Youth Month 2025: A Celebration of Skills and Opportunity - 16 June

South Africa’s Youth Month festivities are back, and this year they’re going all out with the theme: “Skills for the changing world, Empowering youth for meaningful economic participation.” In plain speak, this means making sure our youth are equipped to tackle life’s challenges, from the latest TikTok trend to landing that first big job!

The official Youth Day commemoration will take place at the NWU Rec Farm Stadium, Van Der Hoff Park in Potchefstroom, North West Province. It’s set to be a day of reflection, celebration, and serious vibes, as we remember the 1976 Soweto Uprising and take stock of how far we’ve come since then.

A Keynote Address from the Deputy President

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will headline the event with a keynote address. Mashatile, no stranger to these kinds of gigs, will be dishing out some motivational words under the tagline “Gear Up For Greatness.” Let’s hope he’s ready to inspire the young crowd, because we know they’ll be listening!

More than Just Speeches

This year’s commemorative activities don’t stop at the speeches. The Youth Month programme is packed with opportunities for young people to network, showcase their talents, and, most importantly, learn skills that’ll take them from the classroom to the boardroom.

On 15 June, there’s the Creative & Cultural Industries Youth Career Expo at the 4 Artillery Regiment, Military Base in Potchefstroom. It’s all about giving young creatives a leg up and making sure they’re ready to leave their mark, whether on a canvas, a catwalk, or a business plan.

The G20 Connection

South Africa is the only African member of the G20, so of course there’s some extra pride (and pressure) to show the rest of the world what our young people can do. This year’s focus? Sustainability, climate action, and innovation, the sort of stuff that’ll have everyone else saying, “Why didn’t we think of that?”

The government wants the youth to see themselves as both local leaders and global trailblazers. They’re not just tomorrow’s leaders, they’re today’s movers and shakers, capable of driving progress in everything from tech and business to social justice and climate action.

Here’s How to Join In

Event Details:

• Date: 16 June 2025

• Venue: NWU Rec Farm Stadium, Van Der Hoff Park, Potchefstroom

• Time: 08:00 am

For the Creative and Cultural Industries Expo:

• Date: 15 June 2025

• Venue: 4 Artillery Regiment, Military Base, Potchefstroom

  
  

As South Africa commemorates 49 years since the historic 1976 uprising, it’s clear that the journey of the country’s youth is far from over. There’s a lot to celebrate, but also a lot to tackle. From Potchefstroom to the world, it’s time to gear up for greatness and make Youth Month 2025 one for the books!