From 13-15 June 2026, Dr. Rito Madingana from Welkom in the Free State had the honor of being selected as one of the Top 100 young delegates participating in the National Youth Dialogue convened under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Representing the Free State Province, Rito joined young leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, policymakers, and community builders from across South Africa at the Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to discuss solutions to the challenges facing young people and to help shape the future of South Africa.
The dialogue provided a platform for meaningful engagement on issues such as economic transformation, education, entrepreneurship, skills development, and youth participation in decision-making. It was a humbling and inspiring experience to be part of a gathering of young people committed to creating positive change in their communities and across the country.
As a delegate representing the Free State, Rito had the privilege of contributing to discussions on economic transformation, education, and entrepreneurship. These conversations highlighted the urgent need to address youth unemployment, improve access to skills development opportunities, and create pathways for young people to actively participate in and benefit from the economy.
The event was attended by leaders, including the Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, representatives of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and various stakeholders committed to advancing youth development in South Africa. The dialogue created an opportunity for young people to engage directly with decision-makers and contribute practical recommendations towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.
The dialogue further served as a reminder that while progress has been made, much work remains. One of the key recommendations emerging from the dialogue was the establishment of youth hubs and development centres where young people can access skills training, mentorship, entrepreneurship support, and opportunities for economic participation.
“I am sincerely grateful to the organisers of the National Youth Dialogue and to all partners who made this important engagement possible, particularly Kagiso Trust, for creating a platform where young people could meaningfully participate in shaping the future of our country. Such partnerships are essential in ensuring that youth voices are heard, valued, and transformed into action that advances development and economic inclusion,” Rito emphasised.
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