She delivered the keynote address on the final day of the three-day Learner Leadership Summit held in Benoni, Gauteng province.

The summit aims to empower young people by involving them directly in developmental policy discussions and civic leadership. Gwarube highlighted the determination of today’s youth to lead and stressed the importance of giving them a platform to voice their opinions.

“I want to make the case that young people should not be an afterthought in global debates,” Gwarube said. “They must be part of the conversation right from the start. I don’t just speak to you as learners, but as leaders, as active citizens with a voice in our country.”

She also referenced the Junior G20 Summit, describing it as a powerful message that recognises and values the voices of young people worldwide. “SA youth are here because they have something important to say, and they are ready to lead.”

--ChannelAfrica--