As South Africa’s young people prepare for a future being reshaped by artificial intelligence, digital innovation and rapidly evolving career paths, a powerful new opportunity is emerging to help them make informed decisions about their education and future professions. On 16 September 2026, learners, parents, guardians and educators from across the country will come together online for the next Invest-ED Live, a free national livestream designed to equip young people with the knowledge, confidence and insights needed to thrive in tomorrow’s economy. The initiative forms part of Invest-ED, Investec’s national education programme supporting Grade 8 to 12 learners and their families with practical guidance on education, careers and future-ready skills. The one-hour event follows the success of the inaugural Invest-ED Live, which attracted more than 4,000 participants nationwide, highlighting the growing demand among South African families for trusted career guidance in an increasingly complex and uncertain world. Preparing learners for opportunities that don’t yet exist The workplace of the future is changing faster than ever before. New industries are emerging, traditional career paths are evolving, and technologies such as artificial intelligence are transforming how people work. According to Lesley-Anne Gatter, Global Head of People & Organisation at Investec, career planning today is no longer simply about selecting a qualification or deciding on a profession. “For many families, choosing what to study has become a much bigger decision than selecting a degree or qualification,” she says. Gatter explains that while some careers may change dramatically over the next decade, entirely new opportunities are being created in sectors that barely existed a few years ago. “The challenge for parents and educators is helping young people prepare for a world of work that is constantly evolving. Career success will increasingly depend on adaptability, curiosity and the ability to navigate change.” She believes this makes conversations about career development especially important as learners approach examinations and begin making key decisions about their futures. Industry voices sharing real-world insights A key highlight of the livestream will be direct access to professionals who are actively shaping the future economy. Participants will hear from: Thalia Pillay , CEO and co-founder of Orca Fraud, who will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming cybersecurity, fraud prevention and digital trust, while creating exciting new career opportunities. Didi Karabo Khumalo , attorney and digital creator, who will share her journey from the legal profession into the rapidly growing creator economy, demonstrating how career paths can evolve in unexpected and rewarding ways. South African sporting stars Cheslin Kolbe , Teboho Mokoena , Kaiyuree Moodley and Mpumelelo Mhlongo , who will feature in a special segment discussing the realities of professional sport, resilience and the importance of preparing for life beyond competition. Together, these speakers will provide young people with practical examples of how passion, adaptability and continuous learning can unlock opportunities across diverse sectors. Building confidence for a changing future Rather than attempting to predict exactly what jobs will exist in the years ahead, Invest-ED aims to help learners understand the forces shaping the future economy and develop the confidence to respond to change. The message is clear: success in the future will not belong only to those with qualifications, but to those who are prepared to learn, adapt and seize emerging opportunities. For thousands of South African learners standing at crossroads in their educational journey, Invest-ED Live offers a valuable chance to hear directly from people who have successfully navigated change, overcome obstacles and forged unique career paths. Call to Action South African learners, parents, educators and guardians are encouraged to take advantage of this free opportunity to gain practical career guidance and future-focused insights. Invest-ED Live takes place on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, from 18:30 to 19:30. Whether you’re deciding on subjects, considering tertiary study options, exploring emerging careers in technology, or simply seeking inspiration for the future, this livestream could be the conversation that helps shape your next step. Don’t miss the opportunity to future-proof your ambitions and discover where the opportunities of tomorrow may lead. Registration is now open. Registration is now open here . ©Higher Education Media Services. Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. SubscribeRead More
South Africa’s Youth Invited to Future-Proof Their Dreams Through Free National Career Livestream
