Hon. L. Mkutu
Honourable members
Looking back at the history of Youth Month, it is a privilege to address you today on a matter that resonates deeply with the African National Congress and holds significant importance for the future of our country, which is the digital pathways for youth economic engagement. The ANC has resolved that the digital economy is a vital pillar for transformation and change. A critical pillar in achieving economic growth and prosperity.
2025 marks 49 years since the 1976 youth uprising. Reflecting on today, a time when technological advancements shape our future, it is essential for the youth to be provided with the necessary skills and infrastructure to succeed in a technologically driven digital economy. This advancement, honourable members, is a goal the ANC remains committed to ensuring its realisation. South Africa has achieved remarkable progress in this area, yet there remains a considerable journey ahead to guarantee that our youth emerge not merely as participants but as leaders in this digital transformation. The time of South Africa being an adopter of industry trends is behind us, young people are ensuring that South Africa sets the trend in the broader global framework.
Consider the story of Elihle Msomi and Snazo Nzama from Adam’s College in KwaZulu-Natal, who have recently been named the 2025 national winners of the South African Youth Water Prize. The two Grade 11 learners took part in a prestigious competition aimed at empowering young South Africans to become future leaders in the water and sanitation sector through science and innovation. Their project, titled “The Aqua Crusader”, is an innovative water education and awareness campaign designed to promote responsible water use within communities. As national champions, Msomi and Nzama will represent South Africa at the international Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden this August. Their achievement marks a significant milestone in youth participation in science-led solutions to environmental challenges. This is the technologically innovative youth that is championing the interests of South Africa in the digital and information science space.
The Department of Communication and Digital Technology has over the years established a robust framework for empowering the youth through initiatives such as National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA), which offers essential training in digital skills. These programs empower young individuals to transcend the role of mere consumers of technology, fostering their development as creators and innovators. However, training alone is insufficient, we must synchronise these efforts with South Africa’s Communications & Digital Technology Infrastructure roadmap, which provides a clear definition of how young people can engage meaningfully in the digital realm. By incorporating these strategies that prioritise the needs and aspirations of youth into this roadmap, we can establish distinct avenues for employment and entrepreneurship, ensuring that young people are well positioned to empower themselves.
The emergence of tech startups and digital enterprises offers a remarkable chance for aspiring entrepreneurs to reshape the landscape of business Honourable members, it is important to remark that young people’s initiatives must be supported, they must be encouraged, through making the investment as our youth is our collective future. Through the collaboration of both private and public sectors, emerging innovators have the potential to convert their visionary ideas into successful commodities and enterprises.
Organisations such as the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) are essential in fostering sustainability and prioritising the needs of young people in these ventures. Young people need resources, training and support. These are the support mechanisms envisioned by the Freedom charter. Through the provision of funding, mentorship, and access to markets, these agencies play a crucial role in connecting potential with achievement.
The involvement of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), especially within the ICT sector, serves as a crucial catalyst for empowering youth engagement in the digital economy. It is essential for these organisations to focus on implementing training and development initiatives that empower young individuals with basic skills like coding, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Our young people are willing to learn, they have shown the desire to be empowered, and it is then up to us to steer them on the path of their desire and show them support to ensure success. By aligning SETA programs with industry needs, we can empower our youth to transition from being mere job seekers to becoming innovative job creators.
The availability of technology continues to pose significant challenges for numerous young individuals in South Africa. The government has initiated significant measures to tackle this issue by broadening Wi-Fi access, such as the projects that are headed by Broadband Infranco (BBI), creating computer labs in educational institutions, and lowering import taxes on basic smartphones. These measures are essential in guaranteeing that every young individual has the opportunity to thrive, free from the barriers of inadequate connectivity. Nonetheless, it is imperative that we persist in our efforts to advocate for universal broadband access and affordable data, as this is essential for genuinely empowering individuals with digital opportunities. ICASA continues to be a key role player in the regulation of Data prices and the participation of historically disadvantaged individuals through its ownership requirements.
Honourable members, this brings me to a crucial point in this discussion: TRANSFORMATION. It is rather convenient to sit and play the role of prosecutor and claim that no transformation has taken place. It is also easy to radically reverse transformative laws and stances, such as the licensing ownership requirement mandated by the Electronic Communications Act. What is not easy is to properly reflect on the youth of 1976—how they felt on that fateful morning when they took to the street, when some bid farewell to their parents for the final time, never to see them again, reflect on the atmosphere, the burning feeling they carried deep in their hearts. That is the burning fuel that powers our Transformation agenda. A transformation agenda that is undermined today by those who have forgotten the youth of 1976. The youth who fought for technology without knowing they were fighting for it; a youth who advocated for Wi-Fi connection without ever hearing that word. A youth that continues to empower not just technological inclusion and development today, but the broader continent.
The emergence of a “African Silicon Valley” stands as one of the most thrilling opportunities for our continent, a vibrant centre of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. However, this vision remains unattainable without the dynamic engagement and leadership of the younger generation. It is imperative that we foster and support youth-driven technological ecosystems that generate local solutions to address global challenges. In the realms of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and fintech, it is imperative that young Africans lead the charge in this evolution.
To truly unlock the power of ICT, we must adopt a cohesive strategy centred on youth that capitalises on cutting-edge technologies such as AI and IoT to drive productivity and foster enterprise growth.
Honourable members, the digital economy is not a distant horizon, it is our current reality. Our youth must take a central role in this movement. Through the strategic enhancement of skills, the establishment of essential infrastructure, and the cultivation of a supportive atmosphere for innovation, we can unleash extraordinary economic advancement and societal development.
Today, we must pledge to empower every young South African with the necessary tools, access, and opportunities to thrive in the digital landscape. United, we have the power to create a future in which our youth are not merely involved but are the trailblazers of Africa’s digital transformation.
Thank you honourable speaker