VRYBURG — The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Youth in Tourism (YiT) movement will gather in Naledi from 13–15 November 2025 for a high-energy, hands-on conference designed to put young people at the centre of the local visitor economy. Hosted with Naledi Local Municipality and partners, the event blends policy, place and pop-up enterprise under the theme: “Youth Participation and Innovation in Building a Sustainable Tourism Economy.”

“This conference is about turning Naledi’s stories, nature and heritage into youth-owned opportunities,” said YiT District Chairperson Kenneth Mokgaodi. “We’re pairing real skills with real markets—so participants leave with contacts, products and the confidence to trade. We invite businesses and residents to partner with our young people and keep tourism income local.”

What to expect over three days

Day 1 – Formal Opening (Vryburg Showgrounds)

Young people will be addressed by Naledi Local Municipality’s MMC for Community Services, Housing and Tourism, Cllr. F.D Mgida of Ward 3. Delegates will then convene for keynote inputs, panel discussions and practical breakouts on youth enterprise in tourism, destination storytelling, digital marketing, event production, guiding, conservation careers and responsible travel. A policy clinic will help participants understand how municipal and provincial frameworks can unlock youth projects and access to markets.

Day 2 – Living Classroom (Naledi attractions tour)

Learning moves outdoors with a guided circuit to some of the district’s heritage and environmental assets, including the Leon Taljaard Nature Reserve, Naledi Museum, Dithakwaneng, Vryburg Abattoir, MamaRuta’s Grave and Tiger Kloof Combined School. The field day is designed to sharpen product-development ideas (routes, experiences, homestays and agri-tourism), while instilling conservation ethics and place pride.

Day 3 – Social Market (Mompati Mall)

Creatives, crafters, youth chefs, tour operators and community groups will trade, showcase and network at a public market day. Expect local flavours, fashion, music, demos and booking counters for upcoming experiences—an immediate platform for sales and partnerships.

Why it matters

Tourism already supports thousands of livelihoods across the North West, yet young people often meet barriers to entry—limited information, weak networks and few opportunities to test ideas. This conference tackles those gaps with practical skills, market exposure and institutional access in one programme. Activities include touring, group games, wood-fire socials, camping, photo-shoot sessions, policy briefings, empowerment workshops and healthy-lifestyle activities—all curated to build confidence, teams and real projects.

A platform for partnerships

Local businesses, accommodation providers, farms, attractions and events are encouraged to meet the delegates, offer mentorships, and pilot youth-led experiences for the festive season. Community members can support by visiting the Social Market on Day 3, buying local, and sharing Naledi’s stories online.

Who should attend

• Youth entrepreneurs and students (tourism, hospitality, media, conservation, sport & culture)

• Community tourism organisations and heritage groups

• SMMEs seeking to package experiences or supply the visitor economy

• Schools and churches interested in educational trips and camps

Bring & be ready

Comfortable walking shoes, refillable water bottles, sun protection, notebooks, and an open mind. Content creators should bring cameras/phones—there will be dedicated moments for destination content and collaborative reels.

Event details at a glance

• Dates: 13–15 November 2025

• Venues: Vryburg Showgrounds (Day 1); Naledi attractions (Day 2); Mompati Mall (Day 3)

• Theme: Youth Participation and Innovation in Building a Sustainable Tourism Economy

Naledi is rich in stories, landscapes and culture. With the right skills and partnerships, those assets translate into jobs and small businesses owned by local youth. This conference is a chance to connect the dots—from policy to product, and from ideas to income. Bring your curiosity, your business cards and your best Naledi hospitality.

-The VIP Team 

-Dr. RSM YiT Exco