As part of Youth Month commemorations, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Vusanani Foundation, hosted a Provincial Youth Dialogue under the theme ‘Debate for Social Change’ at the Vusanani Foundation offices in Selby.

The dialogue brought together about 500 young people representing all five regions across Gauteng, creating a platform for meaningful engagement on issues affecting youth development and participation in society.

The event aimed to empower young people to become active contributors to their communities rather than passive beneficiaries. It also sought to strengthen participants’ public speaking abilities, build confidence and self-esteem, enhance leadership and teamwork skills, and deepen their understanding of socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Acting director for sustainable livelihood and youth development, Sello Mabaso, said the dialogue was designed to bridge the gap between young people and policymakers by providing a platform for discussions on socio-economic issues and encouraging active participation in shaping solutions.

He urged young people to draw inspiration from the youth of 1976 by organising themselves to address challenges affecting their generation.

“It is important for young people today to organise themselves to change their lives. You must organise yourselves against unemployment and position yourselves to become future entrepreneurs,” said Mabaso.

He further encouraged participants to use platforms such as youth dialogues to exchange ideas and identify practical solutions to issues such as unemployment, poverty and inequality.

A highlight of the programme was a robust debate on the motion: “Government should invest in improving existing public transport systems such as PRASA, Metrobus, Rea Vaya and A Re Yeng rather than expanding private transport partnerships.”

The debate generated diverse viewpoints on infrastructure investment, accessibility, affordability and state capacity. Participants supporting the motion argued that investing in existing public transport systems would improve infrastructure, increase affordability and accessibility, reduce traffic congestion and stimulate local economic growth by connecting residents to employment opportunities.

Those opposing the motion argued that greater collaboration with private transport partners could introduce innovation, improve efficiency and accelerate the delivery of modern transport solutions.

The majority of participants supported increased investment in public transport systems, highlighting their critical role in improving mobility and expanding access to economic opportunities, particularly for young people.

One of the participants, Moeketse Mokoena from Vuka Development Centre, welcomed the initiative, saying it provided young people with an opportunity to engage on issues affecting their lives and future prospects.

“To honour the legacy of the youth of 1976, today’s generation must fight for economic emancipation. We need to become entrepreneurs and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our economy,” said Mokoena.

He added that while previous generations fought against political oppression, today’s youth must confront contemporary challenges such as unemployment, poverty and economic exclusion.