DSD YOUTH SUMMIT OPENS WITH STRONG COMMITMENT TO EMPOWER YOUNG PEOPLE

By Muriel Moatshe. 

• The Department of Social Development has opened the National Youth Commemoration Summit in Boksburg with a clear message of unity and action to tackle poverty and unemployment among South Africa’s youth.
• ⁠Leaders from across the social development portfolio, including SASSA and the NDA, joined young people and partners to explore practical ways to build skills, unlock jobs and drive economic inclusion.
• The two-day event aims to move beyond support into opportunity, ensuring that young people shape and lead their own futures.

The first day of the National Youth Commemoration Summit brought together vibrant young leaders, government departments and key development organisations under one roof at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre. The theme, “Youth Skills Development and Economic Empowerment in the Social Sector,” set the tone for a gathering focused on real solutions and long-term impact.
Minister of Social Development Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe led the opening session alongside Director-General Mr Peter Netshipale, SASSA CEO Mr Themba Matlou and NDA Acting CEO Mr Thabani Buthelezi. Their presence signalled a strong, united commitment to tackling the challenges faced by young people, from poverty and joblessness to lack of skills and economic exclusion.
Delivering a heartfelt message, SASSA CEO Mr Themba Matlou reflected on how far the country has come since the sacrifices of 1976, pointing out that institutions like SASSA were born from the democracy that youth activists fought for.
“This democracy gave us institutions like SASSA to act as a vital safety net for our people,” he said. “Through our grants and relief programmes, we are not only fighting poverty, we are creating platforms for young people to transition into the economy.”
Matlou shared that SASSA currently supports over 28 million people every year with a budget of R260 billion, with young people making up a significant share. More than 13 million children receive the Child Support Grant, and over 8.7 million young adults continue to benefit from the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant.
“These numbers reflect more than just figures, they show the scale of youth dependency on social protection. Our goal now is to move beyond relief and into opportunity,” Matlou explained.
He highlighted several SASSA partnerships aimed at opening doors for young people, such as collaborations with the Department of Basic Education that create opportunities for youth entrepreneurs to supply, brand and transport school uniforms. SASSA is also piloting projects with the Community Development and Sustainable Livelihoods programme to help young people move from receiving support into running their own enterprises.
From skills training under the Expanded Public Works Programme to targeted pathways into small businesses, SASSA’s approach places young people at the centre of meaningful economic activity.
“We are proud to be here today,” Matlou said. “This summit gives us the chance to listen to young voices, explore new interventions and co-create solutions for youth development.”
Echoing the words of Minister Tolashe, Matlou called on the youth to take full ownership of the space. “We remain committed to our mandate and we will continue to ensure that this most critical group, our youth, is not left behind. Let’s engage, let’s plan together. The future is yours to lead.”
The summit continues with youth-led dialogues, exhibitions and panel discussions covering digital innovation, entrepreneurship and how young people can build pathways out of poverty. As the programme moves ahead, the Department of Social Development remains clear in its message that real, lasting change depends on empowering young people to step forward, take charge and help build a stronger nation for all.