Objectives
Connect attendees with real, actionable opportunities across employment, funding, skills development and government services.
About the festival
What the festival is
"Vul' Amathuba" means "open opportunities".
Hosted by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), the festival is an interactive event that brings together the people who create opportunities and the people looking for them, in one place, on one day.
Rather than a traditional conference, the festival is designed as an event village: a networking lounge surrounded by themed opportunity zones, live sessions, exhibitor booths and a main stage, giving every attendee a chance to engage directly with employers, funders, educators, government departments, agricultural stakeholders and fellow entrepreneurs.
Vision
A Gauteng where every young person, entrepreneur and business has direct access to the tools needed to participate in and grow the economy.
Expected outcomes
Measurable placements, funding leads, partnerships and skills pathways created through direct, on-the-day engagement.
The Vula Amathuba Festival reflects our department's commitment to a radically transformed, modernised and reindustrialised Gauteng economy, one that manifests decent work, economic inclusion and equity. This festival is about bringing opportunity directly to our people, and bringing our people directly into the economy.
Who benefits
Built for every stakeholder in the economy
Job seekers
- Direct access to employment and internship opportunities
- On-the-spot interviews and platform registrations
- Exposure to learnerships and skills-building programmes
- Mentorship and career guidance
Entrepreneurs
- Access to funding, grants and business advisory services
- Market access through the Youth Entrepreneurship Market
- Networking with investors and buyers
- Guidance from incubators and accelerators
Students
- Information on bursaries and scholarships
- Engagement with universities, TVET colleges and SETAs
- Career pathway guidance and psychometric assessments
- Exposure to emerging industries and technologies
SMMEs
- Supplier registration and procurement opportunities
- Enterprise and supplier development support
- Access to DFI and business funding instruments
- Compliance and business advisory guidance
Exhibitors
- A stand to show your products, services and opportunities
- Direct engagement with thousands of attendees
- Brand visibility alongside government and industry partners
- Opportunity to build a talent and client pipeline
Investors
- Meet youth-led and SMME-led ventures looking for investment
- Engagement with government economic development priorities
- Networking with development finance institutions and agencies
- Insight into emerging sectors across the Gauteng City Region
Tuesday 29 September
Be there
Entry is free. RSVP so we can plan for you, then register on the app so employers can find you on the day.