Journalist THABO MOTLHABI wrote:
Aware.org successfully hosted a Youth Day Roundtable Event in commemoration of Youth Month and in honour of the legacy of the 16 June 1976 Soweto Uprising.
The event took place at the UJ Bunting Theatre on Thursday, 18 June. Fifty years after the historic Soweto Uprising, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by a courageous generation of young people who risked and lost their lives in the struggle for freedom, equality, and quality education for Black South Africans. Their bravery paved the way for South Africa’s democratic journey, and today’s youth continue to seek meaningful participation in shaping the country’s future.
The central question raised during the roundtable was: “What is next?” Aware.org challenged government, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders to work together in developing innovative solutions to address the challenges facing young people in an increasingly digital world.
Stakeholders in Attendance
- Industry leaders
- Educators
- Entrepreneurs
- Youth development practitioners
- Learners and students
The primary objective of the roundtable was to create a meaningful platform for young people to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of South Africa’s youth. Discussions focused on higher education, entrepreneurship, digital skills, creativity, innovation, and employment opportunities.
The event aimed to empower young people with valuable information and inspire them to use their talents, skills, and creativity to create opportunities for themselves in a rapidly evolving technological environment. Participants were encouraged to become active contributors to solutions that address the country’s persistently high youth unemployment rate.
The roundtable also provided a safe and inclusive space for young people to voice their concerns, share experiences, and gain motivation to develop skills that can help address both personal and societal challenges.
As the CEO of Aware.org, Mokebe Thulo highlighted the importance of creating platforms where young people can engage with influential leaders and gain inspiration for their future journeys.
“To young people, you are more important and more influential than you may ever realise. Look at what you already have and the assets available to you, whether they are your skills, talents, or opportunities around you. Use what you have today and start now. You do not have to wait for some future event before taking action.”
Throughout the event, various speakers encouraged young people to remain curious, take responsibility for their future, and embrace lifelong learning.
Discussions also addressed critical social issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, highlighting education and skills development as key tools for overcoming these challenges.
The Founder of Youth Content Collective expressed appreciation for the opportunity to inspire young people through digital skills development.
“To the youth, start now in creating the future you want to see. We are fortunate to be living in a digital world where we have access to opportunities, access to the world, and access to information. Start thinking about the future you want to build and begin creating it today. There are many opportunities available to young people, even while still in school. What is most important is being responsible and actively seeking out those opportunities.”
The roundtable concluded with an engaging dialogue on the challenges facing South African youth and inspiring stories from individuals who have overcome adversity. Participants were encouraged to make positive choices, pursue education and skills development, and actively contribute to building a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
The event served as a powerful reminder that the spirit of the youth of 1976 continues to inspire new generations to become agents of change, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow.
