Good Morning. Ndi Matsheloni. Sanibonani. On behalf of the National Development Agency (NDA), I would like to thank and commend the Department of Social Development for convening this much needed Youth Summit under the powerful and timely theme: “Youth Skills Development and Economic Empowerment in the Social Sector. Forty-nine years ago, the youth of 1976 forever changed the trajectory of our nation.

Their defiance against an oppressive education system and their bold determination to claim their voice laid the foundation for the democratic South Africa we live in today. Their sacrifice was not in vain. However, 49 years later, the struggle for youth dignity continues not in the streets of Soweto, but in our classrooms, communities, boardrooms, and service spaces where too many young people still face barriers to opportunity. Just last week, on 26 June, we marked 70 years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter.

One of its declarations powerfully proclaims: The doors of learning and culture shall be opened to all. Today, we must ask ourselves: Are those doors truly open, especially for youth in rural, marginalised, and underdeveloped communities? Even though some doors of learning may be open, we need to ask the crucial questions that will take us forward as a nation: Are they enabling our youth to join the 4th Industrial Revolution with confidence? Are they empowering our young people with the much-needed critical skills that our economy needs so that we do not have to import skills from other countries? Are they empowering our young people to build their own companies and industries?

Are they providing young people with the much-needed IT, Science and Technology and artisan skills, to name a few! We must be honest about the harsh realities facing South African Youth and challenges. According to Statistics South Africa Q1 2025 Labour Force Survey, the Youth unemployment rate stands at 45.5%. Even more concerning is the growing number of youth not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) estimated at over 9 million young people. This is not just a statistic, it is a national crisis. And it demands targeted, inclusive, and scalable interventions. The NDA continues to unlock the potential of young people by responding through practical and grassroots solutions. Over the last three years, we have:

Trained more than 3,500 young people in accredited social sector skills programmes.

Funded over 220 youth-led or youth-serving organisations, focusing on food security, ECD, manufacturing and community development programmes We are building strategic partnerships to expand these efforts. For example, our work with the Department of Small Business Development and its agency SEDFA ensures that youth completing our programmes are linked to funding that sustains their entrepreneurial journeys.

We are also proud to collaborate with organisations like the Young African Entrepreneurship Institute, which empowers rural youth through digital innovation and entrepreneurship. Together, we are helping SRD grant recipients to begin participating meaningfully in their local economies. Today, I am accompanied by 17 NDA interns who represent the promise of a skilled, purpose-driven generation ready to lead. We commend you and recommit to expanding intern opportunities beyond 18-month placements toward permanent, empowered futures. We are also: Expanding our reach to support R370 SRD grant recipients, creating pathways out of poverty and into purpose.

Implementing a focused procurement plan that prioritises youth-led enterprises.

Deepening partnerships with SETAs, universities, and the private sector to grant-fund innovative, future-facing projects.

Minister, as I conclude, to the youth here today and across our nation: Your story did not begin with unemployment, and it should not end in struggle.

You are the legacy of 1976 and the architects of 2056. Let us move forward together with courage, innovation, and hope.

Thank you. Rea leboha. Siyabonga