DSD CALLS FOR COLLABORATIVE ACTION TO EMPOWER YOUTH AT EMPOWAYOUTH ENGAGEMENT

By Precious Mupenzi

•⁠ ⁠Acting Director-General Advocate Gugulethu Thimane has called for stronger partnerships to advance youth development.
•⁠ ⁠The EmpowaYouth engagement highlights the need to align skills development with economic opportunities.
•⁠ ⁠Government and stakeholders are urged to act collectively to unlock the potential of South Africa’s youthful population.

The Acting Director-General of the Department of Social Development, Advocate Gugulethu Thimane, has called for renewed and coordinated action to empower young people as key drivers of South Africa’s socio-economic development.

Speaking on Day One of the EmpowaYouth Week engagement taking place in Sebokeng, Gauteng, from 20 to 24 April 2026, Adv Thimane positioned youth development at the centre of building a capable, inclusive and developmental state.

Addressing partners, organisers, youth participants and stakeholders, she highlighted that the engagement comes at a critical time as the country continues to confront high levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality, while also facing the opportunity presented by a large youth population.

“Health and wellness are not just social priorities; they are economic imperatives. They are foundational investments in human capital that drive productivity, economic growth and poverty reduction,” she said.

She linked the engagement to key global and national development frameworks, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Agenda 2063, and South Africa’s National Development Plan and Medium-Term Development Plan.

These frameworks, she noted, emphasise inclusive growth, job creation, and improved quality of life, outcomes that depend on empowering young people.

Adv Thimane pointed out that young people aged 15 to 34 make up a significant portion of the population, presenting what she described as a demographic dividend, an opportunity to accelerate economic growth through targeted investments in education, health and employment.

However, she cautioned that this opportunity is under threat, with youth unemployment ranging between 44 per cent and 60 per cent, leaving many young people excluded from economic participation.
“We must move from policy discussions to decisive action. The challenges facing young people require a strategic, results-driven approach that is collaborative and responsive to the realities on the ground,” she said.

She further highlighted the increasing demand for scarce and critical skills in sectors such as information technology, engineering, healthcare and specialised trades, noting that digital transformation and infrastructure development are reshaping the labour market.

In response, she called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, academia, civil society and international partners to align skills development with market needs.
“We need to identify the skills that are in demand, create pathways for young people through bursaries, scholarships and practical training, and ensure that mentorship programmes are in place to support their transition into the world of work,” she said.

Adv Thimane also stressed the importance of holistic youth development, noting that challenges such as substance abuse, gender-based violence and limited access to recreational opportunities continue to hinder progress.

She highlighted the role of sport, the arts, culture, and community programmes in building resilient, socially responsible young people.

Reaffirming the Department’s mandate, she emphasised its commitment to promoting inclusion, equity and social protection, while advancing programmes that place youth at the forefront of development.

She also underscored the need for a coordinated approach across government departments, including Higher Education, Small Business Development, Labour, and the Presidency, as well as entities such as the National Youth Development Agency.

“Empowering youth is not the responsibility of one sector; it requires a collective effort. Together, we must create an enabling environment where young people can thrive, contribute meaningfully to the economy, and shape the future of our country,” she said.

The EmpowaYouth engagement continues to serve as a platform for dialogue, innovation and partnership, bringing together stakeholders committed to expanding opportunities for young people and building a more inclusive and prosperous South Africa.