16/06/2026
A message from our Executive Mayor, Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht.
"To the Youth of the Cape Winelands District,
Today, we commemorate Youth Day. We pause to honour the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of the young people of 1976, whose determination helped shape the democratic South Africa we know today.
You, the youth of the Cape Winelands, are the heartbeat of our district. You are the innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, thinkers, dreamers, and future leaders who will shape the destiny of our communities and our nation.
We encourage each of you to dream boldly, pursue your goals with passion, and never underestimate the value of your unique talents and abilities. While challenges such as unemployment, poverty, substance abuse, and inequality continue to affect many young people, we want you to know that your future is not defined by your circumstances. Through hard work, perseverance, education, and the support of your communities, you can overcome obstacles and create meaningful opportunities for yourselves and others.
The Cape Winelands District Municipality remains committed to enhancing developmental local government, restoring hope, and creating real and tangible opportunities for our youth. We will continue to invest in programmes and initiatives that focus on sports development, rural development, social upliftment, skills development, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and awareness campaigns aimed at empowering young people to reach their full potential.
Your dreams, aspirations, and ideas are our future, and we recognise that investing in youth is investing in the future of our district.
On behalf of the Cape Winelands District Municipality, I wish all the youth of our district a meaningful and inspiring Youth Day.
Your future matters. Your voice matters. Your dreams matter.
Happy Youth Day."
-Executive Mayor, Ald. (Dr) Elna Von Schlicht
