The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) convened the Ministerial G20 Youth Outreach Programme on 26th June 2025 at the University of Limpopo, under the theme “Advancing Inclusive Growth for Young People Through Science, Technology and Innovation.” The event was aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting African youth, including unemployment, limited access to quality education, and mental health concerns, by fostering their active engagement in the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) sector, with particular emphasis on rural and township communities.
The programme sought to place youth development at the centre of the G20 STI agenda, showcase youth-focused initiatives, and provide a platform for young people to influence STI policy. Around 200 young participants, including learners from local high schools, university students, NEET youth, entrepreneurs, and delegates from G20 and African countries, were in attendance.
Key activities included exhibitions from DSTI entities and science councils, keynote speeches, and three panel discussions focusing on student funding, mentorship, career development, and grassroots innovation. Ms Bongiwe Moni, the HSRC’s Director for External Capacity Development & Internships, was a speaker in a panel entitled, “Student Funding Opportunities, Mentoring and Career Development”. Her address provided valuable insights on the importance of structured mentorship with clear goals and expectations, as well as measurable outcomes for young professionals entering the labour market, in shaping the career trajectories of young people.
In her input, Ms Moni emphasised the value of soft skills in building holistic professionals, adding that these are critical attributes that employers are looking for in graduates over and above their qualifications. She indicated that in this growing knowledge economy, youth and graduates needed to acquire critical innovation skills, making special reference to creative and design thinking. She underscored the importance of digital skills, particularly in the advancement of technology and Artificial Intelligence, as well as inter/intra personal skills such as emotional intelligence, critical thinking, diversity and inclusion awareness. She also provided guidance on the criteria for accessing internship opportunities, as well as specific support available for interns with disabilities offered by the HSRC Internship Programme. In her closing remarks, Ms Moni encouraged the youth in attendance to take charge of their futures by accessing opportunities available and possessing the right attitude of openness to learning, positivity and adaptability when opportunities are granted.
Minister Nzimande emphasised that while recognising and acknowledging challenges is important, it is equally vital for young people to focus on finding solutions. He encouraged the youth to develop a scientific mindset, stating, “To have a scientific mind, it means that you are solution-oriented rather than problem-oriented.”
The various exhibitors present highlighted youth-led innovation and development initiatives. Throughout the day, participants actively engaged with the HSRC’s External Capacity Development & Internships team at their exhibition stand, seeking detailed information and guidance regarding available internships, career development opportunities, and institutional processes for hosting interns. The team’s presence provided critical insights into skills development and underscored the significance of integrating academic learning with practical, real-world experience.
