This morning, Sunday 14 July 2024, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, joined over 1000 young people at the closing ceremony of the 2024 GoBeyond Conference, under the theme ‘Shape Your Future.’
GoBeyond is the biggest youth conference in the country, hosted by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport’s YearBeyond programme.
Minister Mackenzie said, “As you go back to your communities, take the connections that you’ve built here and use them to develop yourself and your community. Thank you for showing up, which is the first step to success. The journey does not end here. We are committed to being a resource and a support system for you as you Go Beyond, Shape Your Future, and make a difference!”
The weekend conference, hosted at the University of the Western Cape, included seminars, workshops, guest speakers, music, and dance. The activities are designed to inspire and equip attendees, enhancing their agency, professionalism, and emotional intelligence. With over 70 speakers and contributors from diverse fields, the GoBeyond conference provides crucial support and inspiration to young people in a transformative university environment; a place of learning, possibility, and peer connection. Special guests included Musa Mota, internationally renowned dancer; Chaeli Mycroft, the first female quadriplegic to summit Mount Kilimanjaro; and Thabani Mtsi, motivational TED Talk speaker.
The Western Cape Government’s YearBeyond Programme - in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency, donors, and NGOs - provides unemployed youth (18-25 years old) with meaningful work experience and a pathway to further studies or work, while encouraging a culture of community service. Participants in the year-long programme are called YeBoneers.
Justin Sauls, a 2023 YeBoneer who returned to the conference this weekend as a mentor in training, said: “Seeing the development of the conference and how it has grown, after attending as a YeBoneer, then support team and now as a mentor in training it is so awesome.”
Ronique Wilson, a past participant in the programme, recounted how YearBeyond transformed her life. Growing up in Manenberg without parents, Ronique faced a bleak future. After being initially rejected by YearBeyond, she applied repeatedly until she was accepted. Her perseverance ignited a passion for education, and she secured a bursary to further her studies after completing the programme. Today, Ronique is a counsellor working to support learners who, like herself, need assistance.
Musa Motha, a passionate soccer player who refused to let cancer and an amputation hold him back, captivated the audience with a mesmerising dance performance and shared his story of overcoming adversity.
YearBeyond recognises the immense potential within young people and, with the proper support, aims to enable dreams and unlock tenacity, fostering the next generation of leaders.
A recent impact study by YearBeyond revealed significant outcomes. Over 70% of participants remain active in the economy and their communities after completing the programme.
The annual GoBeyond conference inspires and empowers youth with a sense of purpose and community service that will shape South Africa's future.