In celebration of Youth Month and the legacy of 16 June, the DBE threw its full support behind the revitalised 2025 Bohlabela Show. This vibrant, community-led initiative focused on youth empowerment, career development and improved educational outcomes over a two-day period from 13 to 14 June 2025, at the newly refurbished Thulamahashe Showgrounds in Bushbuckridge in the Mpumalanga Province. The event brought together learners, government departments, private stakeholders and cultural groups in a unified effort to inspire and uplift the youth of the region.

This year’s show marked the culmination of a multi-year effort to re-establish the Bohlabela Show, formerly known as the Mhala Show, as a hub for youth development and community engagement. Mr Elijah Mhlanga, Chief Director for Media Liaison, National and Provincial Communication, explained that the revival of the Bohlabela Show was made possible through strong interdepartmental collaboration and coordinated government support. The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture played a pivotal role by availing the Thulamahashe Showgrounds for the exhibition, while the Department of Correctional Services significantly contributed to refurbishment efforts in 2023 by deploying parolees, under the direction of then-Minister Ronald Lamola to assist in restoring the facility.

This intervention marked the beginning of a broader transformation, which was further bolstered by the support of Premier Ndlovu and the Bushbuckridge Municipality, who provided additional resources. Together, these efforts not only revitalised a key community venue, but also solidified the Bohlabela Youth Empowerment Initiative as a flagship programme for local development, with the showgrounds’ renovation creating over 30 job opportunities for residents and contributing to meaningful economic participation. The exhibition focussed on expanding learners’ exposure to post-school opportunities. The initiative aligns closely with national priorities aimed at strengthening youth support systems and improving educational outcomes. Ms Lydia Moroane-Zitha, Executive Mayor of the Bushbuckridge Municipality, highlighted the importance of such platforms: “Career exhibitions like this broaden learners’ awareness of professional pathways, including emerging and unconventional fields. By interacting with industry professionals, learners can visualise themselves in careers ranging from entertainment to event management and other creative industries, allowing them to make informed choices about their futures”.

The DBE’s active participation in the 2025 edition further underscored its commitment to youth development. Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule addressed learners during the opening ceremony with a heartfelt message: “Every opportunity that comes your way is a gift. There are bursaries available through the Department of Basic Education and the Mpumalanga Department of Education; use them. Your dreams are valid, but they require action”.

Private sector support also played a significant role. AVBOB contributed both financial resources and educational material, including the Matric Step12 Guides, a critical tool for Grade 12 learners preparing for their final examinations. Throughout the event, exhibitions hosted by various public and private stakeholders, offered vital information on available study options, bursaries, vocational training, and career pathways. Adding to the event’s energy and spirit were cultural performances by learners from surrounding schools. These displays not only showcased the region’s rich heritage but also empowered young participants to express themselves confidently and creatively in a public setting.

Reflecting on the personal significance of the initiative, Mr Mhlanga said: “I’m a beneficiary of this very place. This project is about more than just revitalising a space; it is about restoring a sense of community and social cohesion in Bushbuckridge. Years later, when I returned and saw the showgrounds abandoned, I knew I couldn’t just walk away. I felt a deep responsibility to bring it back to life. I couldn’t let a place that once inspired so many be forgotten.” As a model of integrated youth development, the 2025 Bohlabela Show has set a powerful example of what coordinated action between government, civil society, and communities can achieve. With its focus on education, employment, and empowerment, the event represents a forward-looking vision for youth development in South Africa, one rooted in collaboration, opportunity, and renewed hope.