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0 viewsBrand South Africa, in partnership with Junior Chamber International (JCI), hosted the second Shape the Future forum on 13 September to discuss active citizenship amongst South Africans.
Shape the Future is a Brand South Africa initiative that brings business leaders and young people together, with a focus on youth employment. The second forum was held at Microsoft’s head office in Sandton, north of Johannesburg, where JCI hosted a number of officials from the public and private sector.
“Through creative public-private partnerships, the Shape the Future campaign endeavours to help governments achieve their broad scale digital access goals, from education reform to creating a 21st century workforce,” said Sandile Mahlaba of Microsoft.
Brand South Africa and JCI hosted the first Shape the Future forum in Sandton on 12 June 2012. The event was attended by delegates from the government, big business and civil society, who met with young entrepreneurs and students. It promoted active citizenship and social entrepreneurship as a means of addressing social and economic issues facing young South Africans today.
In their partnership, Brand South Africa and JCI believe the best way to shape the future is through broadening the horizons of young people and helping them so that they in turn will lead the way. This can be done through information technology, by introducing young people to the world of knowledge and connectivity.
About 100 entrepreneurs and students were able to engage with business leaders and discuss active participation in the country and economy, building a competitive nation brand, and creating jobs for graduates. Brand South Africa CEO Miller Matola was also there to give the agency’s view on youth development.
South Africa, like many other countries on the continent, has a growing population of young people and according to Brand South Africa, this youthful energy can be harnessed to build the economy. Statistics from South African investment company Stanlib reveals that South Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world at 24.9 years, with the frighteningly high unemployment rate among people aged 18 to 24.
Computers help young people solve problems creatively, and to learn on their own. The partners aim to create programmes that will enable young South Africans to learn despite their circumstances.
Image 1: Iggy Sathekge of Brand South Africa urges South Africans at the Shape the Future forum to play their part and be active citizens.
Image 2: Shape the Future is a Brand South Africa initiative that brings business leaders and young people together, with a focus on youth employment.
(Images: Cadine Pillay)