By Lebone Road Mosima
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Noncebo Mhlauli has urged young South Africans to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy through service, leadership and active participation in democracy rather than entitlement.
Delivering the keynote address at the Nelson Mandela Day Student Leadership Dialogue and Student Services Expo in the Eastern Cape ahead of Mandela Day on 18 July, Mhlauli told students they were not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the leaders of today.
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“Some of South Africa’s greatest leaders first discovered their passion for justice while they were students. They learnt to organise, to listen, to debate respectfully, and learnt that leadership requires courage, discipline and accountability,” she said.
“The lessons you learn here will influence the kind of leaders you become tomorrow. Our country needs leaders who are not only intelligent but ethical; not only ambitious but compassionate; and not only successful but committed to serving others.”
Quoting Nelson Mandela’s famous words that education is “the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, Mhlauli said education was about more than earning qualifications. It was about developing critical thinking, solving problems and preparing young people to make meaningful contributions to society.
“As students, you are developing skills that our country urgently needs. South Africa needs innovators. We need entrepreneurs. We need young people who are prepared to create opportunities, not only seek them,” she said.
She said government continued to invest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges because of their role in driving economic growth, industrial development and job creation.
Mhlauli said the National Development Plan 2030, National Youth Policy 2030 and Medium-Term Development Plan all placed young people at the centre of South Africa’s development agenda by expanding access to education, skills, entrepreneurship and employment.
However, she stressed that government could not achieve those goals alone.
“Partnerships with institutions of higher learning, the private sector, civil society and communities are essential if we are to unlock the full potential of South Africa’s youth,” she said.
She encouraged students to register on SA Youth.mobi, describing it as one of government’s key platforms linking young people to jobs, training, entrepreneurship support, volunteering and skills programmes at no cost.
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Mhlauli also highlighted initiatives under the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), the Youth Employment Service (YES), Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and the National Youth Service (NYS), saying they provided work experience, accredited training, learnerships, internships, bursaries and monthly stipends for unemployed young people.
She called on young people to embrace entrepreneurship by identifying community challenges and creating businesses that generate jobs.
“Every successful enterprise begins with a single idea and someone who was courageous enough to pursue it,” she said.
Turning to democratic participation, Mhlauli expressed concern over declining youth voter registration and turnout, saying many young people had become disillusioned by unemployment and felt excluded from opportunities.
“This growing sense of disillusionment is reflected in one of the most concerning trends in our democracy: too many young people are choosing not to vote,” she said.
She urged Student Representative Council (SRC) leaders to champion voter education, combat misinformation and encourage students to register and vote.
“Your leadership should not end at resolving student issues on campus. It should extend to building active, informed and engaged citizens,” she said.
Mhlauli reminded students that voting was not a favour to political parties but an investment in the country’s future.
“Every ballot cast is an expression of hope, responsibility and accountability. It is your opportunity to shape the future of your community, influence the direction of our country and hold leaders accountable,” she said.
She also urged young people to embody Mandela’s values every day rather than limiting acts of service to Mandela Day.
“South Africa needs a generation that does not simply complain about the future but actively shapes it. The future will belong to those who participate, organise, lead and vote.”
