Youth Explore Future Careers at Potchefstroom Creative and Cultural Industries Expo
- Karen Scheepers
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Hands-On Exposure to Arts, Heritage, Innovation, and Publishing at 4 Artillery Regiment
On 15 June 2025, the Creative and Cultural Industries Youth Expo took place at the 4 Artillery Regiment Military Base in Potchefstroom, offering young South Africans a dynamic platform to explore careers in the cultural and creative economy. Held in honour of Youth Month and the 49th Commemoration of the 1976 Youth Uprising, the event provided a full-day programme focused on information sharing, skills development, and artistic engagement.
The initiative was hosted in collaboration with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), local government partners, and various institutions and creative entrepreneurs.
A Day of Motivation and Insight
The event officially opened with a welcome address by Colonel Brandon Mabee of the Department of Defence, who emphasised the importance of providing platforms for youth to discover and pursue careers in sectors aligned with their talents and passions.
NYDA’s Thulisa Ndlela delivered a powerful message to the crowd: “Opportunities don’t always knock, sometimes you have to build the door.”
Representing the local municipality, MMC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Councillor Patricia Mtshali, underlined the value of the creative economy: “The arts are not a side hustle. They are a vital part of our identity and economy.”
Well-known actors Zenzo Ngqobe and Naomi Mokhele engaged youth through motivational storytelling, speaking about the resilience, discipline, and persistence required to succeed in the arts.
View the event videos here: https://www.facebook.com/sportartsculturersa
Exploring the Creative Economy: Exhibitions and Experiences
Throughout the day, attendees were able to engage with a wide variety of sectors through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
Featured areas included:
Visual Arts and Crafts
Paintings and handcrafted items created by emerging artists showcased a broad spectrum of South African stories and symbols. Exhibits included portraiture, rural landscapes, cultural symbolism, abstract pieces, and 3D relief artworks.
Culture and Heritage
Traditional baskets, beadwork, clay pottery, historical garments, and artefacts were displayed, offering a tangible connection to indigenous knowledge systems and heritage preservation. The JB Marks Local Municipality Heritage Collection also featured prominently.
Publishing and Literature
The DSAC Publishing Hub presented works focused on language, identity, and history. Notable titles such as “Ouma Katrina Esau: Speaking for N|uu” highlighted efforts to preserve endangered indigenous languages and celebrate national icons.
Product and Fashion Design
Exhibitors from the North West School of Design and other local creators presented garments and accessories, reflecting the fusion of traditional patterns with modern silhouettes. Youth were introduced to pathways in textile design, tailoring, and fashion marketing.
Digital Innovation
One of the most engaging sections included a demonstration of a wooden-framed robot, 3D printing equipment, and smartphone filmmaking resources. These exhibits showcased opportunities at the intersection of creativity and technology.
Skills Development and Career Guidance
Parallel workshops and sessions were led by Dr. Cynthia Khumalo, Acting Director-General of DSAC, who stressed the importance of equipping young creatives with practical skills for real economic participation. Topics included funding mechanisms, entrepreneurship in the arts, content monetisation, and training opportunities.
The expo also featured educational institutions, arts councils, and public sector representatives who provided brochures, contacts, and guidance on bursaries, internships, and creative sector programmes.
Laying Foundations for the Next Generation
The Creative and Cultural Industries Youth Expo succeeded in offering young people from Potchefstroom and surrounding communities a structured, hands-on experience in the arts, culture, and digital innovation sectors. More than just an event, it served as a critical step toward positioning the creative economy as a space of opportunity, employment, and national pride.
By bringing together institutions, professionals, and passionate youth, the event aligned with the broader goals of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, which envisions an inclusive and culturally rich society that values creativity as a driver of economic development.
Comments