People Empowerment and Skills Training Organisation PESTO

13/10/2026

Across South Africa, community development increasingly depends on connecting people with the skills, technology and opportunities needed to participate in the modern economy. In Gauteng, the People Empowerment and Skills Training Organisation (PESTO) is working towards this goal through community e

12/10/2026

As we prepare for PESTO STEM Soweto 2026 — Soweto’s Future Starts Here!, we are connecting learners with professionals who can inspire them to think bigger, explore STEM careers and see the possibilities beyond the classroom.
📅 23 October 2026
People Empowerment and Skills Training Organisation (PESTO)
One conversation. One connection. One step towards a brighter future.

12/10/2026

This article shares Sibusiso Ndaba vision for PESTO and how we can turn community potential into economic opportunity through skills development, youth empowerment, STEM education and township entrepreneurship.

In South Africa's economic landscape, where unemployment, inequality and limited access to opportunity remain significant challenges, the question is no longer simply how to empower communities, but how to build sustainable pathways through which empowerment translates into economic participation. F

10/10/2026

Too many young people from our communities grow up knowing only a narrow set of career options. When universities and science faculties step into schools and show what is actually possible — research, technology, applied science, and the pathways that lead there — it changes the conversation.
At PESTO we believe exposure must be followed by skills, guidance and real opportunity. That is why we keep building bridges between communities, education institutions and the world of work.
One day at a time.

10/10/2026

Visited the UJ Postharvest & Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC) this week.
The reason was simple: to highlight STEM careers that many young people from the township never get exposed to — postharvest science, sustainable packaging, agroprocessing, and plant-based materials research.
Science that starts in the lab and ends up solving real community and industry problems.
This is the kind of exposure we want to bring closer to Diepkloof through PESTO.
One day at a time.

What if the next of sustainable food begins with something as simple as plant mucilage? At the UJ Postharvest & Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC), we are exploring how naturally occurring plant materials can be developed into packaging that help pres...

09/10/2026

Day 60 of 103: Secure venue and close UJ engagement.

This is PESTO one day at a time story of transformation. The goal is to achieve something each day that will make the skills centre a reality, no matter how small it is.

09/10/2026

FROM THE ARCHIVES TO THE FUTURE: STEM STILL MATTERS! 🔧⚙️🚀

Seven years ago, a LinkedIn post by Patronella Maludzi captured a moment connected to the Mining and Engineering Expo — a reminder of the importance of exposing people, especially young people, to science, technology, engineering and innovation.

Today, as PESTO works towards PESTO STEM Soweto 2026 — Soweto’s Future Starts Here, we are reminded that building the future begins with creating opportunities for young people to learn, explore and discover their potential.

From mining and engineering to artificial intelligence, robotics and practical skills, STEM can open doors to new possibilities.

We are building on the spirit of STEM engagement and looking ahead to the next generation of innovators.

📍 Soweto, Gauteng
🚀 PESTO STEM Soweto 2026

The question is: how do we bring more STEM opportunities to our schools and communities?

Talking to Soweto high school pupils. Share your story because you might change someone's destiny in the process. There's so much joy in sharing ourselves

06/10/2026

Big things coming for Soweto youth in STEM! Visited the UJ Soweto Science Centre to build real pathways for local learners. Huge shoutout to Mmakoma for the guidance! PESTO is submitting a two-fold proposal to link our community to UJ—and bringing their Mobile Science Lab to the PESTO STEM Event on 23 October! 🧪🔬 Mark those calendars!
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03/10/2026

Are you ready to take the first step toward building a brighter future? Apply today and unlock opportunities to pursue your studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, Accounting and Mathematics (STEAM). 2027 STEAM Undergraduate Bursary Applications now OPEN!

⚠️ Stay alert and beware of scams. Do not pay anyone claiming to guarantee or facilitate your bursary application. The Motsepe Foundation and our founder will never request or solicit an application fee for bursary applications.

Apply here: https://www.motsepefoundation.org/bursary and take the first step toward your future today!

02/10/2026

We are proud to have Patronella Molutsi supporting PESTO STEM SOWETO 2026 as our PESTO STEM Strategic Supporter / STEM Advisor.

With a background in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, technology leadership and an MBA from Wits, Patronella brings real-world engineering, technology, innovation and leadership experience to our initiative.
On 23 October 2026, she will help us inspire township learners to see STEM differently — not just as school subjects, but as pathways to careers, innovation and opportunity.

👩🏽‍🔬 PESTO STEM SOWETO 2026
📅 23 October 2026
📍 Diepkloof Welfare Centre, Soweto
🕙 10:00–16:00
From the township to the future. 🚀