Celebrating youth leadership

Celebrating youth leadership

17 June 2026

Samantha September, a Grade 11 learner at Parow High School recently had the honour of serving as a youth speaker in Parliament as part of an Intergenerational Dialogue to reflect on the legacy of the 1976 student uprising and its contribution to democracy in South Africa.

Samantha, who is a Junior City Councillor and Deputy Junior Mayor of Cape Town, addressed Members of Parliament, youth leaders and key stakeholders from across the country. In her speech, she emphasised the importance of literacy and education as foundational tools for empowerment. She highlighted the vital role young people can play as leaders and changemakers when given the opportunity to make a difference in their communities, and to shape their own futures. She advocated strongly for youth empowerment and active citizenship.

The event, hosted by Parliament’s Library Service in partnership with external stakeholders, brought together voices across generations under the theme "Youth Voices, Reading and Democracy". The Intergenerational Dialogue reflected on the enduring legacy of the 1976 student uprising and its role in shaping South Africa’s democracy. It further underscored the importance of reading, civic engagement and youth leadership in shaping the future.

The occasion also marked the official launch of the National Library of South Africa’s Reading Ambassadors Programme. Through the initiative, provincial legislatures will identify learners to serve as reading ambassadors in their schools and communities. These ambassadors will champion a culture of reading by establishing book clubs, promoting literacy and motivating fellow learners to develop a lifelong love of reading.

Parow High School expressed their pride in Samantha’s leadership, commitment and passion for creating positive change. “She continues to be an inspiration to our school community and a true example of turning vision into victory,” the school said.