On this Youth Day, we honour the courageous young South Africans who, in 1976, rose with determination against the oppressive apartheid regime. Their bravery is a lasting reminder that young people are not just beneficiaries of change—they are powerful drivers of it.

Nearly five decades later, today’s youth remain at the forefront of the struggle for a more just, inclusive, and peaceful society. Across Africa, young people continue to shape our continent’s future. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the youth represent an immense force for innovation, leadership, and transformation. Yet, they also face significant challenges—high unemployment, exclusion from decision-making, and the increasing pressures of climate-driven insecurity.

We must embrace this demographic reality and intentionally create the conditions for young people to lead. Youth are essential actors in building peaceful, inclusive, and just societies. Peace and justice initiatives that do not meaningfully engage young people risk irrelevance and failure.

At the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, we are committed to positioning youth as active agents of transformation. Through our youth-focused workstreams, we support youth-led initiatives, amplify young voices, and creating spaces for intergenerational dialogue and leadership. Our work builds on IJR’s longstanding experience in youth-led peacebuilding and civic engagement across the continent, aligning with both the African Union Youth Charter, Continental Framework on Youth Peace and Security and the UN Security Council Resolution 2250.

We are focused on strengthening youth leadership, embedding youth perspectives in national and continental processes, and contributing to the growing movement for youth-inclusive governance and justice. This work is collaborative, generative, and future-focused.

This Youth Day, we reaffirm that young people are not only impacted by change—they are leading it. Through our work in social cohesion, we champion youth leadership in transforming fractured relationships and bridging divides, laying the foundation for peaceful coexistence, resilience, and inclusive futures. Through initiatives like our youth peace and security labs, we have seen that when young people feel seen, heard, and included, they are more inspired to actively shape spaces of hope, dignity, and shared belonging.

At IJR we are continually moved by the power of young voices. Through storytelling, dialogue, and activism, youth are lifting each other up, affirming their lived experiences, and building bridges across difference. These voices are essential to imagining and realising inclusive futures rooted in justice, peace, and reconciliation.

As we commemorate Youth Day, we recommit to walking alongside young people—co-creating spaces where they are not only heard, but where their leadership is essential. A better future is not possible without their leadership!

Happy Youth Day!

Prof Cheryl Hendricks

#IJRTurns25 #YouthDay2025