2 June 2014
Government calls on all South Africans to commemorate Youth Month, under the theme ,“Youth moving South Africa forward”.
Today, the National Youth Development Agency will officially launch Youth Month at the Uncle Tom’s Hall and Hector Pieterson Museum, Orlando West, Soweto. The launch, which will be followed by month-long activities and programmes, will be addressed by the Minister in the Presidency, Jeff Radebe and his deputy Buti Manamela and Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthetwa.
Acting GCIS CEO, Phumla Williams, said: “This year’s commemoration of National Youth Day and Youth Month takes on a special significance as it occurs within the context of South Africa’s celebration of 20 Years of Freedom. Since the advent of democracy, government has made great advancement around the economic, social and cultural development of young people and has created institutional capacity dedicated to the development and prosperity of young people.”
Whilst, we are aware of the unemployment challenge in the country, government has put in place measures for economic growth that support youth development. “
Government has prioritised the development of policies and established institutions that facilitate youth development, and has introduced initiatives to assist the youth in South Africa. The young people are now able to enjoy increased opportunities for formal education and training; learnerships and internships, as well as the introduction of the 2nd Chance programme.
The programme aims to give the young people of South Africa a second chance at turning their lives around. The programme has assisted thousands of young people to re-register with the Department of Basic Education for a chance to rewrite matric and go on to pass Grade 12.
In February 2014, the Presidential Indaba on Youth Jobs and Skills provided an opportunity for the youth to empower themselves, and be exposed to various career opportunities. The Indaba produced a declaration with resolutions on how together with young people all stakeholders will address the issue of youth unemployment.
In April 2013, government representatives and social partners signed the Youth Employment Accord which sets out the joint commitment to prioritize youth employment and skills development that are intended to help achieve the New Growth Path goal of five million new jobs by 2020.
“To this end, Government is targeting five per cent of every department's employment to provide internship opportunities for young people. Government sees the youth as the future leaders of our country, and aspires to assist and build them as outlined in the National Development Plan,” said Williams.
More information on opportunities that Government provides for the youth, can be accessed on : https://www.gov.za/issues/youth/index.html. The Youth Services Guide can be accessed on: https://www.gcis.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/resourcecentre/multime… .
Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 501 0139
Issued by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
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