The world’s largest network of young changemakers will gather in Cape Town this November – as the Office of the Presidency acknowledges One Young World as part of the nation’s Golden Jubilee celebration
As South Africa marks fifty years since the Soweto Uprising, the Presidency has recognised One Young World’s Cape Town Summit as part of the nation’s broader programme of youth-focused commemorations, reflection and action.
The acknowledgement came during the National Youth Day programme led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, held under the theme “RESET@50 – Our National Commitment to the Future for Freedom Lives in Every Generation.”
The One Young World Summit will take place in Cape Town from 3–6 November 2026, bringing together more than 2,000 young leaders from over 190 countries. It will be the most internationally attended event ever held on the African continent.
As part of a wider commitment to ensuring that South African young people are at the heart of the Summit, One Young World and its partners are working to support the participation of hundreds of young leaders from across the country through bursaries, corporate talent programmes and community initiatives. One Young World, in collaboration with local business and Government partners, has already committed more than 10 million Rand to provide bursaries for young South African leaders to attend the Summit, a figure, which with five months to go, is set to increase.
A Global Summit with an African Heartbeat
The Cape Town Summit will gather more than 2,000 Ambassadors representing 190+ countries. These are founders, activists, scientists, policymakers and entrepreneurs who are collectively responsible for generating more than $4 billion in social impact over the past three years alone.
The Summit will bring together global leaders whose work has shaped the world, including Graça Machel, President Juan Manuel Santos, Maria Ressa, Forest Whitaker and Dia Mirza. They will be joined by South Africans whose leadership has inspired generations, from constitutional pioneers Albie Sachs, Thuli Madonsela and Edwin Cameron to sporting icons Tendai Mtawarira, Francois Pienaar and Tatjana Smith, and cultural leaders Nomzamo Mbatha and Shudu Musida. Together, they reflect South Africa’s enduring contribution to global leadership, a legacy that stretches from the youth of 1976 to the present day.
“This is not simply a global event coming to Africa,” said Ella Robertson McKay, Managing Director of One Young World. “This is Africa stepping onto the global leadership stage and owning it. Cape Town is not a backdrop – it is part of the story.”
One Young World has invested over $3 million in direct grants to young leaders worldwide and its community of 20,000 Ambassadors across 196 countries has positively impacted the lives of 60 million people.
Kate Robertson, Co-Founder of One Young World and Elle Robertson McKay, Managing Director, are available for interviews in South Africa this week.
They are available to speak on:
● One Young World’s global mission and the significance of Cape Town as host city
● The legacy of the Soweto Uprising and its connection to today’s global youth leadership movement
● South Africa’s role as a contributor to global progress
● Youth unemployment, entrepreneurship and the Summit’s programme agenda
● The symbolic and strategic importance of the Presidency’s recognition
To arrange an interview, please contact:
Teagan Stoltz
T: 021 461 5108
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