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On 16 June 2026, young people from across the Western Cape gathered at Cape Town City Hall for Voices of Courage 2026, hosted by MOT South Africa in partnership with the City of Cape Town and the Junior City Council.
More than a Youth Day event, Voices of Courage created a space where young people could be inspired, challenged, and reminded of the power of their voices. Through stories, dialogue, performances, and shared experiences, the day celebrated courage in its many forms and encouraged young people to become active contributors to their communities.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Romeo Phekana, MOT SA Country Director Viola Manuel and representative from the Deputy Mayor’s Office, Gavin Joachim, who set the tone for a day focused on hope, leadership, and the importance of creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
Their messages served as a reminder that courage is not always found in grand gestures, but often in everyday choices to speak up, step forward, and support others.
One of the most inspiring moments of the day came during the Courage to Care segment, where young leaders shared personal reflections on leadership, responsibility, and service.
Junior Mayor Pierce Beaulieu and Junior Deputy Mayor Samantha September delivered powerful stories that demonstrated how young people can create positive change when they choose to care for their communities and for one another.
The Courage to Live segment invited young people to pause and reflect on their journeys, their challenges, and the possibilities that lie ahead.
A powerful screening of Action Kommandant sparked important conversations about the realities many young people face today.
Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews encouraged young people to recognise their worth, believe in their potential, and pursue their goals with confidence. His message resonated with many in the audience, reminding them that their circumstances do not define what they can achieve.
The energy continued during a thought-provoking panel discussion led by Warda Petersen. Joining the conversation were Nadine Cloete, Jimmy Nevis, Raid Williams, Josh Lemmetjies, Shakoor Lucas, Dr Latasha Storm, Susan Muller, and Ghalieb Essop, each bringing their own experiences and perspectives to the stage.
Together, they explored topics that matter deeply to young people, from leadership and active citizenship to resilience, wellbeing, and finding purpose through challenges. They spoke about the importance of using your voice, taking opportunities when they arise, and staying committed to your goals even when the journey is not easy.
What made the discussion so meaningful was how honest and relatable it felt. The panelists didn’t present themselves as people who had all the answers. Instead, they shared real experiences, lessons learned, and moments of growth, reminding everyone in the room that courage is often found in the small choices we make every day.
The session left many young people feeling inspired, encouraged, and empowered to take the next step in their own journey, whatever that may look like.
Jimmy Nevis delivered an unforgettable performance that had the entire room on its feet. As he performed his hit song “7764,” the audience sang along, clapped, and danced together. In a special highlight, he also invited a young person from the audience to join him on stage, turning the performance into a shared moment of courage and excitement!
It was one of those highlights that reminded everyone just how powerful music can be in bringing people together and creating a sense of unity and belonging.
As the programme began to draw to a close, participants were reminded of the importance of making choices that protect their future. Courage, in this sense, also means learning to say no, to negative influences, harmful behaviours, and anything that holds young people back from becoming who they are meant to be.
The day ended with the MOT Song, and the National Anthem, bringing everyone together in a moment of unity!
MOT SA’s Voices of Courage 2026 was a reminder of what becomes possible when young people are truly seen, heard, and supported.
To every young person, educator, partner, volunteer, speaker, and performer who made the day possible: thank you. Your presence helped create something meaningful.
Together, we continue building communities where young people feel valued, supported, and empowered to lead with courage.
Read more about our Voices of Courage event 2026 in Eastern Cape here
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