21 May 2025 | Story: Tayron Mhlongo | Photo: Naledi Nkosi
2 minutes read time.
On 14 May 2025, the Student Life and Governance (SLG) department at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted the Maxirise Youth Indaba, an initiative aimed at contributing towards the creation of 100 million jobs across Africa.
This transformative platform focused on innovation, empowerment and unlocking opportunities for sustainable employment throughout the continent. The summit brought together VUT students, representatives from the Maximum Group, a key organisation spearheading the initiative, members of the African Tourism Board (ATB), and various university stakeholders.
Dr Sibusiso Mchunu, Director of Student Support Services (SSS), welcomed the initiative as timely and essential in tackling youth unemployment across the continent. Addressing the students, he said, “It is important for you not to only learn in a classroom situation,” urging them to use the opportunity to gain insights from industry leaders. “You have to take advantage of this opportunity,” he emphasised.
A series of keynote speakers underscored the importance of curiosity and skills development. They encouraged students to consider entrepreneurship as a viable path to financial independence and economic resilience.
Mr Slaven Gajovic, CEO of the Maximum Group, delivered a particularly inspiring address. “You need to go for the moon-shot things, do not limit yourself,” he told attendees, challenging them to think beyond borders. He also urged students to be conscious of global technological shifts: “You have to be conscious about what is happening with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Fifth Industrial Revolution in terms of technology, and how that implements in society, the environment and the planet.”
Students were equipped with foundational knowledge to shape their futures. The vision to create 100 million jobs is not solely dependent on Maxirise, but also on developing techno-entrepreneurs who will, in turn, generate employment in their own communities, creating a ripple effect of opportunity.
The event concluded on an uplifting note. Several students won prizes through a raffle competition, including one-year access to the Maximum Group AI tool, books authored by Ambassador Fikile Hlatshwayo, and internship or collaboration opportunities at the upcoming Africa Rise Youth Indaba 2025, to be held on 22 and 23 May at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre, O R Tambo.
Events like the Youth Indaba serve as powerful catalysts for students determined to make an impact, even amid South Africa’s and Africa’s broader economic challenges.
