Eastern Cape Youth Urged to Prepare for Emerging Industries

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane used the 50th anniversary of Youth Day in Alfred Nzo District on 16 June 2026 to call on young people to seize economic opportunities while government invests billions in infrastructure and skills development.

Addressing learners, students, traditional leaders and youth organisations, Mabuyane said the youth of 1976 fought for human dignity, equal opportunity and the right to realise their potential. “The question before us today is not simply how we remember the youth of 1976, but whether we are advancing the aspirations for which they fought,” he said.

Mabuyane said the province is driving a “skills revolution” with SETAs, TVET colleges, universities and private partners to train youth in engineering, construction, renewable energy, agriculture, IT, artisan trades and advanced manufacturing.

He pointed to the new agricultural-focused campus in Ntabankulu as a “strategic investment in the future of rural development” that will train youth in modern farming and agro-processing. Agriculture, hemp, cannabis, livestock, horticulture and agro-processing were named as key growth sectors.

The Premier said the Eastern Cape is pursuing business process outsourcing and call centre investment due to its digital infrastructure and youthful workforce. He also highlighted international partnerships with China, Germany and Japan, noting students and lecturers from Ingwe TVET College are on exchange programmes.

Mabuyane said infrastructure remains central to growth. He cited the N2 Wild Coast programme, Msikaba and Mtentu mega bridges, and road upgrades including the R1.2bn Matatiele-Cedarville Road and Mount Frere-Ngcweleni Road.

“In Alfred Nzo alone, we are investing in projects such as the Greater Mbizana Bulk Water Scheme, which will provide reliable water to more than 200 000 people,” he said. “Across Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo Districts, government is implementing projects worth more than R22 billion.”

The Premier said young entrepreneurs such as Somikazi Zulu from MaXesibeni, Aphumelele Ndukwana from Mbizana and Siyabonga Mqina from KwaBhaca received support through the Imvaba Fund and Isiqalo Youth Fund.

He warned that substance abuse and teenage pregnancy remain “greatest threats to youth development” that destroy lives and interrupt education. Sport, arts and culture were promoted as tools for discipline, teamwork and alternatives to crime and drugs.

With Local Government Elections set for 4 November 2026, Mabuyane urged youth to register and vote: “If young people want to influence the future of their communities, they must ensure that their voices are heard. The generation of 1976 confronted teargas, detention and bullets because they believed their voices mattered.”

He closed by quoting Nelson Mandela: “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”