MATEXPO 2026: Driving Rural Youth Toward Careers in Transport

Over two days, the Maluti Bus Service Depot in Qwaqwa, Free State, became a hub of learning, innovation and opportunity. The MATEXPO 2026 welcomed 2,000 scholars, 1,000 each day, for an inspiring look at the careers and skills that move South Africa forward.

The event was driven by Casey Mananku Mokhitli, Operations Director of MATEXPO, and Tsholo Morapedi, the Project Manager. Organised and brought to life by Bluhues Design and Marketing, MATEXPO continues to show that rural youth deserves exposure of various career opportunities.

The expo was honoured by visits from the MEC education: Mamikie Maboya, the Deputy Minister Tourism: Makhotso Sotyu,the Queen of the Mopeli the Royal House, Executive Mayor: MLM Tumelo Thebe, Speakers included Dr Khambule of Busamed and Trevor Abrahams of TETA, who encouraged learners to dream bigger and aim higher.

MATEXPO 2026 was proudly supported by TETA as the main sponsor, together with Covision Group, Busamed, Standard Bank, Vodacom, Ntsoaki Driving School, TMACC, Telkom, and Maluti Bus Service as the venue host. Local SMMEs also had a dedicated space to showcase their businesses to the community

This was no ordinary career day. On both days, scholars experienced:

• Live drone demonstrations

• Driving Experiences via simus, giving a hands-on taste of life behind the wheel

• Career and skills exhibitions from SETAs, TVET colleges, universities and industry

• A local SMME market celebrating Qwaqwa entrepreneurs

“Thank you to every guest, partner and learner who made it a success. We look forward to growing the expo even further next year.” Said Casey Mananku Mokhitli.

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