South Africa’s Week of Policy Dialogue and Youth Engagement
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From Monday 23 September to Thursday 26 September 2025, a series of high‑level gatherings across Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Stellenbosch will bring together government officials, business leaders, academics, and youth representatives. The events focus on economic transformation, skills development, agricultural innovation, and the ongoing fight against corruption.
Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference – “The Next Phase of Transformation”
The Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference, held on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 September at the Sandton Convention Centre, carries the theme “The Next Phase of Transformation: Inclusive, Investable, Impactful”.1 Over 300 delegates — including CEOs, transformation experts, and provincial stakeholders — are expected to attend.
- Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, will address how firms can embed change both operationally and financially to remain competitive.
- Nomakhosazana Meth, Minister of Employment and Labour, will discuss aligning vocational training with industry demand, expanding youth access to work‑based learning, and ensuring graduates possess future‑ready skills.
- Enoch Godongwana, Minister of Finance, is scheduled to speak on Thursday about fiscal policies that support inclusive growth and investment.
The conference programme includes panel discussions on public‑private partnerships, financing for black‑owned enterprises, and measuring the socioeconomic impact of empowerment initiatives.2
Agricultural Outreach in Stellenbosch
On Wednesday 24 September, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen will visit the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Stellenbosch to engage with young farmers and agribusiness leaders.3 The session will feature:
- Interactive panels on climate‑smart farming techniques.
- Opportunities for youth to access ARC’s incubation programmes and seed funding.
- A platform for emerging producers to share challenges related to market access, land tenure, and technology adoption.
The ARC’s ongoing research on drought‑resilient maize and precision irrigation will be highlighted as part of the department’s strategy to boost productivity among smallholder farmers.4
National Youth Day Commemorations
Tuesday 23 September marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising. National Youth Day events will be held across the country, with the main memorial taking place in Johannesburg’s Hector Pieterson Memorial Square.5 Key activities include:
- A wreath‑laying ceremony attended by government officials, veterans of the struggle, and youth organisations.
- A panel discussion titled “We Planned It, We Executed It: What Happened on June 16 and Why It Matters”, featuring survivors such as Sophie Williams‑De Bruyn and contemporary youth activists.
- Cultural performances showcasing the role of music and poetry in the anti‑apartheid movement.
Later that day, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is slated to address a Youth Day rally at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, focusing on economic emancipation and land reform.6
Madlanga Commission Continues Hearings
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, tasked with investigating alleged corruption in the criminal justice system, will resume hearings this week concerning the 2021 Johannesburg drug raid that led to a chaotic confrontation between police and civilians.7 Expected witnesses include senior SAPS officers, independent forensic experts, and community representatives. The commission’s interim report, due in early 2026, will assess compliance with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) guidelines and recommend procedural reforms.
Ministry of Natural Resources Presents Cadastral System
On Monday 22 September, the Ministry of Natural Resources will brief the media on the newly launched cadastral system — a digital platform intended to replace the legacy SAMRAD (South African Mineral Resources Administration Database) system.8 According to the ministry, the system delivers:
- End‑to‑end digital tracking of mineral rights applications.
- Enhanced data security through role‑based access controls.
- Real‑time reporting capabilities that improve transparency for investors and civil society.
The ministry describes the rollout as a “significant milestone in modernising mineral‑resource regulation” and anticipates a 30 % reduction in processing times for licensing applications.9
National Youth Parliament Convenes
Parliament will host the National Youth Parliament at Johannesburg City Hall on Monday 22 September, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising and the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution.10 Under the motto “Youth Empowerment for an Appropriate Future”, the 2026 Youth Parliament will:
- Examine whether constitutional promises of equality and social cohesion have been fulfilled for young people.
- Debate policy proposals on youth entrepreneurship, access to higher education, and job creation.
- Present a set of recommendations to the Presidency and relevant portfolio committees.
Opening remarks will be delivered by the Speaker of the National Assembly, followed by a keynote address from the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
