Government makes the youth a priority
The South African government says that measures have been put in place for economic-growth that supports youth development.
Acting Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) CEO, Phumla Williams, says they are aware of the unemployment challenge in the country.
“Government has prioritised the development of policies, the establishment of institutions that facilitate youth development, as well as the introduction of initiatives that assist the youth in the country,” says Williams.
Williams says all South Africans should commemorate Youth Month, under the theme “Youth moving South Africa forward”.
Williams adds that 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.
“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, which gives them a second chance at turning their lives around,” she explains.
Williams says there are resolutions in place to address the issue of youth unemployment such as the Presidential Indaba on Youth and Skills.
“In April 2013, government representatives and social partners signed the Youth Employment Accord, which sets out the joint commitment to prioritise youth employment and skills development that are intended to help achieve the New Growth Path goal of five million new jobs by 2020,” she says.
She continues to add that 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,” says Williams.
More information on opportunities that government provides for the youth you may log on to: https://www.gov.za/issues/youth/index.html .
The Youth Services Guide can be accessed on: https://www.gcis.gov.za/sites/www.gcis.gov.za/files/docs/resourcecentre/multimedia/Youth_Services_Guide_2013.pdf . @TumeloBoksburg
