Youth Day invites us into both remembrance and reflection.

As South Africa marks 50 years since the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976, we pause to honour the bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of the young people who stood against injustice and changed the course of our history. Their courage laid the foundation for many of the freedoms and opportunities we know today.

This year, the African Lotteries and Gaming Association reflects not only on the legacy of 1976, but also on the youth of today, a generation often misunderstood, yet deeply resilient, innovative, and determined to shape a better future. This open letter is dedicated to the young people of South Africa and Africa at large, in recognition of their potential, their persistence, and the future they are actively building.

Dear Youth of South Africa,

Fifty years ago, young people changed the direction of a nation.

They were not powerful by conventional standards. They held no titles, occupied no boardrooms, and possessed no institutional influence. Yet they understood something profound: that age does not determine the weight of one’s voice, and that conviction can move history.

They stood for dignity. They stood for justice. They stood for a future they might never fully see, but believed future generations deserved.

Today, as we honour their sacrifice, we must also confront a troubling narrative that continues to follow South African youth.

Too often, today’s youth are described as lazy, entitled, distracted, or disengaged. Too often, their struggles are observed without recognising the systems they are navigating. Too often, criticism is louder than compassion.

We reject that narrative entirely.

Because when we look at the youth of South Africa, we see something very different.

We see young people who wake before sunrise to travel hours for work, education, and opportunity. We see graduates searching tirelessly for openings in difficult economic conditions. We see young entrepreneurs creating businesses from kitchens, bedrooms, and borrowed spaces. We see creators turning ideas into income, innovators solving modern problems, and dreamers refusing to surrender to circumstance.

We see persistence. We see sacrifice. We see hunger. Most importantly, we see resilience.

This generation is not idle. This generation is adapting to a world moving faster than any before it. They are learning to survive in a rapidly evolving digital economy, finding new ways to create value, build relevance, and define success on their own terms.

The youth of 1976 protested in the streets. The youth of 2026 are protesting through creation.

They protest through innovation. Through entrepreneurship. Through art. Through technology and innovation. Through excellence.

Every business launched despite limited capital is resistant. Every degree earned against the odds is resistance. Every creative project that amplifies African identity is resistance. Every young person who chooses to keep going, despite uncertainty, is participating in a quiet but powerful revolution.

And what a revolution it is - we are witnessing young South Africans shape culture on a global scale in ways that would have once seemed unimaginable.

We see artists like Tyla, whose sound, creativity, and unapologetic South African identity have captured global audiences and earned international acclaim. We see Nomzamo Mbatha, whose influence extends far beyond acting, representing South Africa on global stages while using her voice to advocate for meaningful change. We see talents such as Uncle Waffles, who has redefined what African DJs and performers can achieve internationally, taking Amapiano to audiences across the world.

We see Thuso Mbedu breaking barriers in global film and television, proving that African storytelling belongs on the world’s biggest screens. We see young creatives, musicians, designers, dancers, digital creators, and entrepreneurs continuously pushing African excellence beyond borders.

These achievements did not happen by accident.

They are the product of discipline, consistency, sacrifice, courage, and relentless belief.

They remind us that South African youth are not short of ambition; they are rich in talent, vision, and possibility.

The script has changed.

Today, the youth are fighting for access, ownership, economic participation, innovation, and influence.

For ALGA, this reflection carries particular significance.

The gaming and lotteries sector is often viewed through a narrow lens, one focused solely on participation and consumption. Yet the future of this sector extends far beyond the player.

The future lies in the young software engineer developing gaming technologies. The data analyst shaping safer and smarter systems. The cybersecurity specialist protecting digital ecosystems. The game designer building immersive experiences. The compliance expert strengthening regulatory integrity. The storyteller crafting brands and campaigns that move industries forward. The entrepreneur creating new platforms, solutions, and opportunities across Africa.

We believe young people must not only participate in the future of the sector; they must help lead it.

They must innovate within it. Challenge it. Improve it. Transform it.

They must help shape an industry that is responsible, technologically advanced, ethically grounded, and capable of contributing meaningfully to Africa’s development.

To every young person carrying dreams bigger than your circumstances, hear this clearly.

Your current reality is not the final definition of your future. Your setbacks do not disqualify you. Your pace does not diminish your potential. Your background does not limit your ability to rise.

There is room for your ideas. There is room for your voice. There is room for your leadership.

The youth of 1976 fought so you could dream freely. Honour them by dreaming boldly. Honour them by building relentlessly. Honour them by refusing to shrink.

The future will not be handed to you. It will be shaped by those courageous enough to build it. And we believe that generation is already here.

It is you.

ALGA CEO Musa Mngadi reflecting on the Soweto Uprising and the right to protest


Reflections from the CEO

“The right to protest is a South African fundamental human right that is enshrined under section 17 of the constitution. The violation of this basic human right by the Apartheid police against unarmed peaceful student protestors ended in violence and tragedy on this day, the 16th of June 1976. 50 years later, as we celebrate Youth Day, we are reminded how resilient and courageous South Africa can be and it all starts with our Youth. Nelson Mandela said ‘Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do’ Let the Soweto uprising of ‘76 be a remembrance of the power we have to change and shape the world for the benefit of its people.” Mr Musa Mngadi Chief Executive Officer African Lotteries and Gaming Association (ALGA)

These reflections remind us that the legacy of June 1976 lives far beyond remembrance.

It lives in every young person who continues to challenge limitation, pursue opportunity, and believe in the possibility of a better future. As we honour the courage of those who came before us, we are equally called to invest in the generation that will carry Africa forward.

This conviction remains central to ALGA’s mission: to champion a future where young people are empowered to drive innovation, leadership, and meaningful transformation across Africa’s gaming and lotteries landscape.