South African Youth for International Diplomacy

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South African Youth for International Diplomacy South African Youth for International Diplomacy (SAYID) is the local organizing committee for the Y8, Y20, BRICS & Euro-BRICS youth summits.

SAYID is a registered non-profit organisation that amplifies youth voices in international diplomacy and has served as South Africa’s official organising committee for the Y20 and Y7 Summits since 2010. SAYID’s mandate is the recruitment and training of South African youth delegates to represent South Africa in various youth summits. Through our efforts, many young South Africans have participated

in youth summits throughout the world - Paris 2011, Mexico 2012, Washington DC 2012, St Petersburg 2013, London 2013, Sydney 2014, Helsinki 2015, Kazan 2015 and Istanbul 2015). Delegates are responsible for developing and negotiating position papers with regards to the various ministerial positions. These position papers form part of a final communiqué that serves as the global youth’s voice on international issues. SAYID is a member of the International Diplomatic Engagement Association (IDEA) (www.whatistheidea.org) - a collective of twenty leading not-for-profit, youth-led organisations from around the world; committed to putting young people at the heart of global decision-making through innovative, open and inspiring debate - and is administered by the Projekt23 – The Green Movement (www.projekt23.org.za).

🌏 SAYID was honoured to be represented at two significant global events in China this month: the Global Civilisations Di...
28/07/2025

🌏 SAYID was honoured to be represented at two significant global events in China this month: the Global Civilisations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing and the World Youth Development Forum (WYDF) in Suzhou and Shanghai.

These events brought together global leaders, ministers, experts, and youth changemakers to engage in rich dialogue around today’s most pressing challenges—and to co-create transformative, inclusive solutions. They offered powerful reminders of the role that both intergenerational collaboration and cultural exchange play in shaping a more peaceful and sustainable future.

At the Global Civilisations Dialogue, hosted by the CPC and key partner organisations, speakers highlighted the urgent need for cross-cultural understanding, innovation, and cooperation. One moment that especially stood out was when Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei described seeing Earth from space—how from that vantage point, borders disappear, and the absurdity of war becomes clear. Former Indonesian Prime Minister Megawati Soekarnoputri also delivered a powerful message about diversity being a strength, not a threat, and called for greater global solidarity, particularly in support of Palestine.

Meanwhile, at the WYDF—co-hosted by the All-China Youth Federation and United Nations China—young leaders from around the world gathered to share scalable solutions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SAYID’s Chair, Hannah Hopper, currently serving on the WYDF Agenda Committee, was proud to co-coordinate the Accelerator Programme for the “Poverty Eradication and Zero Hunger” track, working with an inspiring group of innovators across sectors: from entrepreneurs and NGOs to policymakers and social enterprises.

Events like these are a vital space for connection, collaboration, and impact. 🌍💡 If your organisation, initiative or business is actively contributing to the SDGs, we strongly encourage you to explore the WYDF and apply for the next edition. It’s an incredible platform to grow your network, showcase your work, and access funding and partnerships.

Thank you to the ACYF for the invitation and for your ongoing collaboration. We’re excited to continue building momentum together.

📣 PRESS RELEASE: SAYID Resigns from Y20 2025 Leadership TeamSAYID has formally stepped down from the current Y20 2025 le...
12/05/2025

📣 PRESS RELEASE:

SAYID Resigns from Y20 2025 Leadership Team

SAYID has formally stepped down from the current Y20 2025 leadership team due to ongoing operational concerns.

We remain committed to supporting a successful Y20 Summit and will continue working with the selected
South African delegates in an alternative capacity.
Read the full statement below:



Meet the Y20 2025 South African Delegation 🌍Nyiko Mgiba | Inclusive Economic Growth and Employment Delegate 🇿🇦We proudly...
04/05/2025

Meet the Y20 2025 South African Delegation 🌍

Nyiko Mgiba | Inclusive Economic Growth and Employment Delegate 🇿🇦

We proudly welcome Nyiko Mgiba as South Africa’s Y20 2025 delegate for Inclusive Economic Growth and Employment. A critical analyst and data professional, Nyiko’s journey spans entrepreneurship, public finance, and digital retail. From launching MM Building Supplies in Mpumalanga to auditing at a Chapter 9 institution and scaling operations in Africa’s largest eCommerce group, his path reflects adaptability and insight. Nyiko also produces The Investment Candle Podcast, advocating for financial literacy and economic empowerment. He holds a BCom from the University of Johannesburg and remains committed to youth development and market-driven innovation.

Meet the Y20 2025 South African Delegation 🌍Nqoba Innocent Ngidi | Meaningful Youth Engagement and Reforming Multilatera...
03/05/2025

Meet the Y20 2025 South African Delegation 🌍

Nqoba Innocent Ngidi | Meaningful Youth Engagement and Reforming Multilateralism Delegate 🇿🇦

Introducing Nqoba Innocent Ngidi, South Africa’s Y20 2025 delegate for Meaningful Youth Engagement and Reforming Multilateralism. A Public Policy Honours graduate (cum laude) from UKZN and a current MA candidate, Nqoba brings deep expertise in youth participation and digital governance. With over five years at UKZN and prior experience at ICASA, where he authored a nationally recognised cybersecurity policy paper, Nqoba is a policy innovator. His concept My Munici-Pal—a mobile app to increase youth involvement in local governance—reflects his vision for a digitally inclusive, just future for all.

Meet the Y20 2025 South African Delegation 🌍Hlengiwe Penelope Mtetwa | AI, Digital Innovation, Education and the Future ...
02/05/2025

Meet the Y20 2025 South African Delegation 🌍

Hlengiwe Penelope Mtetwa | AI, Digital Innovation, Education and the Future of Work Delegate 🇿🇦

SAYID is proud to present Hlengiwe Mtetwa as the Y20 2025 delegate for Al, Digital Innovation, Education and the Future of Work. With a BA in Community Development, an LLB, and a Master of Laws specialising in digital contracts, Hiengiwe is a legal tech leader at the forefront of Al governance. As Expert Team Lead at Legal Interact-named one of the Top 5 Legal Tech Companies of 2023-she pioneers innovation in contract automation and compliance.
Passionate about youth empowerment, Hiengiwe is shaping ethical, future-fit Al systems that uphold transparency, inclusion, and accountability.

Meet the Y20 2025 South African Delegation 🌍Andile Alexius Mnguni | Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Dele...
01/05/2025

Meet the Y20 2025 South African Delegation 🌍

Andile Alexius Mnguni | Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Delegate 🇿🇦

We are honoured to announce Andile Alexius Mnguni as South Africa's Y20 2025 delegate for Climate Change and Environment Sustainability. A dynamic social entrepreneur and strategist, Andile is Co-Founder of Beyond The Bite, an initiative merging technology and community education to empower smallholder farmers. Her work spans from the FAO-UN World Food Forum Youth Policy Board to COP28's Non-State Actors Directive Committee. As a 2024 Duke University Climate Fellow and Board Member of the We Are Family Foundation, Andile continues to pioneer bold, intersectional solutions to food insecurity and climate injustice across the continent.

Meet the Y20 2025 South African Delegation 🌍Hakeemah Malaykah Matinka | Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability ...
30/04/2025

Meet the Y20 2025 South African Delegation 🌍

Hakeemah Malaykah Matinka | Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Delegate 🇿🇦

SAYID proudly introduces Hakeemah Malaykah Matinka as South Africa’s Y20 2025 delegate for Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability. At just 22 years old, Hakeemah brings an unwavering commitment to intersectional activism and educational justice. Raised on the rural outskirts of Cape Town, she has overcome significant challenges to pursue her Honours in Educational Development and Democracy at Stellenbosch University. A powerful advocate for systemic change, Hakeemah champions the belief that “not everyone is free until we are all free.” Her work stands as a testament to youth resilience and the urgent need for environmental equity.

📣 ANNOUNCEMENT: Meet the South African Delegation to the Y20 South Africa 2025 🇿🇦🌍We are honoured to introduce the five ...
26/04/2025

📣 ANNOUNCEMENT: Meet the South African Delegation to the Y20 South Africa 2025 🇿🇦🌍

We are honoured to introduce the five exceptional young leaders who will represent South Africa at the Y20 Summit 2025 – the official youth engagement group of the G20.

As the national body responsible for selecting, training, and supporting the South African Y20 delegation, we reviewed hundreds of applications from across the country. After a rigorous process, we have chosen a group of inspiring individuals whose experiences span work, volunteering, and education in this year’s core thematic areas.

We are proud to introduce:

Andile Mnguni – Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Y20 Delegate 2025

Hakeemah Matinka – Inclusive Social Development and Fighting Inequality Y20 Delegate 2025

Hlengiwe Penelope Mtetwa – AI, Digital Innovation, Education and the Future of Work Y20 Delegate 2025

Nqoba Innocent Ngidi – Meaningful Youth Engagement and Reforming Multilateralism for a Just Future Y20 Delegate 2025

Nyiko Mgiba – Inclusive Economic Growth and Employment Y20 Delegate 2025

Each delegate brings a unique perspective rooted in their lived experience. Together, they reflect the rich diversity of South Africa — across background, identity, and geography — and are united by a shared commitment to creating positive, lasting change.

We are incredibly proud of this delegation. They are not only ready to represent South African youth on the global stage, but also to contribute thoughtfully and powerfully to international policy conversations.

We know this delegation will lead with integrity, make our country proud, and advocate to the best of their ability for young people in South Africa and across the African continent.

📌 Over the coming days, we’ll be sharing more about each delegate — their stories, their work, and the vision they’re bringing to the Y20. Stay tuned.

21/03/2025

🚨 Apply Now: Be a Delegate at Y20 South Africa 2025! 🚨

Are you a young leader interested in shaping the future? This is your chance to be part of representing South Africa as a Delegate at the Y20 South Africa 2025 Summit, the G20's official youth engagement group.

Join a cohort of youth delegates from across the world to discuss on priority global topics, including climate action, digital innovation, economic growth, and social growth. Your voice matters, and your ideas will be among policy recommendations presented to G20 leaders.

Who can apply?
- South African youths aged 18-30
- Passionate about leadership, policy, and global transformation
- Prepared to engage in meaningful discussion and solutions

Apply now: https://bit.ly/4bNKZeb
Deadline: 3 April 2025

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of history! Tag a young leader who should apply.

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🚀Exciting News! 🚀We are thrilled to announce that South African Youth for International Diplomacy (SAYID) will serve as ...
12/03/2025

🚀Exciting News! 🚀

We are thrilled to announce that South African Youth for International Diplomacy (SAYID) will serve as the Co-Chair of the Y20 South Africa 2025! Our Chair, Hannah Hopper, will represent SAYID in this role as we work alongside civil society organisations to make the first-ever Y20 Summit hosted in South Africa a truly impactful experience for young people across the G20.

One of our key responsibilities is the recruitment and training of the South African Y20 delegation-a crucial role as these young leaders will represent our country on the global stage. This is a momentous opportunity to shape the youth voice in international diplomacy.

📢 Applications for the South African Y20 delegation will open soon! Stay tuned to the official Y20 Summit 2025 and SAYID pages for updates.
For any questions about the application process, feel free to reach out to us at:
[email protected].


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