News


Zutari inspires the youth ahead of World Youth Skills Day

August 2024 News


Vishaal Lutchman.

Equipping the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful careers is an important focus of leading infrastructure engineering and advisory practice Zutari, which believes in building a sustainable future for future generations. MD, Vishaal Lutchman recently delivered an inspiring address at the DEVAC INVEST AFRICA Youth Summit held at the Soweto Theatre. The summit aligns with World Youth Skills Day on 15 July.

The summit’s objectives were to inspire and guide South Africa’s youth across various industries. Its purpose was to equip people with the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to develop their careers. Offering more than just technical skills, it served as a platform to foster genuine connections where attendees were able to engage with like-minded peers and seasoned industry experts. It also aimed to raise job readiness awareness and provide career guidance.

Supported by the IDC, Sasol, Gautrain and other stakeholders, the event focused on crucial skills such as time management, the importance of education and the potential of entrepreneurship. Lutchman stressed the importance of changing the existing mindset among the youth.

“There is a lot of victim mentality and hopelessness. I tried to show them where they can find opportunities,” said Lutchman. He encouraged attendees to utilise free educational resources like LinkedIn Learning and YouTube, focusing on the importance of self-education, especially for those struggling to enter formal education. Furthermore, he discussed the value of considering entrepreneurship and the informal economy. Lutchman also emphasised the significance of embracing technology, and perceiving tools such as AI as opportunities rather than threats.

Reflecting on the challenges many youth face today, he acknowledged the socioeconomic obstacles that often lead to hopelessness. “It is hurtful to see the obstacles these youngsters face. The socioeconomic challenges are palpable, and it is disheartening,” he said. He praised initiatives by the University of Johannesburg and Telkom to provide data to underprivileged areas, enabling access to educational content.

Lutchman’s message to the youth was one of hope and opportunity. “The country’s non-performance over the years has created a wealth of opportunities. It is about finding these opportunities and creating value for yourself. University is not the only path; there are many other valuable professions and entrepreneurial opportunities.”

World Youth Skills Day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. The day highlights the role of education and training in preparing young individuals for the future.

This year’s theme ‘Youth Skills for Peace and Development’, underscores the crucial role young people play in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Given the challenges faced by youth today – such as violent conflicts disrupting education, a polarised online environment and economic inequality – it is essential to equip them with the necessary skills for fostering a culture of peace and promoting sustainable development. “By doing so, we can build a more just, inclusive and sustainable future for all,” concludes Lutchman.

For more information contact Charmaine Achour, Zutari, +27 12 427 2000, [email protected], www.zutari.com




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.

Read more...
100 years of safety leadership
News
DEKRA Industrial and its adult-based education and occupational skills training division, the Institute of Learning (IOL) will showcase a milestone at A-OSH 2025, as the company celebrates DEKRA Global’s 100 years of safety leadership.

Read more...
Drakenstein Municipality aces Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Impact Award
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Drakenstein Municipality in the Western Cape has won a Sustainability Impact Award for Schneider Electric’s Anglophone Africa region, shining the spotlight on its unwavering commitment to sustainable leadership and its forward-thinking approach to ensuring a sustainable future for its coming generations.

Read more...
LH Marthinusen launches new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory
News
LH Marthinusen has launched its new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory in Ekurhuleni. THis is a major milestone for South African energy infrastructure growth.

Read more...
Comtest calibration user group seminar
Comtest News
Comtest invites metrology and calibration professionals to a focused technical seminar series aimed at demystifying some of the most common hurdles in inter-laboratory comparisons.

Read more...
Functional safety explained
News
The SAIMC supports Pepperl+Fuchs, a National Member, in a free four-part online seminar series focused on Functional Safety.

Read more...
The future of manufacturing in Africa
News
The future and development of African manufacturing will be discussed extensively at the upcoming Manufacturing Indaba conference, to be hosted on 15 to 16 July 2025 at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre.

Read more...
Hot topics at IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa 2025
News
Burning issues such as climate-smart infrastructure, sustainability in waste and water management, the circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility will come under discussion at the three-day conference and forum presented by analytica Lab Africa and IFAT Africa at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg from 8 to 10 July 2025.

Read more...
RS South Africa showcases industrial solutions at MTE Phalaborwa
News
RS South Africa recently showcased its latest industrial and electronic solutions at the Mining and Technical Exhibition in Phalaborwa in Limpopo.

Read more...
Specialised Exhibitions appoints Joshua Low as commercial director for Africa
News
Specialised Exhibitions has appointed Joshua Low as commercial director for Africa. This strategic addition to the leadership team comes as Specialised Exhibitions embarks on an ambitious phase of growth across the African continent.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved