The youth play a pivotal role in driving social and economic change, and as such, need to robustly engage in local and national politics, as well as community development. This was the overarching message at UJ Alumni Office’s virtual event, titled ‘The Past, Present, and Future: Youth as Catalysts for Change‘, held on 19 June. High-level speakers included Walter Bango, senior manager at the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Tumelo Makgakga, director of FirstPlace Assurance & Advisory, Dr Ayabulela Dlakavu, UJ Research Fellow, Jabulisile Shabalala, petitions analyst at Gauteng Provincial Legislature, and Billy Malotane, president of the UJ Student Representative Council (SRC). The NYDA supports young entrepreneurs from the age of 15 to 35 in various sectors, including ICT, agriculture, and renewable energy. “We believe that innovation and entrepreneurship are key to addressing youth unemployment and fostering economic growth,” said Bango. Makgakga discussed the powerful synergy between entrepreneurship and innovation “Entrepreneurship and innovation are not merely concepts; they are the engines of progress and the foundation of a prosperous South Africa.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP – THE DRIVING FORCE FOR GLOBAL CHANGE
(Left to right) Mr Billy Malotane, Ms Jabulisile Shabalala, Mr Walter Bango, Dr Takalani Tshabalala and Mr Nell Ledwaba
sector is crucial for driving policy changes that reflect the needs and aspirations of young people. By actively participating in legislative processes, we can ensure that our voices are heard, and our issues are addressed,” she said, adding that young people could leverage technology and social media as tools to amplify their voices and influence public policy. Malotane shared his journey as the President of UJ’s SRC, emphasising the importance of youth engagement during the higher education phase. “As student leaders, we have the responsibility to advocate for the rights and needs of our peers. By engaging with university administration and participating in governance, we can shape policies that promote social justice and equity in higher education,” he said. The event concluded with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the panellists. To watch this event, click here . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXzuDf0qBCA
By embracing these forces, we can unlock the potential of our nation and drive economic empowerment,” he said. Dr Dlakavu provided an academic perspective on youth activism and social movements, stressing the importance of youth participation in local and national politics to effect social change. He drew parallels between historical and contemporary youth-led movements, advocating for a greater role of young people in policymaking and governance. “Youth activism is about more than just highlighting issues; it’s about offering solutions and driving meaningful change. By participating in local and national politics, young people can shape the policies and programmes that affect their lives,” said Dr Dlakavu, also highlighting the significance of movements such as the Arab Spring and the Fees Must Fall campaign in driving political and social change. Adding to this theme, Shabalala stressed the importance of youth-led social movements on public policy and governance, including legislative processes. “Youth activism in the public
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