As the South African Elections approached, and with June also being South African Youth Month, IFAA engaged in discussions with several partners to host a large youth event, in which young people would take center stage and express their collective vision, concerns, and expectations for the future of the country. ‘Youth Speak’, attracted over 70 young people from 8 civic organizations, garnered solid attention from the media and has laid the foundation for a more solid network of young people who will interact with future IFAA projects.
The Future Innovations Lab at the University of Western Cape buzzed with youthful energy and passionate discourse as youth organizations from across the Cape Town Peninsula convened for the highly anticipated Youth Speaks event. This dynamic gathering provided a platform for young leaders to articulate their vision for South Africa and engage in critical discussions about the country’s political landscape.
The event brought together representatives from several influential youth organizations, including Youth Arise, S.M.A.R.T., CAYCO, Likhwezi Arts, Adriaanse Library, IFAA, Oasis, UWC Colab, Cape Town TV, Peak View High School, Hindle High School and Surplus Radical Bookstore. Each group shared their unique perspectives and proposed innovative ideas for the incoming government to consider.
Key Highlights:
- Youth Arise emphasized the importance of sustainable development and climate action, calling for policies that prioritize environmental protection and green job creation.
- S.M.Art advocated for educational reforms, highlighting the need for equitable access to quality education and greater support for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs.
- CAYCO focused on economic empowerment, urging the government to implement measures that support youth entrepreneurship and tackle the high unemployment rates among young people.
- Likhwezi Arts presented a compelling case for the arts and culture sector, stressing the need for increased funding and recognition of the arts as a vital component of national identity and cohesion.
- Oasis highlighted the critical issues of mental health and well-being, proposing comprehensive mental health services and community support systems to address the challenges faced by young South Africans.
The event underscored the commitment of Cape Town’s youth to actively participate in shaping the future of their nation. Through spirited debates and collaborative brainstorming sessions, the participants demonstrated their readiness to engage with policymakers and contribute to the country’s progress.
