Deputy President Mashatile
By Mpho Moloi
Deputy President Shiphokosa Paulus Mashatile is set to address thousands of young South Africans at the 2025 Youth Day commemoration and career exhibition. Speaking on behalf of President Ramaphosa, Mashatile will deliver the keynote address at the North West University (NWU) Rag Farm Stadium in Potchefstroom today, marking the nation’s annual tribute under the theme “Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation” .
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A Pivotal National Commemoration
South Africa’s declaration of June 16 as National Youth Day honours the courage of youth in the 1976 student uprising, a defining moment in the anti‑apartheid struggle. The peaceful protests, tragically answered with police violence, included the killing of Hector Pieterson, whose iconic image became a symbol of the brutality . Decades on, this day pays tribute not only to the heroes of 1976 but also celebrates today’s youth—who make up 34 percent of the national population .
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Honouring 1976, Facing Today’s Challenges
“Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation” is more than a slogan. It’s a clarion call for government, industry, civil society, and education institutions to join forces in equipping young South Africans for the future . As Mashatile said, “As we commemorate this year’s Youth Day, we do so fully aware of the challenges which continue to confront today’s youth, one of them being youth unemployment” .
Current labour market figures are stark: youth aged 18–34 suffer 56.3 percent unemployment—the highest level recorded in recent surveys . Clearly, more must be done.
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Government’s Multi‑Faceted Response
- Bridging the Skills Gap
Highlighting interventions ranging from digital literacy courses to entrepreneurship training, Mashatile reiterated that success lies in collaboration across sectors . The government’s National Digital and Future Skills Strategy and Digital Economy Masterplan are cornerstones in this initiative .
- Entrepreneurship: A Path Forward
Addressing the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator in Braamfontein on 13 June, Mashatile urged youth to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path. He acknowledged the lingering effects of apartheid, which sought to limit their economic participation to “hewers of wood and drawers of water,” but stressed the need for a new generation to redefine South Africa’s economy .
Funding Opportunities
Several strategic initiatives are driving youth economic inclusion:
• Transformation Fund: R20 billion annually over five years to support black‑owned businesses through enterprise and supplier‑development support.
• Spaza Shop Support Fund: R500 million invested to rejuvenate township retail led by young entrepreneurs .
• Innovation Fund: Supporting over 96 start‑ups since 2020 .
• National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Grants and Youth Challenge Fund: Providing financial assistance and business development support .
- Procurement Reforms
The 2024 Public Procurement Act now prioritises localisation, inclusive procurement, and support for youth‑owned enterprises. Additionally, a “Clean Governance War Room” ensures faster, 10–15‑day government invoice payments to small businesses .
- Employment Initiatives
The Basic Education Employment Initiative recently onboarded 205 000 youth—making it South Africa’s largest youth employment programme. It is part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus and addresses teacher shortages across 22 000 schools .
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Potchefstroom Commemoration: What to Expect
Venue & Access
• Date: Monday, 16 June 2025
• Time: Gates open at 07:00; program begins at 09:00
• Venue: NWU Rag Farm Stadium, Potchefstroom (JB Marks Local Municipality)
Core Programme
• A keynote speech by Deputy President Mashatile, accompanied by:
• Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture Gayton McKenzie
• Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth & Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga
• North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi
• Acting CEO of NYDA Mafiki Duma
• Mayors, senior government leaders, and inspiring young trailblazers .
• A career exhibition offering youth access to industry representatives, learnership programmes, internship opportunities, financial literacy tools, and entrepreneurial mentoring.
Accreditation
Media accreditation collection points:
• Sunday, 15 June: 10:00–18:00 at Trim Park Hall, Potchefstroom
• Monday, 16 June: 07:00–10:00 at stadium entrance
Inquiries: Madimetja Moleba (066 301 4675).
Media enquiries: Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President (066 195 8840).
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Community and Business Buy‑In
In Potchefstroom, the local community and businesses are rallying behind Youth Day. Premier Lazarus Mokgosi will welcome Mashatile in a ceremony planned to symbolise provincial support   . Moreover, the Creative & Cultural Industries Youth Career Expo was held on 15 June at the 4 Artillery Regiment Military Base. That event focused on creative and cultural youth entrepreneurship—encouraging innovation in arts, music, fashion, and new media .
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