Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized the importance of investing in the youth, women, and social development as Southern Africa strives towards the ambitious Southern African Development Community (SADC) Vision 2050. Speaking at a Public Lecture at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, President Ramaphosa underlined the region's young population as its most significant strategic asset, cautioning that this potential will only be realized through deliberate and sustained investment.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa highlighted that with more than half of SADC's population under the age of 30, creating economic opportunities for young people is crucial for the region's stability and development. He described youth unemployment as a serious threat to the region's cohesion and a major obstacle to achieving Vision 2050. The President stressed the need to align education and skills development with economic opportunities, pointing out the struggles many young people face despite having qualifications.
President Ramaphosa called for investment in human capital beginning in early childhood, warning of the long-term effects of childhood deprivation. Under Vision 2050's Human and Social Capital Development pillar, he advocated for greater investment in maternal health, early nutrition, and basic services. The President also urged for investment in digital literacy and health services for adolescents, addressing barriers such as child marriage and the digital divide.
Highlighting the importance of regional health security, President Ramaphosa advocated for a harmonized health system across SADC, emphasizing that health care standards should not vary by geographic borders. He called for increased health financing, referencing commitments under the Abuja Declaration. The President also noted the need for a robust regional response to challenges such as gender-based violence, women's economic participation, and migration.
President Ramaphosa stressed the necessity of peace and stability for the region's development goals, citing the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as a significant test of regional solidarity. He discussed climate resilience, warning of the impacts of climate change on the region and calling for proactive disaster response measures.
Concluding his address, President Ramaphosa placed the future of the region in the hands of its young people, drawing on the vision of Pixley ka Isaka Seme for a transformed Africa. He reminded the youth of their right to hold current leaders accountable for the implementation of Vision 2050, asserting that the renewal of Africa is not just an aspiration but a tangible programme with clear actions and responsibilities.
