By Mr Mothibedi Matshele

The energy and drive of South Africa’s young people over several generations is not only a story of inspiration, but in the last twenty-nine years our youth have shown prowess of not being big dreamers – there is an undying ability to make these dreams a reality.

Today, across disciplines such as music, fashion, technology, and the creative arts, to name a few, South Africa is gifted with young people who are innovative and talented and have a keen eye on how their innovations can be turned into thriving businesses, which further employ other young people.

More than a decade ago, the world was wowed by one Ludwick Marishane, a wonder 17-year-old at the time who came up with an idea of a Dry Bath, an innovation that went on to write Marishane’s name in the history books as it assisted with sanitation challenges in previously disadvantaged communities.

Global Innovation Index (GII) 2022 puts South Africa at number sixty-one, leading the pack with Mauritius in sub-Saharan Africa, followed by other countries such as Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, and Seychelles. The GII has been published since 2007 and has been punted as having “shaped the innovation measurement agenda and become a cornerstone of economic policymaking.” The GII measures the innovation measures of 132 countries.

Despite several challenges, such as the current load-shedding, South Africa’s ability, and capability have never been doubted. When there are challenges, as South Africans, we also look for possible solutions that can resolve these challenges, hence the current conversations on how Eskom can be assisted, and what other, alternative energy solutions can be sourced, such as renewable energy.

Young people, as a dominant age group in South Africa’s population of almost 60 million, continue to be an inspiration when it comes to leading conversations around probable solutions to our problems. That’s evident when we zoom into multinationals that continue to play a role when it comes to foreign direct investments, where most jobs go to young people. Think Amazon and the kind of investment they want to make here at home, with a regional head office headquartered in Cape Town.

Yes, the prevalent challenge of inequality when it comes to digital transformation and literacy is there, but our continued investment in our young people should help alleviate this. In an article, Mena Mokammel from the World Intellectual Property Organization, correctly writes in relation to the GII that: “The challenges of affordability, access, and ability (e.g., digital literacy) remain. Without the adoption of targeted and systematic measures to assist low-income and lower-middle-income countries, digital transformation will widen inequalities across and within countries (rural-urban disparities) and regions. To ensure that the "no one is left behind" agenda is successful, it is important to consider how we can use data, design, and delivery.

What Mokammel raises is poignantly relevant for us here in SA. We are still on a journey. One that seeks to see equal access, affordability, and digital literacy take centre stage, particularly across marginalised communities. By getting our young people more involved, we are confident of finding solutions that can address such a challenge.

Recently, President Cyril Ramaphosa told young people from SA and other African countries in the Eastern Cape “that as young people, you demand to be part of decision-making and shaping a future that is yours.”

The President’s words resonate with the kind of young people we have today in SA, part of a populace that is resilient, driven, goal-oriented, and wants to make a difference through a hustle that impacts lives. Investors are aware of the huge potential our young people have when it comes to innovative solutions.

Job creation continues to be a key factor that can contribute to economic growth, hence the role of innovation cannot be underplayed. For instance, during last year’s State of the Nation address, President Ramaphosa pointed out how SA aims to position itself as a global leader when it comes to the Green Hydrogen market. The panel report of the Green Hydrogen Commercial Strategy goes further to show how SA can be a leader in Green Hydrogen, and the opportunities that exist in attracting FDIs.

Dr. Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, while delivering his budget vote on 29 May under a strong theme of “Using science, technology, and innovation to grow our country and together resolve its challenges”.

The journey of building a strong economy, respected globally, continues and one area that surely going to play a critical part is innovation, dominantly driven by our young people who want to see a thriving South Africa.

Ends…

Mr Mothibedi Matshele,  Interim  CEO of the Innovation Hub