LIGHTING THE FIRE OF OPPORTUNITY: DSD CLOSES YOUTH MONTH WITH ACTION FOR JOBS, SKILLS AND ECONOMIC INCLUSION

By Cuma Pantshwa.

• ⁠Young people from across South Africa gathered in Boksburg as the Department of Social Development closed Youth Month with a National Youth Summit focused on economic empowerment, skills and leadership.
• Director-General Peter Netshipale urged the youth to return home as leaders and catalysts for change, stressing that one inspired young person can uplift many more.
• The summit blended heartfelt stories, practical commitments and a united message that building an inclusive economy starts by equipping and trusting the youth.

As South Africa officially closes Youth Month, a National Youth Summit is taking place in Boksburg today where the Department of Social Development (DSD) and its partners are stepping up with an urgent call for collective action to break the cycle of youth unemployment and economic exclusion.
The transition from commemoration to implementation comes at a critical time. According to Statistics South Africa, the national unemployment rate climbed to 32.9% in the first quarter of this year, with young people aged 15 to 34 accounting for a staggering 46.1% of the unemployed. That is 4.8 million out of 8.2 million South Africans struggling for work.

A CALL FOR PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

In his latest weekly letter, President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed that South Africa’s empowerment policies must remain practical and responsive to current realities, while staying true to the goal of redressing historic injustices.
“Among the most salient features of our country’s empowerment laws are their practicality, feasibility and responsiveness to economic conditions without deviating from the objective of redressing the economic injustices of exclusion of the past,” the President wrote.
“We must broaden the economic participation of enterprises owned by black South Africans, women and young people.”
This vision is already in motion through this year’s Youth Month programme, which shines a light on the urgent need to prioritise mental wellness, skills development, entrepreneurship and the partnerships that make these possible.
Opening today under the theme “Youth Skills Development and Economic Empowerment in the Social Sector,” the National Youth Summit is led by Minister of Social Development Ms Sisisi Tolashe in Boksburg, Gauteng.
Young people from across the country have gathered, eager to shape solutions and accelerate empowerment. The energy in the room is one of action, optimism and commitment. Youth leaders doing extraordinary work in their communities were honoured for lighting the way forward.
“We are honouring and acknowledging the young leaders here who are doing great things in their communities,” said Programme Director Ms Zizile Khumalo-Nyembe from DSD.

‘WE WANT YOU TO LEAD AND BUILD’

The Summit is more than talk. It is a commitment to real action. Director-General Mr Peter Netshipale inspired the room with a clear message:
“I want to call on the leadership of the department and the private sector, work with us to make sure you flourish and become sustainable. Out of this summit, we are collecting your names so that when the NDA comes to you, you are the first to be empowered.
Mr Netshipale emphasised the power of knowledge-sharing and peer-to-peer learning, urging delegates to carry this beyond the conference. “Each of you must go back and light the fire. One youth is equivalent to 15 more. If you’re 150 here, you must go back and empower 15 more.”
He also told the youth, “We want you to be rich. We want you to employ me as I retire and advise you. We want you to lead, and for that purpose we have brought you here to celebrate your achievements and to equip you to empower others when you return home.”
He also responded candidly to criticisms sometimes levelled at youth ventures: “There was an article criticising a youth-owned hair salon in Hillbrow. But yes, we want you to own that space. We want you to own the car wash. We want you to own the means of employment so that you can employ others.”
The Director-General reminded delegates of their worth, regardless of where they came from. “This is the City of Gold. Take time to see how people live, how buildings stretch to the sky. Be exposed and take that vision home with you.”
Closing his remarks, he offered encouragement for their personal journeys. “There is a journey in every young person. That journey will shape your future, inspire others and help us build a better country. We are here to walk with you.”

A COMMITMENT TO REAL CHANGE

Speaking on behalf of the DSD Portfolio, the SASSA CEO Mr. Themba Matlou underlined that social protection must be a bridge, not a dead end. It must open doors to skills, employment and entrepreneurship.
Some of the young people present shared inspiring stories of impact despite limited resources. One young woman said, “We advocate for victims and survivors of gender-based violence and femicide. We empower them and run anti-GBV and anti-trafficking programmes in schools. We are reaching deep into Soweto’s GBV hotspots, bringing change where it is needed most.”
Another young man described his foundation, launched at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’ve given food parcels to over 500 families every four months. But now we’ve had to stop because of funding challenges. Minister, with all due respect, we need your support so we can keep going and growing.”

HONOURING THE LEGACY OF 1976

The NDA Acting CEO drew a powerful connection to the youth of 1976. “Forty-nine years ago, the youth of 1976 changed the course of our nation. Today, that struggle for dignity continues, not in the streets of Soweto, but in our classrooms, boardrooms and communities where too many young people still face barriers to opportunity.”
He pledged concrete steps, including funding for youth-led organisations, expanded grant pathways for SRD recipients, and procurement opportunities for youth-owned businesses.
“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.”
As South Africa moves beyond Youth Month, the mission is clear. Young people must be equipped, supported and included to ensure truly inclusive and sustainable growth.
Through real partnerships, practical solutions and the leadership of young people themselves, the National Youth Summit is not just closing a month of reflection, it is lighting the fire for action.