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Do You Know What Research Data Management (RDM) Is?

Research Data Management (RDM) helps researchers organise, store, protect, share, and preserve research data throughout the research lifecycle.

📚 Learn more about RDM:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/rdm_platform_trial
🔍 Share and preserve your research datasets:
https://unisa.figshare.com/

Closing Keynote Address | Youth Day Dialogue 2026

In his closing keynote address, H.E. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, reflected on the theme “June 16 at 50: Unlocking an Industrial Municipality for Youth.” He highlighted Ekurhuleni's practical interventions aimed at creating opportunities for young people through industrial development, skills training, entrepreneurship, and economic participation.

Mayor Xhakaza emphasised that while South Africa has made significant progress since 1976, more work remains to ensure that young people are placed at the centre of economic growth and development. He called for stronger partnerships between government, educational institutions, and the private sector to equip youth with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Now on Stage | Youth Day Dialogue 2026

Mr Thato Magasa, CEO of Tata India South Africa Motors, is delivering the Guest Keynote Address on the theme:
"Why South Africa and the African continent must aggressively drive entrepreneurial youth and a youth skills revolution in fulfilment of the June 16 mandate."

His address focuses on the critical role of entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development in addressing youth unemployment and preparing young people to participate meaningfully in Africa's economic transformation.

Special Address | Youth Day Dialogue 2026

In his special address, Honourable Supra Mahumapelo encouraged delegates to think boldly and innovatively about economic empowerment. He proposed the idea of a UNISA Bank, arguing that such an initiative could create opportunities for student empowerment, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and skills development.

He challenged institutions and young people to move beyond being consumers of opportunities and become creators of economic solutions that can generate employment and contribute to sustainable development.

His message underscored the need for innovative approaches to addressing youth unemployment and expanding economic participation.

Keynote Presentation | Youth Day Dialogue 2026

Delivering the keynote presentation, Prof Napjadi Letsoalo of UNISA explored the theme, “The Power of Language: From the 1976 Uprising to Libraries as Agents of Community Empowerment.”

Prof Letsoalo reflected on how language became a catalyst for resistance during the 1976 Soweto Uprising, symbolising the broader struggle for identity, dignity, and educational freedom. He highlighted that language remains a powerful tool for preserving culture, advancing knowledge, and promoting social inclusion.

Drawing the connection to libraries, Prof Letsoalo emphasised that libraries play a critical role in empowering communities by providing access to information in diverse languages, preserving indigenous knowledge, and creating spaces where voices can be heard and valued.

He challenged institutions to continue using language and knowledge as instruments for transformation and community development.

Summit Context-Setting Keynote | Youth Day Dialogue 2026

Delivering the Summit Context-Setting Keynote, Ambassador Abdou Samb, Patron of the Abdou Samb Foundation, challenged delegates to rethink the place of young people in Africa's development agenda. Drawing on the words of Oliver Tambo, he emphasised that “the children of any nation are its future,” and warned that a society that fails to invest in its youth risks compromising its future.

Ambassador Samb called for urgent action to address the challenges facing African youth and stressed that the time for waiting has passed. He urged young people to become active participants in shaping the continent's future, reinforcing the summit theme that African youth can no longer wait.

Institutional Welcome | Youth Day Dialogue 2026

Delivering the institutional welcome, Nkosinathi Mabilane, President of the UNISA National Student Representative Council (NSRC), reflected on the enduring significance of the 1976 Soweto Uprising. He emphasised that the struggle did not end in 1976 but has evolved over time—from resisting an inferior education system to confronting the ongoing challenges of inequality, exclusion, unemployment, and poverty.

Mabilane called on young people to continue championing social justice and transformation, urging them to become active participants in building a more equitable and inclusive society.