BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE– Young people must be given the tools, opportunities and support to shape a sustainable future, Ms Duduzile Simelane told students at Sifundzani High School during the International Youth Day event hosted by the African Union.
The event, held under the theme “Power through Collective Belief”, brought together young people and accomplished professionals to reflect on the realities facing the youth and the role they can play in driving development.
Simelane, an immediate past Director of Social and Human Development in the AU Secretariat and former Head of Strategy and Organisational Development at the African Union, challenged leaders to ensure that the opportunities that benefited previous generations are not lost to today’s youth.
Invest in young people
Simelane said investing in young people was essential because they form an important part of the country’s human capital.
She said investment should focus on education, skills development, health and job creation, allowing young people to transition into productive employment and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
According to Simelane, unemployment does not only affect young graduates but also places pressure on families, particularly parents who continue supporting educated but economically inactive children.
She warned that prolonged unemployment could contribute to economic stagnation, while creating opportunities for young people could increase productivity, reduce dependency and strengthen the country’s economic base.
“Build the staircase for others”
Drawing from a recent CEO Roundtable, Simelane shared a message that resonated strongly with the audience: “When you climb the mountain, build the staircase so that others will follow.”
She said leaders have a responsibility to create pathways for the next generation rather than benefiting from opportunities and leaving young people to navigate an increasingly competitive environment alone.
Simelane also highlighted the importance of keeping young people in school, particularly girls who face challenges such as early pregnancy and child marriage.
She encouraged students to pursue education and use available opportunities to build better futures, noting that education remains one of the strongest tools for reducing dependency.
Simelane further urged policymakers and leaders to recognise the urgency of investing in young people now, saying the youth of today will not remain young forever.
Her message to the Sifundzani High School students was clear: collective belief must be matched by collective action, investment and opportunities that allow young people to thrive.
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(Courtesy Pic)
