High school learners at Bellville Technical High School experienced the career guidance programme that has been shaping young South Africans’ futures for over two decades, when the Rocking Future expo visited the school on Thursday 12 February.
The event marks part of the 26th year that Rocking Future career expos will be touring South Africa this year, helping students transition from anxiety about their future to excitement about the opportunities ahead.
The programme comes at a critical time, as the majority of school leavers face significant challenges when seeking employment or places to study at state universities. South Africa’s youth unemployment rate remains critically high, making career guidance programmes like Rocking Future essential for young people.
“The majority of our school leavers face major challenges when looking for employment or finding a place to study within state universities,” organisers noted. The Rocking Future career expos, together with the 3D immersive online career expo at www.swiwel.com, aim to bridge this gap by providing accessible career guidance nationwide.
Interactive approach to career guidance
The expo features an engaging, interactive live show packed with valuable career guidance and inspiring tips for high school students planning their post-school future. This is followed by dynamic exhibitions run by brand ambassadors from South Africa’s leading private tertiary educational institutions.
Students receive one-on-one time with expert advisors who help them explore career paths that align with their passions, strengths and dreams. The programme emphasises that “one conversation, one experience can change everything”.
The programme’s success is evident in its reach: in 2025, 9 049 students across 72 Johannesburg schools were inspired by the Rocking Future career expos. The initiative is completely free for students and schools to participate.
“This journey has been nothing short of spectacular. The level of engagement from students and educators exceeds our expectations year after year. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, affirming the expo’s role in shaping future careers,” says Kay Cheytanov, 3RC Founder.
Expanding access through digital platforms
For students unable to attend the physical expos, the organisation offers a 3D immersive online career expo through www.swiwel.com. This digital platform ensures that career guidance reaches students nationwide, regardless of geographical constraints.
The Rocking Future expos are currently touring Johannesburg and Cape Town, also distributing Future Guide magazines targeted at matric learners. These publications provide additional educational content designed to motivate and inspire readers as they make crucial decisions about their future.
The programme continues its mission of helping South African school leavers choose optimal career paths, develop essential skills, and find employment in an increasingly competitive job market.
