This past weekend, thousands of young people from across South Africa gathered at SuperSport Park Stadium in Centurion for Youth Fest 2026, hosted by The Volt, the youth movement of 3C Church. They participated in much more than music and dance.
This past weekend, thousands of young South Africans gathered at a packed-out SuperSport Park Stadium for Youth Fest 2026.
As I stood before a sea of energetic, passionate, and expectant young people, I could not help but reflect on how often our national conversation about youth is dominated by statistics, challenges, and crises. We hear about unemployment, crime, substance abuse, gender-based violence, mental health struggles, educational shortcomings, and a growing sense of hopelessness among many young people.
These challenges are real. They cannot be ignored. Yet what I witnessed at Youth Fest reminded me that there is another story unfolding in South Africa – one that rarely makes the headlines. A new generation is emerging.
As our nation commemorates the 50th anniversary of Youth Day, we remember the remarkable bravery and sacrifice of the youth of 1976. What began as a peaceful protest in Soweto became a defining moment in South African history. Many young people paid the ultimate price in their pursuit of freedom and justice.
