Empowering the next generation: Primestars honours innovative youth

In a vibrant ceremony held on Tuesday at Wanderers, Primestars took an inspiring step towards nurturing the next generation of innovators in South Africa.

The event, aimed at recognising exceptional learners for their innovative contributions, underscores the importance of youth empowerment in crafting a sustainable future for the economy and the planet.

Delivering the keynote address, Martin Sweet, CEO and Executive Chairperson of Primestars, emphasised the programme's mission: to provide children from diverse backgrounds the platform they need to showcase their inventive ideas. 

Sweet said youth empowerment is a priority, and they want to use all the resources at their disposal to help young people bring their innovative ideas to life.

Speaking to IOL News, Sweet said they often experience financial constraints when they want to go all over the country, especially rural areas looking for young people with innovative ideas. "We often struggle with money to make sure that the programmes are achieved, which is why we are always looking for sponsors."

Sweet urged the learners to always strive to bring their ideas to life through the initiatives and resources at their disposal leaving them with a famous proverb, "the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second-best time is now".

Sharing the sentiments, the Deputy Minister of The Department of Small Business Development, Jane Sithole said the learners' innovations are a testament of what can happen when one invests in young people.

"What we witnessed here is a living blueprint of a nation choosing to reimagine its future, not tomorrow, not some day, but now.

"We view this programme as a direct contributor to South Africa's economic reconstruction, these young people here today represent the foundation of an inclusive, globally competitive and future economy, they are not the future, they are the present."

The Deputy Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh government should prioritise youth empowerment, particularly when it comes to careers which are not popular, like careers in biodiversity, environmental conservation.

Singh said environmental conservation is a societal responsibility, because everyone wants a clean space and a favourable environment. The South African constitution has a bill of rights under section 24 which speak of environmental conservation, it is for this reason that our department has embarked on a 1-million trees programme and others.

"Our department has collaborated with Primestars as an organisation that specialises in facilitating youth development programmes for high school learners."

The Star