At the Y20 Summit 2025, SAYBC Head of Policy and Research, Galston Anthony, made it clear that the Chamber is not just about dialogue but about action. Representing the youth business voice on a panel hosted by the NYDA, he emphasized the need for practical support for entrepreneurs and pledged that the SAYBC would travel to Empangeni, KZN, to directly support local youth businesses—signaling a new era of responsive, action-driven youth leadership.
Day 3 of the Y20 Summit 2025 was anchored by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), under the theme: “Pathways that Work: Youth Solutions for Inclusive Economic Development & Employment.” The panel convened youth leaders, policymakers, and development stakeholders to explore strategies for addressing youth unemployment, building inclusive growth, and strengthening sustainable opportunities across Africa.
SAYBC’s Position on Youth Economic Empowerment
Representing the South African Youth Business Chamber (SAYBC), Mr. Galston Anthony delivered a firm message: the time for endless dialogue has passed, and youth leadership must now prioritize tangible interventions. He explained that while summits and policy debates are vital for shaping direction, their success must be measured by whether young entrepreneurs—especially those in disadvantaged and rural areas—gain access to real tools and opportunities.
He argued that entrepreneurship is one of the most effective engines of youth empowerment. For SAYBC, this means ensuring that even young people outside of economic hubs are not left behind. “Policies must translate into tools, resources, and networks that young entrepreneurs can use immediately to change their lives and communities,” Anthony stressed. This position reflects the Chamber’s broader commitment to bridging the gap between policy and practice.
From Words to Action: A Commitment to Empangeni
The panel became particularly powerful when a young activist from Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, voiced frustration about the lack of meaningful support from national youth bodies. His experience echoed the struggles of many young people across South Africa who feel disconnected from the opportunities often discussed at national level.
Instead of responding with sympathy or promises for future discussions, Anthony made a bold pledge on behalf of the Chamber: the SAYBC will travel to Empangeni to conduct a survey, engage directly with local entrepreneurs, and determine what support is needed on the ground. More importantly, he committed that the Chamber will ensure those youth receive the tools, resources, and networks they need to build and sustain their businesses.
This commitment was more than a symbolic gesture—it signaled a crucial shift in how youth leadership operates. SAYBC is moving from being a voice in policy spaces to being a direct partner with young people in their local realities. It represents a new model of leadership: one that listens, responds, and acts.
The Chamber believes that such an approach is essential if youth-led development is to succeed. Young entrepreneurs do not need speeches; they need resources, mentorship, and platforms that connect them to markets. By pledging to stand alongside youth in Empangeni, SAYBC showcased its determination to redefine what national youth leadership looks like—actioneers rather than mere speakers.
The SAYBC extends its gratitude to the NYDA and its partners for hosting such an important conversation at the #Y20Summit2025. For the Chamber, this is only the beginning of a longer journey to ensure that every summit becomes a launchpad for concrete action. SAYBC remains committed to building pathways where young people across South Africa can thrive, innovate, and lead sustainable change.
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