NYDA partners with PAP and APRM to co-host successful Development and Democracy Dialogue in Midrand
The dialogue focused on the 30-year journey of democracy in our neighbouring country, its significance for SA and other African nations, and a retrospective look at their achievements during this period.
![Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/58c313dc-54a7-44cf-_04770-e1715596577939.jpg)
“Fight for your space if you must. There is no reward in sitting down and keeping quiet. As young people, we have to decide what the future looks like.”
![Namibian deputy minister of Sport, Youth and National Service Emma Kantema.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/GMaSyBoXAAEOIk4_72661-e1715596609224-520x344.jpg)
This statement was made by Karabo Mohale, the deputy chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) during the recent Development and Democracy Dialogue hosted at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) headquarters in Midrand.
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![Minister in the presidency, responsible for planning, monitoring and evaluation Maropene Lydia Ramokgopa.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/GMZhvEIW8AAM5zL_51447-e1715599527767-520x344.jpg)
The NYDA collaborated with the Africa Peer Review Mechanism and PAP on April 30 to co-host the inter-generational dialogue, in celebration of South Africa’s 30th anniversary of democracy.
This commemoration aimed to raise awareness among young people about their responsibilities in policy engagement, civic education, community and nation-building.
![NYDA executive deputy chairperson Karabo Mohale.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/GMZhuVmWIAA6wMi_41262-e1715599569164-520x344.jpg)
The dialogue was an opportunity for youth to recognise their pivotal role in advancing the development and democratic governance of South Africa.
Key speakers at this inter-generational important dialogue included the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola; Minister in the Presidency for Planning Maropene Ramokgopa; and Namibian Sports Minister, Dr Emma Kantema, to name a few.
![Lindiwe Khumalo from the Pan African Parliament delivers the closing remarks.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/GMaoNCCW0AE-GPt_43462-e1715599597899-520x344.jpg)
By showcasing success stories, role models, and opportunities for participation, the dialogue empowered young minds to take ownership of their future and contribute to positive change.
![Proudly SA board member Thulani Chefuta.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/GMZ1U4aWMAAfCLe_32316-e1715599619320-520x344.png)
Pandor highlighted that we need all young people and their energy to build the new dawn of Africa.
![Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Naledi Pandor.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/GMZqTP6XgAA4cUN_68706-e1715599639879-520x344.jpg)
“You must participate in the upcoming elections. No transition takes place in three decades fully, it merely transitions. Own your democracy by participating in it, and not by excluding yourself. Go and put your cross. That is what was fought for,” Pandor told attendees.
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![Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Ronald Lamola.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/GMaZMBsWMAAhSIo_62497-e1715599660684-520x344.jpg)
Andre Nzapayeke, ambassador of the Central African Republic, commended the NYDA for taking into account the aspirations of SA youth.
![Pan-African Parliament president Fortune Zephania Charumbira.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/GMZfP0VWYAA7gAj_25970-e1715599683840-520x344.png)
Thulani Chefuta, a Proudly SA board member, said if the challenges of youth unemployment were not addressed, there was no democracy we could talk about in the future.
![NYDA partners with PAP and APRM to co-host a successful Development and Democracy Dialogue in Midrand.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/GMap3FLW4AEbhN8_90759-e1715599705113-520x344.jpg)
“We need to invest in the lives of young people and then draw a demographic dividend. You cannot draw a demographic dividend where you have not invested. We must promote youth participation in democracy and good governance. Young people should vote and be voted for,” Chefuta said.
In his remarks, Lamola said the creativity of the youth must be unleashed.
![Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is devastated by untimely deaths of four learners from Eqinisweni Secondary School. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/IMG_6056_52913-e1715599724380-520x344.jpg)
“We live in a country that is alive with possibilities. We have the assistance of the solidarity of the international community. As a young generation, we should not be apologetic about the role we should be playing in our countries,” said Lamola.
![Steve Mabona, Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson, confirms four learners dead from Ivory Park school. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/IMG_6049_50406-e1715599742880-520x344.jpg)
He concluded by quoting the Greek proverb: ‘A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit’.
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