Youth skills development must take centre stage in Gauteng’s economic growth strategy if the province is to achieve meaningful inclusion, according to Elijah Mhlanga, spokesperson for the Gauteng Provincial Government.
Addressing delegates at the LulaTalks: Future Skills, Pathways and Emerging Sector Opportunities Dialogue in Sandton on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, Mhlanga said while significant investment is flowing into the province, the benefits will not reach young people without a deliberate focus on equipping them with relevant, future-ready skills.
LulaTalks aims to provide a platform for leaders across sectors to explore how global economic and labour market trends are evolving and how institutions can work together to better prepare young people for emerging and high-growth sectors of the economy.
“We meet at a time when Gauteng, the economic engine of South Africa, is actively redefining its growth trajectory,” Mhlanga said. “Our challenge is clear: how do we ensure that our young people are not spectators in this growth story, but active participants and leaders in it?, he asked.”
Mhlanga pointed to the success of the Gauteng Investment Conference as evidence of growing investor confidence. In 2025, the province secured over R312.5 billion in investment pledges, expected to generate more than 114,000 job opportunities. This momentum continued into 2026, with a further R206 billion in pledges.
“These are not just numbers — they represent hope, opportunity, and the promise of a more inclusive economy,” he said.
However, he cautioned that investment alone would not solve unemployment or inequality. “Without the right skills, our young people will remain excluded from the very opportunities we are creating,” Mhlanga added.
He emphasised that the rapidly changing nature of work, driven by digital transformation, green energy, and advanced manufacturing, requires education systems to evolve at a fast pace. In response, the Gauteng Provincial Government has rolled out Schools of Specialisation aimed at equipping learners with practical, industry-aligned skills.
To date, 38 such schools have been established across the province, focusing on fields including engineering, ICT, finance, and energy. Many of these institutions are located in township areas and are supported through partnerships with the private sector.
Mhlanga highlighted examples of this collaboration, including automotive training supported by industry partners in Soshanguve, aviation-linked programmes in Kempton Park, and advanced technical resources introduced into schools in Soweto.
“These are not just schools — they are pipelines into industry,” he said, inviting stakeholders to witness their impact firsthand.
He also called on business leaders to play a more active role in shaping the future workforce, urging stronger partnerships between industry and educational institutions. This includes expanding internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programmes, as well as aligning curricula with real-world demands.
“Business leaders are not just stakeholders; they are co-creators of the future workforce,” Mhlanga said.
His remarks were framed within the broader context of Gauteng’s Growth Plan, which aims to shift the province from a consumption-driven economy to one led by production and skills development.
“The plan recognises that economic expansion must go hand-in-hand with human capital development,” he said. “Growth must translate into jobs, opportunities, and dignity for our youth.”
Mhlanga concluded by calling for collective action from government, business, and civil society to ensure that young people are equipped to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
“We have the investment. We have the strategy. What we need now is execution — together,” he said.“If we get this right, we will not only grow the economy — we will transform lives, communities, and generations,” Mhlanga concluded.
