Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Mr Buti Manamela (MP) together with Service SETA will host a BackChat Session with various representatives from government, private, and business sectors on finding practical solutions to address the increasing youth unemployment and youth skills in our country.

BackChat sessions are an initiative of Deputy Minister Manamela to provide a platform for unmediated conversations between university scholars, writers, activists, policy makers, academia, students, business leaders and government. The intention is to raise awareness and encourage robust conversation among participants, and to give them an opportunity for their voices to be heard.

A diverse group of panellists will provide insight to the various areas of discussion and will lead a meaningful dialogue to seek actionable solutions. Panel members expected to address the audience include:

• Mr Buti Manamela: Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

• Ms Nomalungelo Gina: Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition

• Dr Padi Lehohla: Former Statistician General – StatsSA

• Mr Wassim Carrim: CEO, National Youth Development Agency

• Mr Sandile Zungu: President of Black Business Council

• Mr Kgotso Maja: CEO of Wallstreet Afreeka

• Ms Lindiwe Matladi: CEO of Africa Teen Geeks

• Ms Joy Maimela – National Coordinator of the African National Congress NYTT

• Mr Rudi Dicks: Project Management Office in the Presidency

Source: Government of South Africa