The Gauteng government is launching the Vul’amathuba Festival at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, connecting young people with employment, education and business development opportunities. The event, scheduled from 09:00 to 16:00 at the precinct’s People’s Park, brings together employers, universities, training institutions and government departments. Gauteng MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa’s keynote speaking notes outline dedicated zones where residents can obtain career assistance, explore bursaries and learnerships, investigate business funding and access government services.
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Why Gauteng Is Launching the Vul’amathuba Festival
The festival forms part of the Gauteng government’s efforts to address unemployment and make employment, training and business development opportunities more accessible.
According to the government’s announcement, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development is collaborating with the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on the campaign.
The initiative combines a physical festival with an online platform intended to connect opportunity seekers with employers, training institutions and organisations offering business support.
In her prepared keynote address, Ramokgopa cited figures from the second quarter of 2026 showing that five million South Africans aged 15 to 34 were unemployed, while 5.6 million were employed. The youth unemployment rate stood at 47.4%.
The MEC also highlighted Gauteng’s contribution to the national economy. Her speaking notes state that the province accounted for approximately 33.2% of South Africa’s gross domestic product in 2024.
Careers and Skills Training at Vul’amathuba
The festival’s programme includes several dedicated zones, each focusing on a different aspect of employment, education or economic participation.
The Careers Zone will assist visitors with identifying career interests, improving their CVs and LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for job interviews.
The Skill Up Hub will connect visitors with universities, TVET colleges and organisations providing educational and training opportunities.
According to the MEC’s speaking notes, this zone will cover bursaries, learnerships, apprenticeships, sector specific training and international scholarships.
The Level Up Zone will focus on current employment opportunities, registration on SAYouth.mobi and digital skills development. Visitors will be able to explore available opportunities and obtain information about digital training.
Business Funding and Supplier Opportunities
Vul’amathuba will also provide information for young entrepreneurs seeking funding, business development assistance and access to markets.
The Get Funded Zone will explain financing options, funding requirements and development finance opportunities. It will also cover support services that do not involve direct financial assistance.
The Supplier Hook Ups Zone will focus on helping businesses understand enterprise and supplier development, procurement opportunities and access to potential buyers.
Its activities will cover sectors including engineering, mining, manufacturing, digital marketing and the creative industries.
The festival will also feature Hustlers Corner, where young innovators and entrepreneurs can explore initiatives including the GAP Innovation Competition.
Electronic Waste, Financial Education and Local Businesses
The festival will include an eWaste Marketplace, where residents can exchange eligible electronic waste for cash. The MEC’s speaking notes identify the marketplace as an opportunity to encourage responsible electronic waste disposal while creating economic opportunities.
Another section, Smart Money Moves, will provide information about consumer rights, credit, financial obligations, compliance and responsible business operations.
The Made in Gauteng component will focus on local manufacturing, procurement and market access. It will introduce visitors to initiatives including Shop Proudly SA and the Business to Business Market Access Platform.
These activities form part of the provincial government’s stated intention to connect entrepreneurs with customers, suppliers and business development networks.
Access to Government Services and Social Enterprise Support
The festival will include Gauteng Citizen Central and a National Departments Zone to help residents access government services.
According to the MEC’s speaking notes, these areas will provide access to services including healthcare and identity document assistance.
A Social Impact Hub will focus on young people involved in community organisations, social enterprises and the care economy. It will also cater to those working through nonprofit organisations or developing services that address community needs.
The government’s wider Vul’amathuba campaign includes an outreach strategy intended to improve access for young people who may otherwise struggle to find information about available opportunities.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For unemployed residents, the Vul’amathuba Festival brings several types of assistance into one venue, including CV support, interview preparation, employment information and training opportunities.
Students and graduates can explore bursaries, learnerships, apprenticeships and other programmes offered by participating institutions. Entrepreneurs can obtain information about business funding, compliance requirements, procurement and access to markets.
The festival is also relevant to residents who want to explore digital careers, innovation, social enterprises or opportunities in local manufacturing.
However, attending the event or using the online platform does not guarantee employment, admission to a training programme or business funding. Each participating organisation will determine the requirements for its opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Vul’amathuba Festival taking place?
The festival is scheduled for Tuesday, 29 September 2026, from 09:00 to 16:00 at People’s Park in the Constitution Hill precinct, Johannesburg.
What opportunities are available at Vul’amathuba?
The programme includes career assistance, job information, bursaries, learnerships, apprenticeships, digital skills development, business funding guidance and supplier development opportunities.
Can I get help with my CV at the festival?
Yes. The Careers Zone is designed to help visitors improve their CVs and LinkedIn profiles, explore career interests and prepare for interviews.
Does Vul’amathuba offer business funding?
The Get Funded Zone will provide information about funding options, financing requirements, and development finance opportunities. The announcement does not guarantee that visitors will receive funding.
How can I find job opportunities after the festival?
The campaign includes an online platform intended to connect opportunity seekers with participating organisations. Visitors can also explore SAYouth.mobi , which is included in the festival’s Level Up Zone. The official announcement does not provide a verified registration address for the Vul’amathuba platform.
Vul’amathuba Aims to Improve Access to Economic Opportunities
The Gauteng government has positioned Vul’amathuba as a way to connect young people with employment, education, entrepreneurship and government support services.
The festival’s dedicated zones cover both immediate needs, such as career preparation and access to vacancies, and longer term development through training, business funding and market access.
The campaign’s longer term results will depend on how many participants successfully access opportunities and how effectively participating organisations connect with suitable applicants.
Residents can follow the Gauteng Provincial Government for further official information about the campaign.
