The baton for building and advancing South Africa has now been passed to the youth of today. While the generation of 1976 made immense sacrifices to secure the freedom and democracy that we enjoy, it is now the responsibility of the youth of 2026 to safeguard and strengthen that hard-won legacy through active citizenship and participation in democratic processes, particularly through voting.

As South Africa marks Youth Month, we are reminded that the defining challenge facing this generation is fundamentally different from what confronted the youth of 1976. While previous generations fought for political freedom, today's young people are engaged in a struggle for economic inclusion, opportunity and meaningful participation in the economy.

As South Africa continues to face the challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, pollution and biodiversity loss, our 2026/27 Budget is about more than financial allocations. Our 2026/27 Budget Vote – tabled recently in Parliament - is about improving people's lives, creating opportunities, protecting livelihoods and building a more sustainable future for all South Africans.

The lengthy delays between the planning of vital infrastructure and the commencement of construction are set to be significantly reduced. Government is implementing a major reform of its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to accelerate the delivery of key infrastructure including roads, hospitals, office accommodation, and water and sanitation systems.

The pressing crisis of high unemployment in South Africa can no longer be addressed by government alone, it requires a collective effort from the public sector, private sector, labour, civil society and communities themselves. The time has come for young people to seize the power of small businesses and create employment opportunities in their own communities.