National Invest-ED livestream to help learners navigate study and career choices

Johannesburg, South Africa – Learners across South Africa, along with their parents, guardians and educators, are invited to join Invest-ED’s next national livestream, designed to help young people make more informed decisions about study and future careers.

Invest-ED is Investec’s national programme for grade 8 to 12 high-schoolers and their families, offering events, practical content and career guidance resources that are focused on preparing for the future economy.

The next Invest-ED Live event takes place on Wednesday 16 September 2026 from 18:30 to 19:30. During the broadcast, professionals, entrepreneurs, creators and athletes will share their experiences and answer questions from learners and families.

The inaugural Invest-ED event attracted more than 4,000 participants from schools and households across South Africa, reflecting the demand for practical guidance on education choices, careers and the future world of work

“For many families, choosing what to study has become a much bigger decision than selecting a degree or qualification,” says Lesley-Anne Gatter, Global Head of People & Organisation at Investec.

“Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how work gets done, new industries are emerging, and the skills employers value are shifting alongside them. This creates a real challenge for parents and educators who want to guide young people well but are doing so in a world of work that is moving quickly. Careers that look secure today may evolve significantly over the next decade, while opportunities in fields that barely existed a few years ago are expanding rapidly.”

“This makes career planning less about choosing one fixed goal, and more about building the confidence and capability to navigate change - a particularly important conversation as learners head into exam season,” adds Gatter. “The recognition that young people need access to resources and information that will help them participate meaningfully in the future economy is what led us to create the Invest-ED programme.”

What to expect on the night

• Thalia Pillay, CEO and co-founder of Orca Fraud, will discuss how AI is reshaping cybersecurity, digital trust and fraud prevention, and the career opportunities emerging in these fields.
• Attorney and digital creator Didi Karabo Khumalo will share how she successfully moved from a well-established career in law into the fast-growing field of content creation, and what this shift reflects about the changing nature of work.
• A pre-recorded segment featuring Cheslin Kolbe, Teboho Mokoena, Kaiyuree Moodley and Mpumelelo Mhlongo will explore the realities of professional sport and how athletes prepare for life beyond competition.

“The aim is not to predict exactly what the world of work will look like in 10 or 20 years. Instead, Invest-ED is designed to help young people understand the forces shaping the rapidly changing economy, and build the confidence to respond to them,” concludes Gatter.

Invest-ED Live takes place on Wednesday 16 September 2026 from 18:30 to 19:30. Registration is now open here.