Several influential guests from Africa and from around the world, including former Public Protector, prof Thuli Madonsela, the Mozambican politician, humanitarian and wife of former president Nelson Mandela, Graça Machel, and human rights lawyer, anti-apartheid activist and writer Justice Albie Sachs will be in attendance at this year’s One Young World Summit in Cape Town.
The 2026 event, which marks the summit’s return to Africa for the first time since Johannesburg hosted it in 2013, takes place from Tuesday 3 November to Friday 6 November.
According to its website, several well-known international guests will also be in attendance, including actors Terry Crews, Gillian Anderson, Forest Whitaker and Nomzamo Mbatha.
More than 2 000 expected
The One Young World Summit will bring together more than 2 000 young leaders from over 190 countries, alongside some of the most recognisable figures in global politics, activism, and public life who will attend to mentor the next generation of leaders, a press statement reads.
Other local guests include Rugby World Cup champion and Springbok legend, Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira, Protea cricketer Temba Bavuma, Olympic champion Tatjana Smith and rugby legend Francois Pienaar.
Previous mentors have included Nobel Peace Laureates, heads of state, and chief executive officers of major global corporations, with notable names including the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Ahmed Kathrada and Kofi Annan.
1976 Soweto Uprising
This year’s summit is particularly significant as it aligns with the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising. A series of special programmes will be held to honour the legacy and contributors of young people in the struggle for freedom, the statement reads.
Unlocking Africa’s potential will be a central theme of this year’s summit, with delegates from across the continent coming together to showcase the innovation and growth potential of African youth, it continues. Participants will also explore a wide range of critical issues for South Africa today – from youth unemployment, to ensuring the responsible use of AI, and rethinking peace and security to meet 21st century threats, the statement reads.
The opening ceremony will be held at the Green Point Athletics Stadium, near to the DHL Stadium with the rest of the summit taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
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