National Youth Day: Encouraging a Youth-Inclusive Corporate Space
It's that season when we pause to reflect on the path we've taken in our democracy. Our main emphasis is on the younger generation as we observe National Youth Day with the theme: “Actively embracing the socioeconomic gains of our democracy.”
Image at Work stands with the entire nation in honouring the South African youth, recognising their pivotal role in driving socio-economic development, which perfectly resonates with our values and aspirations. We firmly believe in the concept of transition, likening it to a relay race where the baton of progress is passed on until the finish line is reached.
As pioneers in the business landscape of a new democratic era, it has always been our mission to foster the socio-economic participation and advancement of the youth and marginalised segments of society. By doing so, we aim to safeguard the hard-earned socio-economic progress from going down the drain.
We view this as a shared responsibility embraced by stakeholders across various industries. Given South Africa's position as the economic hub of Africa, preserving such a legacy hinges on empowering the younger generation.
Furthermore, we take pride in nurturing youth-led enterprises, particularly in the marketing domain where we have thrived for nearly three decades. These emerging leaders have flourished through our mentorship programs, acquiring expertise and eventually launching their ventures. We are confident that the legacy we've cultivated will not only endure but also flourish in capable hands.
We anticipate witnessing similar success stories nationwide, even in the most remote areas where untapped potential awaits. Excluding these regions would impede our national objective of fully capitalising on the socio-economic benefits of our democracy.
Our enthusiasm for proactive youth involvement is grounded not only in our interactions with the youth we've mentored but also in our collaborations with youth-led enterprises seeking our services.
Additionally, we've been approached by young individuals seeking guidance in establishing their own ventures in the apparel and branding sectors. This not only contributes to our industry's growth but also reflects the youth's eagerness to contribute to South Africa's economic prosperity.
In light of this, we urge the youth of South Africa to seize opportunities in the corporate arena, acknowledging the importance of small businesses and the grassroots economy, which empower young people to grasp industry fundamentals at a micro-level as they prepare for larger enterprises.
The Image at Work team wishes all the youths of South Africa a happy National Youth Day!