Ndumiso Kubheka, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), delivered a compelling keynote address at the SDSN Youth Innovation Challenge hosted by the University of Pretoria’s Chief Albert Luthuli Leadership Institute
Emphasizing the transformative power of youth-driven innovation, Kubheka urged young South Africans to turn their creative ideas into national capabilities that drive sustainable development.
In his speech, Kubheka highlighted the critical role of the youth as an engine for South Africa’s progress toward sustainable development goals.
“Innovative ideas must translate into tangible capabilities that empower our youth and fuel national growth,” he stated, inspiring attendees to harness their ingenuity for societal impact.
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Kubheka announced the NYDA’s commitment to expanding support for youth innovation, positioning the agency as a central pillar in the nation’s development agenda.
This includes deepening partnerships with institutions of higher learning, such as the University of Pretoria, to foster innovation that delivers measurable outcomes. “We are dedicated to creating an ecosystem where young innovators can thrive and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s future,” he affirmed.
The event, held at the University of Pretoria, showcased the institute’s role in nurturing leadership and innovation among young South Africans. Kubheka’s address underscored the NYDA’s strategic focus on collaboration with academic institutions to bridge the gap between ideas and impactful solutions, reinforcing the agency’s mission to empower the next generation.
