‘Why youth inclusion is crucial for SA’s future’

DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile has called for the urgent inclusion of young people in building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

- HOPE NTANZI

Mashatile was delivering the key-note address at the G20 High-Level Intergenerational Roundtable in Sandton on Friday, where he highlighted the importance of empowering youth to lead economic transformation, social development, and global engagement.

Having recently returned from a working visit to the Russian Federation, he stated that the trip offered valuable insights into strengthening South Africa's bilateral ties with Russia and reaffirming historical solidarity.

He noted that institutions such as Saint Petersburg University are playing a role in people-to-people relations by committing to teaching South African languages such as isiZulu and isiXhosa.

He also praised Russia's progress in digital and artificial intelligence capabilities, urging that “we too in South Africa must invest in this area of work because we are living in the knowledge economy, and it is a requirement for us to be globally competitive.”