Lonwabo Mtyeku | Image Credit:Supplied
HRH Princess Lerato Mabalane
Mabaalstad, North West Province – A transformative new education initiative is set to reshape career access for rural youth as the 1st Annual “The Rural” Career Expo: Careers in Accountancy & Other Fields officially launches in the North West Province this February.
Hosted by the Baphiring Tribal Authority in partnership with The Princess & Friends Non-Profit Company (NPC), the two-day expo will take place on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 February 2026 at the Baphiring Tribal Offices and Sports Grounds in Mabaalstad. The event is expected to welcome approximately 4,000 learners from eight rural high schools within the Dinaledi Circuit, spanning five villages under the Moses Kotane Local Municipality in the Bojanala Platinum District.
Bridging the Opportunity Divide
Designed as more than a traditional career exhibition, The Rural Career Expo introduces a holistic, psychosocial approach to education, personal development and career guidance, targeting learners from marginalised and disadvantaged backgrounds who often face limited access to career information, funding opportunities and mentorship.
The initiative seeks to equip learners with the tools and confidence to navigate future career paths in a rapidly evolving economy — from accountancy, commerce and entrepreneurship to STEM, medical sciences, arts and humanities.
“Our rural learners deserve the same access, dignity and opportunity as their urban counterparts,” organisers said. “This is not just a career expo — it is an investment in the future of our communities.”
Preparing Youth for the Future of Work
Key objectives of the expo include:
- Providing career guidance and future-planning skills
- Exposing learners to diverse professional industries and study pathways
- Encouraging networking with universities, colleges, mentors and employers
- Promoting lifelong learning, skills development and personal growth
- Delivering psychosocial motivation and support
Through direct engagement with tertiary institutions, employers and professional bodies, learners will gain firsthand insight into real-world career requirements, funding opportunities and entrepreneurial pathways.
Strong Institutional Backing
The event enjoys robust support from major stakeholders including the Department of Education, North West University, African Women Chartered Accountants, South African Royal Princesses Network, BMW Rustenburg, and other key partners committed to youth empowerment and inclusive economic participation.
Expected attendees include royal leaders, government officials, universities, FET colleges, private sector employers and development partners, all uniting to expand access to education and opportunity in rural communities.
Building on Proven Impact
The Princess & Friends NPC brings a proven track record of impactful youth interventions. In August 2022, the organisation successfully hosted a two-day mental health workshop attended by approximately 1,400 learners, laying a strong foundation for the expanded scale and ambition of this year’s expo.
With attendance projected to nearly triple, the 2026 Rural Career Expo represents a major milestone in rural education advocacy.
Amplifying Youth Development
As a supporting media partner, Bokamoso PR & Media will play a vital role in amplifying the initiative’s impact, ensuring broader visibility for programmes that advance education, youth development and inclusive growth across South Africa.
By placing dignity, access and future-readiness at the centre of its mission, The Rural Career Expo is not merely shaping careers — it is redefining opportunity for an entire generation of rural youth.
