Pretoria: Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, has called on young South Africans to actively participate in shaping the government and the future of the country, emphasizing their role as 'changemakers today'. Speaking at the Seventh-day Adventist Community Day in Maragon Mooikloof, Pretoria, Mhlauli highlighted the importance of youth involvement in decision-making processes, given that they form more than a third of the population.
According to South African Government News Agency, Mhlauli stressed the need for the youth, who number around 21 million, to be central to every significant decision concerning South Africa's future. She underscored the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Constitution in 2026, describing it as a cornerstone for protecting rights and ensuring active democratic participation. The Deputy Minister urged young people to engage in government processes, including policy development, public consultations, and municipal planning, to strengthen democracy.
Mhlauli drew on historical examples of youth influence, such as the 1976 uprisings and the 1994 democratic elections, to illustrate the power of young people in shaping the nation's destiny. She encouraged the current generation to engage with emerging policy areas, including artificial intelligence, which will impact various sectors such as jobs, education, and healthcare.
Addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment, Mhlauli called for a collective response involving government, business, labor, civil society, and educational institutions. She highlighted government initiatives like the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and the SAYouth.mobi platform as vital tools to support young people in accessing work opportunities and skills development.
Beyond economic contributions, Mhlauli encouraged youth participation in diverse sectors, citing successes in citrus exports and the rise of local music genres like Amapiano as examples of youth-driven impact. She also acknowledged the role of faith communities in fostering responsible citizens and urged young people to take ownership of their future by engaging in community activities and pursuing excellence in their studies.
Mhlauli concluded by calling on the youth to read government policies, attend public meetings, and volunteer in their communities as South Africa approaches 30 years of its Constitution. She emphasized the need for young people to be architects of democracy, not mere spectators, and to contribute their energy, creativity, and commitment to building a country where opportunity thrives.