Youth empowerment: Key takeaways from Deputy President Mashatile’s G20 address

As a young South African, the past few years have often felt like a balancing act between resilience and despair. Unemployment, limited access to opportunities, and a lack of meaningful representation have left many in my generation disillusioned.

So when I received an invitation to attend the G20 NYDA High-Level Roundtable, I accepted with cautious optimism. But what I witnessed was not just a ceremonial gathering of dignitaries. It was a conversation that felt refreshingly grounded in reality, our reality as young people.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s address was more than just words from a podium. It was an affirmation that young South Africans are not being left behind in policy rooms or strategic frameworks. His message was clear: the youth are not the leaders of tomorrow-we are the leaders of today.

The Deputy President spoke boldly about investing in young people, not as a token gesture, but as a national imperative. He acknowledged our frustration, our potential, and-most importantly- our right to a seat at the table. He committed to accelerating youth development initiatives, expanding access to funding for entrepreneurs, and creating pathways for skills development that actually lead to employment, not just certificates.

What struck me most was his emphasis on inclusive participation. He reminded us that policy cannot be made for us without being made with us. We’ve long demanded this principle, and hearing it echoed at such a high-level platform was both affirming and empowering. But hope alone is not enough.

The Deputy President’s words must now translate into concrete actions, especially at local levels where the disconnection between youth and government often feels widest. Accountability must follow inspiration.As I sat among young leaders from across provinces and sectors—artists, activists, entrepreneurs, and students—I felt a sense of unity and purpose. We were not merely spectators of history being made. We were part of the making.

This roundtable reignited something in me: belief. belief that our voices matter. belief that transformation is still possible. belief that, with leadership that listens and acts, the dream of a just and thriving South Africa is still within reach. Let us hold our leaders to their word. Let us organise, innovate, and participate. The Deputy President may have lit the match, but it’s up to us to keep the flame burning.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.