Generation G Final Imbizo: Umthwalume Youth Take the Lead

On 26 September 2025, Nomakhanzana Hall came alive as young people from across Umzumbe gathered for the final Generation G Imbizo, hosted under a coalition programme that includes Activate Change Drivers, Sonke Gender Justice, and ActionAid.

Nomakhanzana Hall was filled with young people from different wards, organisations, and communities. The theme was clear: Empowering Youth to Prevent Gender-Based Violence Through Skills Development.

The event aimed to explore how skills development can be used as a tool to prevent gender-based violence, while creating space for youth to engage, ask questions, and connect with opportunities that support independence, healing, and safer choices.

Lebogang opened the event with a warm welcome, thanking everyone for coming through. She spoke about the importance of young people having skills and fighting for what they want.

Nomthandazo Shabangu followed and shared the history of the programme. She highlighted how Generation G had worked in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape, surpassing its targets and reaching more communities than expected.
“I have hope that when people have skills and something to hold on to, it can help lower the rate of gender-based violence,” she said.

After her talk, local artists took the stage. They used music to spread awareness about GBV and showcase their talents. This was also a way to show that not all skills are taught, some you are born with.

Nompilo Mtunjana from Impilo Yezwelethu Youth and Community Development (Ward 25) spoke next. She was accompanied by their organisation’s facilitator and a former student who is now employed after completing a course with them.
“Women and young people find themselves in toxic relationships because they are not equipped with the right tools to be financially independent. When you are financially independent, you can easily walk out of a situation that does not serve you,” Nompilo said.

Their information desk offered details about courses such as baking, caregiving, and sewing.

A representative from Esayidi TVET College spoke about the importance of education. He mentioned the various campuses, including Port Shepstone and uMzimkhulu, and the courses they offer which include engineering, electrical, and AI. He also played a quick Q&A game with the audience, giving out diaries to those who answered correctly.

Onalena from Ad Notes shared how their WiFi Ambassador Programme uses skills development to combat GBV. Participants learn marketing, presentation, and networking through selling WiFi packages.
“Nothing can open doors for you like having the skill to sell. You sell and market yourself to people every day, so why not use that purposefully to earn money,” she said.

More performances followed including a play by Abadlali Base Steji, a youth group that spreads awareness about social issues through theatre.

Sthembile Linda, the host, then opened the floor for the panel discussion.
“We as young people are drowning with no one to help us. Opportunities like today’s gathering are very important. We should grab them as they come. Don’t be shy to ask questions you may find yourself landing an opportunity you didn’t anticipate,” she said.

The panelists included Siphesihle Bhengu from SA Youth, Rev Nono Nkupiso from Nonz Consulting, Faith Disane from Heaven’s Portal, and a representative from Activate Change Drivers.

Siphesihle Bhengu explained how the SA Youth platform works and why it’s free and accessible. He highlighted that the platform connects young people to opportunities such as jobs, learnerships, and training programmes. He acknowledged that many struggle with data costs and that’s why the platform is free. He encouraged the youth to keep applying and to make sure their CVs are well-written and professional. He also spoke about the importance of checking the platform regularly and updating profiles to increase visibility.
“We should not be picky as young people. You may not have the job of your dreams now, but take anything that comes your way. Be a cashier, security guard whatever it is, do it while working toward your end goal,” he said.

Rev Nono Nkupiso named the gap. Young people are ready, but not equipped. Their organisation offers accredited qualifications like Social Auxiliary Work and learnerships that build real pathways. She explained the application process through SA youth whom they have partnered with to advertise the opportunities they have to offer and encouraged the youth to apply.

Faith Disane encouraged young people to take art seriously be it music, poetry or performance. She runs workshops that teach not only industry skills but soft skills: communication, time management, professionalism. She offered to help crafters break into the industry, reminding the youth that creativity is currency.

The Activate Change Drivers representative opened with a song that had the whole room singing along.
“It’s amazing to have young people gathered in one space, where we can be ourselves and talk about things we can’t normally talk about,” he said. He spoke about the organisation’s focus on leadership, social change, and youth empowerment. He explained their application process and encouraged the youth to apply when applications open.
“Activate is for the people. Take up space. Grow. Apply. You belong here,” he said.

The floor was then opened to the youth. One young man asked why he never gets responses when applying on SA Youth. Siphesihle explained that employers choose candidates and that a well-written CV plays a big role. Rev Nono added that volunteering can make a CV stand out.

More questions followed, and the panelists answered with patience and honesty.

Thabani Kalala closed the event by thanking everyone who attended and left the youth with words that stirred the room.
“Skills development is our pathway to freedom from gender-based violence. Let us be brave and take the necessary steps to achieve that freedom,” he said.

The event ended with more performances and conversations. Some gathered around information desks, others spoke about the opportunities they had just learned about.

After the event, Thabani Zikalala Youth advocate who coordinated the event shared:
“This programme shaped me into the person I am today. I don’t think I’d be here if it wasn’t for Generation G. I got the opportunity to pour into my community and spread awareness about GBV in a way I never imagined.”

Luyanda Dlamini from Ward 17 said:
“I’ve been to a number of Generation G programmes that opened my mind. From community dialogues to Sho Bafo Ugrand. This programme has shaped us in ways we never expected. Mthwalume is known for GBV, and this programme taught us a lot. I’m proud to have been part of it.”

Nana Thusi from Ntuzuma added:
“I’m happy I came. I didn’t know SA Youth had downloadable CVs. The Ad Notes information was amazing, learning marketing skills and how to upskill ourselves.”

The final Imbizo marked the end of a powerful journey, but also the beginning of something new. Young people left with tools, knowledge, and connections that can help shift their realities. The message was clear: skills are not just for employment they are for survival, for healing, and for change. As the voices faded and the hall emptied, the impact remained. Generation G planted seeds in Umthwalume, and the youth are ready to grow.