Entrepreneur, youth development advocate and community leader, Dr Rito Madingana, was selected as one of 100 young delegates to participate in the National Youth Dialogue convened under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa from 13 to 15 June.

Madingana, a Welkom girl, represented the Free State Province at the event held at the Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Young leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, policymakers and community builders from across South Africa attended to discuss solutions to challenges facing young people.

The dialogue provided a platform for engagement on issues including economic transformation, education, entrepreneurship, skills development and youth participation in decision-making.

As a Free State delegate, Madingana contributed to discussions on economic transformation, education and entrepreneurship. The conversations highlighted the need to address youth unemployment, improve access to skills development opportunities and create pathways for young people to participate in and benefit from the economy.

The event was attended by the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, representatives of the National Youth Development Agency and various stakeholders committed to advancing youth development in South Africa. The dialogue created an opportunity for young people to engage directly with decision-makers and contribute recommendations towards a more inclusive future.

As South Africa commemorates 50 years since the 1976 youth uprisings, the dialogue served as a reminder of ongoing challenges. Young people continue to face high unemployment rates, inequality and limited access to opportunities.

One of the key recommendations emerging from the dialogue was the establishment of youth hubs and development centres where young people can access skills training, mentorship, entrepreneurship support and opportunities for economic participation. Through skills development, innovation and enterprise support, more young people could become entrepreneurs, job creators and contributors to South Africa’s economy.

Delegates noted that implementation must follow discussion. The message from young delegates was that ideas must be translated into programmes, opportunities and measurable outcomes that improve the lives of young people across the country.

Madingana acknowledged the organisers of the National Youth Dialogue and partners who made the engagement possible, particularly Kagiso Trust, for creating a platform where young people could participate in shaping the future of the country.

ALSO READ: Ramaphosa calls for dialogue amid Middle East tensions