LIMPOPO – Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane delivered a powerful address at the 2025 Ministerial Youth Day celebration held at Mopani TVET College’s Sir Val Duncan Campus on Friday, June 27.

The event was hosted in partnership with Mopani District Municipality (MDM), the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Letaba TVET College, and other stakeholders.

In her speech, Nkabane reflected on the legacy of the 1976 Soweto uprising, marking the 49th anniversary of the historic moment when young South Africans rose against an oppressive regime.

She paid tribute to the youth who lost their lives during the uprising and emphasised that the mission they began must now be carried forward through education, innovation, and opportunity.

“This is no longer a day of protest, but a day of progress. We commemorate Youth Month with skills, innovation, and opportunity,” said Nkabane. The minister highlighted one of the country’s pressing challenges, expressing concern about the rising number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), describing it as a national emergency requiring immediate action. Moreover, in a major announcement, she launched a R5 million Youth Enterprise Fund, which is a partnership between NYDA and the MDM. The fund will support young entrepreneurs in starting and growing businesses in the district to foster economic growth, job creation, and youth empowerment. This is more than an investment in the economy. It is an investment in youth agency, dignity, and innovation,” she said.

Nkabane also praised the Limpopo province and MEC Ernest Rachoene for signing a memorandum of understanding with all seven TVET colleges in the province. This partnership will promote work-integrated learning, giving students hands-on training and improving their readiness for employment and entrepreneurship.

In her address to the youth, the minister offered words of encouragement and reassurance: “You are not forgotten. You are the most powerful resource this country has. Your energy, creativity, and resilience are unmatched.”

She urged young people to believe in themselves and encouraged society to support them in realising their full potential. She also called for a united front against the challenges plaguing the youth, including unemployment, gender-based violence, bullying, and substance abuse in schools.

The minister concluded by thanking Mopani and Letaba TVET colleges for their leadership in hosting the event and called for collective action going forward.

“Let us walk forward, not just in memory, but in mission. Together we must rise, together we must build, and together we must empower the future generation,” said Nkabane.