2023 GoBeyond: Shape your future conference a huge success

From the 14th to the 16th of July the second annual YeBo GoBeyond: Shape your future conference took place at the University of Western Cape. The event drew over 800 YeBoneers (youth on the YearBeyond programme) who were eagerly awaiting a comprehensive learning experience. This year, Capitec came on board as the headline sponsor.

The registration process welcomed enthusiastic participants who had traveled from across the province. The jam-packed programme began with a lively opening of songs and dances that reflected the #YeBoMagic and the cultural essence embedded in the programme. Guy Redman, the Head of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), welcomed the YeBoneers and guests, encouraging them to embrace their unique journey. He urged those in the plenary to run their own race and give their best throughout the weekend. Farai Mubaiwa, a thought leader and youth development champion, delivered the opening keynote address, emphasizing the YeBoneers' significance as change agents and their responsibility as African youth. The rest of the day featured a variety of breakout sessions focused on developing competencies under the theme of professionalism. These sessions included insightful workshops, panel discussions, and talks such as "Building Your Personal Brand," a "LinkedIn Masterclass," and an introduction to a "Virtual Career Coach" facilitated by JobStarter, among others.

During lunchtime, educational institutions participated in a study fair, providing further insights and information for those interested in studying after their year of service. The day concluded with a series of fringe events, allowing YeBoneers to network and have fun through sports, arts, and games.

Day two began with a captivating performance by Tarique Kenny, a talented emerging local artist, following an enjoyable evening of drumming, storytelling, and silent disco dancing. The keynote address was delivered by Gabeba Gaidien, a development practitioner, who introduced the day's themes of emotional intelligence and agency. Gabeba highlighted the essential elements required to pursue and cultivate one's dreams, emphasizing the importance of vision, planning, connection, and emotionally intelligent relationships.

After a busy day two filled with breakout sessions on topics such as working effectively in diverse teams, mindfulness, and taking care of mental health, YeBoneers had another opportunity to wind down with an engaging evening fringe program.

The conference culminated with Minister Anroux Marais joining the official closing ceremony to express her pride and gratitude to the youth in the room for their service and contributions in improving their communities. Minister Marais stressed the significance of continuously nurturing skills and maintaining the passion for their dreams, stating, 'It is very important that you keep growing your skills and keep the hunger you have for your dreams... it is important to keep going and keep dreaming.' Monray Hardnick from the National Youth Development Agency also extended words of support and encouragement, urging YeBoneers to stand up and change the world and their communities.

Concluding the conference, Siphokazi Jonas, critically acclaimed producer, writer, poet and performer presented YeBoneers with a heartfelt gift—a pantoum poem composed from contributions within the room. Jonas's empowering words moved many to tears as she encouraged everyone to seize control, assert their voices, and claim their space in the world.

The conference coincided with World Youth Skills Day on the 15th July reminding us of the importance of equipping young people with the right skills for Going Beyond the programme into employment, studies or entrepreneurship.

Follow the #GoBeyond23 #ShapeYourFuture #YeBoMagic hashtags on social media to see all the hype.