A UL student makes a point during the Youth@SAIIA G20 Roadshow, highlighting active youth engagement in global governance dialogues. Photos: Lebogang Mathaba
By Jeanette Makhura – ulpublications@ul.ac.za
As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit later this year, the University of Limpopo (UL) has positioned itself at the centre of the global discussions by hosting the Youth@SAIIA G20 Roadshow, under the theme ‘Connecting Youth at Universities with the G20’
This event, a collaboration between the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Australian High Commission, aimed to bridge the gap between international policymaking and grassroots youth participation. It marked a significant moment for UL, reinforcing its position as a preferred partner for strategic collaborations that connect academia with global developmental discourse.
The G20, comprising most of the world’s major economies and the European Union, accounts for over 80% of global GDP and is pivotal in shaping international cooperation on trade, climate action, digital inclusion, and sustainable development. In this context, the Youth Roadshow at UL offered students a unique opportunity to engage with these complex issues and contribute meaningfully to global conversations.
A strong focus was on the Y20, the G20’s official youth engagement forum, which ensures that young voices contribute to shaping policy priorities on issues such as education, economic participation, and climate justice.
Donavan Fullard addresses students at the G20 Roadshow hosted by the University of Limpopo, encouraging youth to actively shape global policy through the Y20 platform.
Donavan Fullard, Head of Youth@SAIIA, described the initiative as an opportunity for students to become “co-creators of policy, not mere observers.” He emphasised, “This platform gives young South Africans the space to contribute to the G20 agenda and bring a distinctly African voice to the global table.”
Justine Jones addresses delegates during the Youth@SAIIA G20 Roadshow at the University of Limpopo, sharing insights on youth participation in global governance.
Justine Jones, First Secretary (Policy) at the Australian High Commission, reinforced this message, highlighting how world leaders increasingly recognise youth’s crucial role in digital transformation, post-pandemic recovery, and sustainable economic growth. She stressed the importance of building leadership capacity within youth-focused institutions.
A dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Kamogelo Ntsoeng from Youth@SAIIA, explored the role of young people in global governance. Student leaders from UL engaged in robust exchanges, demonstrating a deep understanding of international structures and a willingness to offer practical solutions.
A standout moment of the event was an address by Kanakana Mudzanani, Co-chairperson of the Y20 and representative of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). He explained the structure of the Y20, its policy impact, and how students could directly participate. “It’s not enough to critique from the sidelines,” he stated. “The Y20 allows you to shape the conversation on your terms, with your values.”
The engagement resonated deeply with students. Thabelo Nkoana, a Bachelor of Arts student in History and Anthropology, reflected on how the experience broadened his perspective. “What I’ve learned is that the G20 is not just a gathering of world leaders, it’s an intergovernmental platform designed to tackle global inequalities,” he said. Its priorities aim to reduce economic disparities not only in Africa but around the world. Being part of this conversation reminded me that we, as youth, are not too small to influence global change.”
Professor Richard Madadzhe, UL’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, encourages students to engage in policymaking during the Youth@SAIIA G20 Roadshow.
According to Professor Richard Madadzhe, UL’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, the initiative highlighted the essential role of South African universities in preparing students for global influence.
“South Africa is not an island. We cannot afford to be isolated. We are part of the global community,” he asserted. “Our students must be prepared not only to participate in the global economy but also to shape its direction.”