Nelson Mandela Foundation

“It is up to the youth to decisively and finally break our society out of the constricting and divisive definitions of our past.” – Nelson Mandela

How do we as South Africa’s youth come together to effect meaningful change in our society? What is the role of young people in exercising active citizenry and what does this mean in a practical sense?

These are the hot conversation points to be explored by Youth in Dialogue at a unique event to be held at The Open in Johannesburg’s Maboneng Precinct on Sunday, 18 August.

Under the theme of "Active citizenry and building social cohesion", the dialogue will bring together 200 young South Africans and civil society stakeholders in a conversation about youth identity, democracy in practice and what it means – as a young leader – to play a role in actively rebuilding social cohesion in the country and on the continent.

Using dialogue as a vehicle to address such critical issues, just as Nelson Mandela did, the overarching aim of the event is to bring key stakeholders together in conversation to stimulate and inspire action.

Dr Mo Ibrahim, of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation (who is also this year’s speaker for the 11th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture), will be in conversation with Luvuyo Mandela (Nelson Mandela’s great-grandson), Zengeziwe Msimang (DIRCO Communications), Neliswe Fente (SpringAGE) and Thulani Madondo (Kliptown Youth Programme) and will explore the themes of youth development, youth empowerment and the role of Africa’s young people in driving a socially cohesive future.

Mandla Sibeko will facilitate the dialogue.

**** The event is by invitation only.
Comprehensive coverage with multimedia from the event will be loaded for sharing.