the platform to promote productivity in the workplace while encouraging young people to acquire skills that are aligned with labour market demands.
“Young people are learning about the courses available to them, the entry requirements they need to meet and the skills that employers are looking for,” he said.
Dlamini noted that entrepreneurship had become one of the key pillars of the programme, particularly as more young people explored opportunities to create sustainable sources of income.
“Employment opportunities are limited, which is why we encourage young people to identify their talents, sharpen their skills and use them to create opportunities for themselves,” he said.
The ministry is also helping young people align their abilities, interests and personalities with suitable career choices through specialised skills assessments.
Drawing from his own experience, Dlamini said possessing a variety of skills could open doors to countless opportunities.
“I am a teacher by profession, but I also have skills in bricklaying and welding, and I am involved in business. Young people must understand that diverse skills can create even greater opportunities,” he said.
He further praised exhibitors for the dedication and enthusiasm they had demonstrated while interacting with participants.
Dlamini said the government’s decision to decentralise the programme was producing encouraging results, as it was ensuring that vital information reached young people in their own communities.
“Many young people simply do not know where to find these opportunities. Bringing the expo directly to communities is helping us bridge that gap while inspiring young people to think differently about their future,” he said.
He also revealed that the ministry continued to collect testimonials from former participants who had gone on to secure employment, pursue higher education and establish successful businesses.
Following its official launch at Mpolonjeni Inkhundla on July 29, the National Career Expo roadshow moved to the Prince of Wales Sports Ground in Mbabane on July 31 before proceeding to Mayaluka Stadium on August 3 and Mavuso Sports Centre on August 4. The programme will continue at Mankayane Sports Ground on August 5 and Killarney Stadium in Pigg’s Peak on August 6 before concluding at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium on August 7.
As the National Career Expo continues its journey across the country, it is becoming an important platform for equipping thousands of young Emaswati with the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to build successful careers.
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(Courtesy Pic)
