Mr Central South Africa

Young Flame 🔥

CHAPTER 2: FROM CONVERSATION TO ACTION

DOES YOUTH DAY STILL BELONG TO THE YOUTH?
Following the success of our Youth Round Table Discussion, we now move into the second chapter of this important conversation.

The youth have spoken. Their voices have been heard. Their concerns, recommendations, and aspirations have been documented.

Now it is time for stakeholders to respond.

Join us for the Youth Business Breakfast 2026, where government leaders, development agencies, educational institutions, business leaders, and community stakeholders will come together with young people to reflect on the outcomes of the Youth Round Table and explore practical solutions for youth development in the Free State Province.

📅 Date: 19 June 2026
⏰ Time: 08h00 – 13h00
📍 Venue: Urth, Ext (2147), R700 Kenneth Kaunda Road (Old Eeufees Road), Bayswater, Bloemfontein

Hosted by Mr Central South Africa and FS Online Network, in proud partnership with the Central University of Technology (CUT) and key stakeholders committed to youth empowerment.

We are particularly honoured by the continued partnership and support of the Central University of Technology (CUT), whose commitment to youth development has helped make this initiative possible.

We are equally excited to welcome the Free State MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Dibolelo Mance, who will serve as the Keynote Speaker for the Business Breakfast, engaging directly with the recommendations and concerns raised by young people during Chapter 1.

This is more than a breakfast.

It is a platform for accountability.
It is a platform for collaboration.
It is a platform for solutions.

Together, we will explore opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, innovation, skills development, leadership, employment creation, and meaningful youth participation in society.

The conversation has started.

Now it is time to build the future together.

"Does Youth Day Still Belong to the Youth?"
"From Commemoration to Conversation. From Conversation to Action."

YOUTH MONTH 2026 ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION

Chapter 1: From Commemoration to Conversation

Issued by: Mr Central South Africa & Fs Online

In Partnership with: Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) (CUT) - Student Affairs

Date: 11 June 2026

Bloemfontein, Free State - Today marked the successful hosting of the first chapter of the Youth Month 2026 Programme under the theme:

"Does Youth Day Still Belong to the Youth?"

"From Commemoration to Conversation"

Hosted by Mr Central South Africa and FS Online Network, in partnership with the Central University of Technology (CUT) Student Affairs Division, the event brought together learners, students, youth leaders, government representatives, development agencies, educators, and community stakeholders for an honest and meaningful dialogue about the state of young people in South Africa today.

The Round Table Discussion, held at Art Caffé BFN in Bloemfontein, served as a platform for youth voices to be heard, concerns to be raised, and practical solutions to be explored.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the event was the fact that the audience itself was predominantly made up of young people. In an era where many Youth Day commemorations are often attended by adults speaking about youth, today's gathering provided a refreshing opportunity for young people to actively participate in shaping conversations that directly affect their lives and futures.

The programme was professionally directed by renowned broadcasters and Masters of Ceremony, Karabo Sands and Victoria Motse, who guided delegates through a morning of engagement, reflection, and inspiration.

The event commenced with an opening prayer by Teacher Clayton Andries from Heatherdale "Hedas" Sekondere Skool in Heidedal, followed by a moving poetry performance by Puseletso Mokonenyane, a Wellness Worker and Poet, whose powerful words set the tone for the day's discussions.

The strategic intent of the programme was presented by Theo King Theodore Chikuma, Director of Mr Central South Africa - Men Against GBV, who highlighted the importance of creating platforms where young people can engage directly with decision-makers and stakeholders.

Messages of support were delivered by:

Mokhethi Junior Mpharoane, Founder of CUT Lekgotla - Men of Purpose
Liyaboana Nkatshase, SRC President
Hon. Cllr Logan Kruger MMC for Public Safety & Transport, representing the Office of the Executive Mayor of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
Mr Boitumelo Dithebe, Branch Manager and Coordinator for Business Development at the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Free State
The discussions that followed were both robust and insightful, addressing issues such as youth unemployment, access to opportunities, education, entrepreneurship, leadership development, mental health, social challenges, and the relevance of Youth Day to today's generation.

Participants expressed a strong desire to move beyond symbolic commemorations and towards practical interventions that create meaningful opportunities and measurable impact for young people.

A key highlight of the programme was the presentation of the official findings and recommendations by the Rapporteur Team comprising:

Ernest Mofokeng
Kagiso Gaebee
Ayeesha Nthane
Moratuoa Ketabake
Their presentation captured the concerns, aspirations, frustrations, and recommendations raised by participants throughout the discussions and laid the foundation for stakeholder engagement moving forward.

Mr Central South Africa and FS Online Network wish to extend their sincere appreciation to all partners and stakeholders who contributed towards the success of the programme.

Special recognition is extended to:

Principal Host & Main Sponsor

Central University of Technology (CUT) - Student Affairs
Under the leadership of Dr Nthabiseng Afrika

Strategic Partners

FS Online Network
Mr Central South Africa
CUT Student Affairs
Supporting Stakeholders

PTIC, represented by Rebecka Smith Goliath
Blue Ribbon Bakery
Venue Partner

Art Café

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mr Tshepo Sebidi, owner of Art Café and FS Online Network, whose commitment to youth development and community engagement continues to create meaningful opportunities for dialogue and growth.

Today's event demonstrated that the youth are not disengaged; rather, they are eager to be heard, eager to participate, and eager to contribute towards building a better future.

It was heart-warming to witness young people speaking openly about their challenges while simultaneously presenting solutions and demonstrating a genuine passion for positive change.

The discussions and recommendations gathered today will now be consolidated and presented to stakeholders and partners as part of the preparations for Chapter 2 of the Youth Month Programme.

CHAPTER 2

Youth Business Breakfast

Date: 19 June 2026

This second chapter will focus on stakeholder responses, accountability, partnerships, youth development opportunities, entrepreneurship, and practical interventions informed by the recommendations emerging from today's Round Table Discussion. The Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Free State Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in the Free State Honorable Dibolelo Mance will be in attendance.

As organisers, we remain committed to ensuring that this initiative becomes more than a once-off event. Our objective is to continue engaging stakeholders, monitoring progress, and contributing towards sustainable solutions that empower young people throughout the Free State Province.

"The Youth. The Future. Our Responsibility."

Issued by:

Mr Central South Africa
FS Online Network

In Partnership with

Central University of Technology (CUT) - Student Affairs

📸 Grant Reid

Youth Day is supposed to belong to the youth… but does it still?

Join us for the Youth Month 2026 Programme as we bring together young people, leaders, institutions, entrepreneurs, students, and stakeholders for real conversations that matter.

Theme:
“Does Youth Day Still Belong to the Youth?”
“From Commemoration to Conversation.”

📍 Youth Round Table Discussion
🗓 11 June 2026
⏰ 08h00 – 13h00
📌 Art Café, 65 Oos Burger Street, Bloemfontein

📍 Youth Business Breakfast
🗓 19 June 2026
⏰ 08h00 – 13h00
📌 Art Café, 65 Oos Burger Street, Bloemfontein

Hosted by Black Excellence in partnership with FS Online Network, Mr Central South Africa, TeamzDynamics Consulting, and CUT.

This is more than an event.
This is a movement to reconnect Youth Day with the youth of today.

For more info: Theo King 081 770 2219

🎉 Happy Birthday to our former Mr Central South Africa 2021/22, Sibusiso Darlington - The Driven Network! 👑

Today we celebrate not only your birthday but also the remarkable legacy you have left within the Mr Central South Africa family. Thank you for carrying the title with dignity, excellence, and pride.

May this new year of your life be filled with abundant blessings, continued success, good health, and countless reasons to smile. Wishing you a fantastic birthday and a year ahead filled with greatness.

Happy Birthday, King! 🎂🎉👑

Girls Talk! Panel Discussion

“Your Voice. Your Power.” set the tone for today’s impactful session at Heatherdale Secondary School. As Mr Central South Africa, we are deeply honoured to have contributed to such a meaningful and empowering dialogue.

Representing us on the panel was Kagiso Gaebee, Mr Central South Africa 2025 -1st Runner-Up, whose insights added significant value to the conversation.
🙏🏽👑