Ignite Cape Agulhas Municipal Youth Summit
29 September 2026 * Bredasdorp
The University of the Western Cape’s Community Engagement Unit (CEU), together with colleagues from across the University, participated in the Ignite Cape Agulhas Municipal Youth Summit in Bredasdorp.
UWC’s contribution focused on connecting young people with educational and development opportunities while creating space for their own experiences, strengths and aspirations to inform future engagement. Nathan Lawrence, Community Engagement Coordinator at the Centre for the Performing Arts, coordinated the contribution in collaboration with Dr Samantha van Schalkwyk and participating UWC colleagues. Colleagues who contributed to the UWC team included UWC Library colleagues Sylvester Jeffries , Cedric Claassen , vuyiseka bolo , Beula Isaacs, Asanda Mdayi and Nonzame Princess Ncapai , as well as Dr Renier Grosch from the UWC Small Business Clinic (EMS).
A key component was the Youth Voice Café, designed around five questions exploring young people’s lived experiences, existing strengths, aspirations, barriers and priorities for change. Question booklets prepared in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa supported the approach, with a “My Next Step” activity linking reflection to a practical personal action.
Drawing on the participatory approach developed through Project Winter Hope, the Café’s design recognised young people as contributors to community development, with knowledge and ideas of their own. This approach reflects UWC’s commitment to the Scholarship of Engagement: listening, learning together and developing responses with communities. Participant contributions, where permission has been given, are intended to inform reporting, municipal feedback and the planning of future activities.
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