DELMAS – The Youth Development Summit hosted by the Victor Khanye Local Municipality culminated in the formation of the South African Youth Council (SAYC), a structure aimed at representing the interests and advocating for the needs of young people in the municipality.
The two-day summit held on 27 and 28 June 2025 at Zithabiseni Holiday resort based in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality was under the theme; “Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation From Ideas to Impact in Local Economy.”
Victor Khanye SAYC’s newly elected chairperson, Brian Tsotetsi, told the Highveld Chronicle the municipality is committed to fostering an environment where the youth can thrive.
“Our approach will be guided by the Batho Pele principle and the six core values of Victor Khanye Local Municipality, ensuring that our initiatives are inclusive and responsive to the needs of our community,” he said.
Chairperson, Brian Tsotetsi
Tsotetsi added that their focus will encompass education, economic empowerment, health, sports, and digital engagement.
The summit attracted a diverse range of local stakeholders and community leaders. They all converged to confront the pressing challenges faced by the youth– such as barriers to entrepreneurship, budgetary allocations, adolescent pregnancy, substance misuse and rural development– while exploring avenues for advancement and development.
The event also underscored the significance of robust governance and effective leadership. Several resolutions were adopted with the aim of cultivating a safer and more inclusive community, with recommendations encompassing the maintenance of sports facilities, the enhancement of digital accessibility, and the organising awareness campaigns to address critical social issues.
Elected to be Tsotetsi’s deputy is Thabiso Kgomo with Bongani Masango elected as secretary, deputised by Mpho Moloi while Nqobile Mashele is entrusted with the responsibility to handle the commission’s finances.
Mayor Vusi Buda remarked that investing in youth development is an opportunity to shape the future of the Victor Khanye community. “By fostering mentorship, promoting emotional well-being, and encouraging community engagement, we can empower our young people to become innovators and changemakers,” he said.
