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Durban University of Technology 30The Durban University of Technology (DUT) played host to the two-day-long South African Internet Governance Forum (ZAIGF) 2025, themed %u2018Reviewing South Africa%u2019s Internet Governance Progress in the Context ofWSIS+20%u2019, at the DUT Hotel School and Conference Centre in May 2025.The ZAIGF 2025 is co-hosted by the Internet Society South Africa Chapter in partnership with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, the South African Domain Name Authority, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and the ZAIGF Multistakeholder Committee.The ZAIGF 2025 provides a critical national platform for reflecting on two decades of South Africa%u2019s digital transformation and internet governance journey. It brings together diverse stakeholders to discuss the country%u2019s progress, emerging challenges and strategic priorities in shaping an inclusive and rights-based digital future.Welcome remarks were delivered by DUT%u2019s Executive Dean: Faculty of Accounting and Informatics Oludayo O. Olugbara. %u201cAs we celebrate 20 years of digital transformation in South Africa, the National Internet Governance Forum, through the ZAIGF 2025, is reviewing its digital transformation progress. This is a key milestone that aims to reflect on the digital future of South Africa and to contribute to global digital policy discourse,%u201d he said.He further indicated that the ZAIGF 2025 has created a platform for inclusive, multilateral and multi-stakeholder discussions on internet governance issues within the southern African region.Prof Olugbara shared that while the Internet provides boundless opportunities, it inherently comes with manifold security challenges, ZAIGF 2025 DISCUSSES STRATEGIC PRIORITIES IN SHAPING A RIGHTS-BASED DIGITAL FUTUREPictured: The Honourable Mondli Gungubele, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, who gave a talk on the global context of WSIS+20 and what it means for South Africa.particularly with the proliferation of Internet of Things devices, digital access and cyber attacks.%u201cThis event provides opportunities with policymakers to debate pressing issues and showcase meaningful results. It serves as a launchpad for real action that speaks louder than words,%u201d he said.Prof Olugbara also thanked the key partners ZADNA, the DCDT and the ZAIGF multistakeholder committee for making this event a big success. Mr Luvo Grey, Deputy Chairperson of the ZAIGF Multi-Stakeholder Committee, said: %u201cThe purpose of this gathering is to elevate the South African youth to shape how the Internet evolves, not just as a tool of communication but as a force of economic transformation, political participation and cultural liberation. This forum will create space for youth dialogue on the future of how we govern the Internet in South Africa and beyond.%u201cSecondly, it is to equip young people with the knowledge, tools and networks to influence the policy processes that govern our digital lives. Thirdly, to bridge the gap between government, academia, civil society and industry. Lastly, to craft a youth-informed agenda that the Internet remains open, inclusive and secured for generations to come,%u201d said Grey.Grey%u2019s sterling message was followed by a riveting keynote address by the Director-General of Communications and Digital Technologies Ms Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani. Her address, titled, %u2018Empowering the Next Generation: Youth at the Heart of Internet Governance%u2019, highlighted the youth%u2019s involvement in shaping the future of the Internet and ensuring it serves as a tool for social and economic progress.