Event Details
Mandela Month — July 2026

FULL PROGRAMME

Event Details

Three days. Three audiences. One powerful mission. Everything you need to know about the SOWETO CAREERS & SKILLS SUMMIT EXPO 2026.

Dates
22 – 24 July 2026
Daily Hours
08:00 – 17:00
Venue
Orlando Community Hall, Soweto
Entry
FREE for Youth & Learners

THE PROGRAMME

3-Day Schedule

Each day is designed for a specific audience with targeted programming and real opportunities

Skills Bridge Conference
DAY 1 • 22 JULY 2026

Skills Bridge Conference

Schools and Industry Partnerships for Career Guidance

08:00 – 17:00 Main Arena + Breakaway Rooms

Target Audience

School PrincipalsLO TeachersCorporate PartnersSETAsHigher EducationGovernment

Programme Sessions

08:00 – 09:00
Registration & Welcome
09:00 – 12:00
Structured Discussions & Networking
12:00 – 13:00
Partnership Commitment Ceremony
13:00 – 16:00
Educator Resource & Tools Workshop
16:00 – 17:00
Networking & Closing Remarks
Learn More
Career Convention
DAY 2 • 23 JULY 2026

Career Convention

Career Guidance Day for Grade 10–12 Learners & Students

08:00 – 17:00 Main Arena + Industry Zones

Target Audience

Grade 10–12 LearnersFET/TVET StudentsYouth 15–18Schools with Disabilities

Programme Sessions

08:00 – 09:00
Registration & Welcome
09:00 – 16:00
50+ Exhibitor Stands — Industry Zones
09:00 – 16:00
Disability Inclusion Pavilion
10:00 – 16:00
Career Guidance & Bursary Sessions
11:00 – 16:00
Live Skills Demonstrations
16:00 – 17:00
Closing & Networking
Learn More
Entrepreneurship Summit & Skills Expo
DAY 3 • 24 JULY 2026

Entrepreneurship Summit & Skills Expo

Career Expo & Entrepreneurship Summit running in parallel

08:00 – 17:00 Main Arena + Summit Rooms

Target Audience

NEET Youth (18–35)Aspiring EntrepreneursSMMEs & Start-upsGraduatesYouth with Disabilities

Programme Sessions

08:00 – 09:00
Registration & Welcome
09:00 – 10:30
Mindset & Inspiration Sessions
10:30 – 12:00
Foundational Skills Workshops
12:00 – 13:00
Navigating the System (NYDA, CIPC, SETAs)
13:00 – 16:30
Enabler's Expo Zone — Funders & Support Agencies
16:30 – 17:00
Closing Remarks & Celebration
Learn More

EXPECTED ATTENDANCE

5,500+ Young People Over 3 Days

A diverse range of youth segments engaged across the three-day ecosystem

SegmentExpected NumberDays
Grade 10–12 Learners3,500+23–24 July
FET/TVET Students500+23–24 July
NEET Youth (18–35)800+24 July
Aspiring Entrepreneurs200+24 July
SMMEs & Start-ups150+24 July
Youth with Disabilities450+24 July
TOTAL5,500+22–24 July 2026

VENUE

Orlando Community Hall, Soweto

Located in the heart of Soweto, Orlando Community Hall is a landmark venue with a rich history. The venue offers a large main arena, multiple breakaway rooms, industry zones, and full accessibility for all attendees.

Orlando Community Hall, Orlando, Soweto, Johannesburg

Accessible via Rea Vaya BRT and Metrobus routes

Ample free parking available on-site

Fully accessible with dedicated Disability Inclusion Pavilion

GOT QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is attendance free for learners and youth?
Yes! Attendance is completely FREE for all Grade 10–12 learners, FET/TVET students, graduates, and NEET youth. Day 1 (Skills Bridge Conference) is free for invited school principals and LO teachers.
When and where is the event?
The event runs from 22–24 July 2026 at Orlando Community Hall, Soweto, Johannesburg — during Mandela Month.
What should I bring?
Learners should bring their school ID and a pen. Job seekers should bring multiple copies of their CV and certified certificates. Entrepreneurs should bring their business plan.
Can schools register as a group?
Absolutely! 30 Soweto high schools have been invited for Day 1, each represented by a principal and LO teacher at no cost. Contact us for group learner registration for Day 2.
What is the Entrepreneurship Summit?
Day 3 features a dedicated Entrepreneurship & Skills Summit for NEET youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, and SMMEs. It includes Mindset Sessions, Skills Workshops, NYDA/CIPC navigation, and an Enabler's Expo Zone.
Is the venue accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. The venue is fully accessible and we have a dedicated Disability Inclusion Pavilion on Day 2 and Day 3 featuring assistive technology demos, inclusive employers, and tailored support services.

Ready to Join Us?

Register now — it's FREE for all learners, graduates, and youth. 22–24 July 2026.

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