By Lebone Rodah Mosima
South Africa’s young people have called on the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to move “beyond consultation into coordinated action” during a national dialogue aimed at shaping a shared vision for the country’s future.
The gathering – the Youth Consultation 2025 – was hosted by the NYDA this week in partnership with the South African Youth Council (SAYC), youth-led movements, political formations, and civil society organisations. It was described by the agency as the first of its kind since its establishment at the dawn of democracy.
According to the NYDA, the consultation “marks a historic new chapter in South Africa’s youth development trajectory where the Consultation is not only making space for reflection, but for collective renewal and reminding them of that, the future of this nation must be co-authored by its youth.”
Delegates debated critical issues such as youth unemployment, education and skills alignment, disengagement, inclusivity and access. Their discussions produced a common demand for change, and that policies should not just be discussed, but implemented.
“Across these discussions, there was a resounding call for the NYDA and its partners to move beyond consultation into coordinated action – transforming insights into policy, and policy into measurable impact,” the NYDA said in a statement.
The conference comes at a time when South Africa is grappling with youth unemployment of about 46%, often described as a “ticking time bomb” by politicians and policy experts.
NYDA Executive Chairperson Sunshine Myende said the agency hopes the event will help reignite the spirit of unity among young people.
“This is a platform that reminds us that our democracy is strongest when young people are at its centre – not as spectators, but as active participants in shaping its direction.”
“The NYDA is committed to taking forward every insight, every demand, and every idea that emerged from this gathering – ensuring that the voices of young people are not only heard, but reflected in the policies and programmes, that define our nation’s future,” Myende said.
The NYDA said it will use the outcomes of the consultation to inform both the Integrated Youth Development Strategy (IYDS) and the broader national development agenda.
It also pledged to ensure that “every young person across provinces to wherever they are, have a voice in shaping the policies that affect their lives.”
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