The sleepy township of Botleng, Delmas came alive over the weekend of 19-20 September 2025, as the town hosted a groundbreaking business and career expo that left residents and stakeholders inspired and motivated to pursue new opportunities.

The event, held in the heart of Botleng through Net Net Nine’s township development plan and connecting the underprivileged, was hailed as a resounding success by attendees, bringing together business leaders, mining industry experts, educators, learners, parents, and government representatives under one roof.

The public exhibition of Net Nine Nine’s plans about Delmas as a whole, as well as opportunities that lie ahead for residents, was hailed by Vusi Buda, the Executive Mayor of the Victor Khanye Local Municipality, as one of the best things to have ever happened in his area.

The expo was aimed to empower the community with knowledge about entrepreneurship, skills development, and opportunities within the regional economy, as the area is surrounded by coal mines.

By all accounts, it more than achieved its goals, leaving participants energised about the future of business in Delmas and beyond.

The event drew an impressive crowd, with scores of parents, learners, and local entrepreneurs filling the venue.

The presence of the Executive Mayor of the Victor Khanye Local Municipality underscored the commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the area.

This is one of the events that the CYNK has been bringing to the people.

In his keynote address, the Mayor highlighted the importance of creating platforms such as this of Net99 where young people and aspiring entrepreneurs could learn directly from experts.

“For too long, our communities have waited for opportunities to come to them, and Net Nine Nine heard our pleas. Today, we are saying we must take the knowledge we gain here and use it to create opportunities for ourselves and for generations to come,” he said to loud applause from the vibrant scholars who filled the New Botleng Hall.

His words set the tone for a day that combined inspiration with practical lessons, ensuring that participants walked away with both motivation and actionable ideas.

In fact, Buda took questions from the community following the request by Net99 to open a channel of communication.

One of the highlights of the event was the participation of mining companies operating in the region –  Exarro and Tlou Coal – after recognising the vital role they play in Delmas’ economy.

Other mining firms sent representatives and industry experts to share insights into how communities can benefit from mining operations, as well as for learners to take guidance in their post-matric career choice.

The experts touched on opportunities for small businesses to plug into the mining supply chain, whether through providing goods, services, or innovative solutions to operational challenges.

They also emphasised the importance of safety, sustainability, and compliance in order for small businesses to succeed in this demanding industry.

But most importantly, the digitalisation of everything in mining was critical, and Net Nine Nine’s arrival in the area will enhance a lot of opportunity, like simply applying for a job, it’s no longer done manually but electronically.

Workshops held during the seminar gave aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to engage directly with mining representatives, ask questions, and network for potential future partnerships.

For many learners in attendance, it was also an eye-opening introduction to the diverse careers available within the mining sector.

One of the most remarkable features of the seminar was the strong presence of school learners

It was made a deliberately to include learners for this event, recognising that early exposure to entrepreneurship and business education can shape mindsets and open doors to future possibilities.

Interactive sessions were designed specifically for the youth, covering topics such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship basics, and the importance of education in unlocking business opportunities.

Speakers encouraged learners to dream big but also to prepare themselves with skills, discipline, and resilience.

The mayor, in his closing remarks, commended the synergy between different stakeholders.

“What we have seen today is the power of collaboration between Net99 and us as municipality. When private sector, government, business, and communities come together with a shared vision, nothing is impossible,” he said.