The Bhekuzulu Hall at the University of Zululand was filled with energy, purpose, and commitment as the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier hosted the Youth Day Commemoration 2025, under the theme: “Skills for the Changing World: Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation.”
Key government leaders, including Premier Thami Ntuli, MECs Nomagugu Simelane (Health) and Rev. Zondi (Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs), addressed hundreds of young people, laying bare the province’s vision for youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and social responsibility.
“Let This Not Be Just Remembrance: Let It Be a Call to Action”
Deputy Speaker of the Legislature, Ms. Mabatho Tembe, South Africa’s youngest deputy speaker in history, opened with a bold message: “No youth should be left behind.” She emphasized that youth parliament structures are not ceremonial, but rather essential platforms for the youth to influence policy and debate issues that shape their future.
“The Legislature will ensure that resolutions made by the Youth Parliament are translated into actionable policy,” she said. “Let not today be a day of remembrance, but a call to action.”
MEC Rev Zondi made it clear: “Any nation that ignores its youth is doomed to fail.” He introduced key programmes under EDTEA aimed at tackling youth unemployment and economic inactivity. Among them:
Mnotho Fund (formerly Operation Vula) – supporting youth-led enterprises.
– R1.5 million allocated for Zululand youth initiatives.
– R2.1 million allocated for King Cetshwayo District.
“These funds are not handouts,” Zondi said. “They’re a sign that this government trusts young people to lead sustainable projects.”
“One Round, One Condom”: A Health Revolution for the Youth
MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane, reminded the audience that today’s youth face a different revolution than 1976, one centered on health and economic emancipation.
“Our fight today is about living long, healthy lives,” she said. “If you are sexually active, please use a condom for every round, one round, one condom.”
Her message urged the youth to take ownership of their health and to avoid behaviours that could derail their future.
Premier Ntuli: “Youth Must Lead Now, Not Tomorrow”
Premier Thami Ntuli delivered a powerful and practical speech, calling on youth to be bold leaders, not future leaders, but current champions of social and economic change.
“The youth of 1976 fought against racial exclusion. What is your cause?” he challenged.
“Education is your weapon. Lead today, not tomorrow.”
He announced several game-changing developments:
– R100 million allocated to the KZN Youth Fund.
– Each department must ring-fence budgets for youth development and procurement.
– Repurposing old schools into skills and training centres to address the critical skills gap.
Support for MSMEs, which he called the backbone of the province’s economy.
Premier Ntuli also tackled tough issues, such as undocumented foreigners, crime, and GBV:
“It’s not just police who must fight crime , it’s all of us. Youth must become ambassadors against crime and gender-based violence,” he said.
He closed by thanking teachers and principals for their dedication, highlighting the impact of night camps and extra lessons that nurture learners’ potential.
The Youth Day Commemoration 2025 was not just a symbolic event, it was a bold statement of intent. From new funding streams to skills development and youth-led accountability, the message was clear: The future belongs to those who are ready to lead today.
