6000 youths braved the cold and rainy weather to be part of the 8th Future Leaders Youth Conference

The first day of the 8Th Future Leaders Careers Expo, Entrepreneurship Conference was a resounding success as 6000 youths braved the cold and rainy weather to be part of this remarkable event.

Though it was pouring with rain, exhibitors did not disappoint as they managed to set up their exhibits and displays ranging from career guidance to business ideas and products. As per tradition (over the last 8 years), the first day was dedicated to skills development, career guidance and education. The key note speaker Cllr. James Nxumalo, the Mayor of the eThekwini Municipality congratulated Future Leaders and confirmed that the municipality would like the opportunity to have young people participating fully in its affairs. To this end, he agreed to have Future Leaders seconding 3 exceptional young people to shadow him as Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Speaker of eThekwini Municipality.
Zanele Mbokazi, the Future Leaders founder and Patron spoke about milestones and Strategic future plans for Future Leaders. She highlighted two projects conducted by Future Leaders in 2010/2011. The Vala campaign (against drugs) and the Ukube ngangazi/If only I knew campaign (against teenage pregnancy). She also announced that on day 2 of the conference, they would official announce the 1st Future Leaders annual Youth Awards, with the aim of redefining role models.
 
Other speakers included Mr. Steven Mabugana from the Natal Sharksboard, who spoke about careers in the Marine industry and conducted a live dissection of a shark, which was also used as analogy for”bad friends”.
Thomas Mketelwa, manager of Skills development Unit at eThekwini Municipality spoke about career pathing and emphasised on scarce skills in South Africa.

The conference will end on Sunday with a Moral Regeneration prayer service for the youth. Minister Nathi Mthethwa is expected to address the youth on crime. The Saturday edition will focus on entrepreneurship and starting successful youth businesses. Some of the key speakers expected are Premier of KwaZulu Natal Dr. Zweli Mkhize, who will be speaking about KZN’s commitment to youth empowerment and Minister Blade Nzimande who will speak on the role of education. Both the Premier and Minister Nzimande will be part of the official unveiling of the 1st Future Leaders National Youth Awards that will be held on the 16th of June 2012.

“The fact that more than 6000 young people attended yesterday, in pouring rain, is proof that after 8 years of the conference, young people still believe in this brand. We are grateful to all our sponsors and partners” concluded Mr. Victor Sibeko, Chairperson of the Future Leaders Youth Organisation.