Nkomazi Local Municipality’s mayor vows to prioritise the youth
Cllr Phindile Magagula emphasised that the future belongs to the young people, and that any programme that did not prioritise the youth would be a complete failure.
The Nkomazi Local Municipality’s executive mayor, Cllr Phindile Magagula, has reassured the young people of this subregion that her administration will continue to prioritise them.
Delivering her State of the Municipality Address on June 28, Magagula stressed that the future belongs to young people, and therefore any plans without the youth being on top of the list of priorities would be tantamount to complete failure.
“Together, through what we do practically, we communicate the message to the youth of Nkomazi that we mean it when we say the future belongs to them. We have gathered here today coincidentally on the exit of the Youth Month on the calendar year of government programmes. The youth of 1976 used stones and barricades against repressive forces. Today’s youth should use education and skills to fight poverty and unemployment. As part of our commitment to youth development, let me congratulate Themba Shabangu from Masibekela, a bursary recipient from the municipality who recently completed his National Diploma in Water Science and Technology at Tshwane University of Technology. It also gives me pleasure to announce that the municipality has financially assisted 38 students this year to register at various universities in South Africa on the once-off registration fee programme,” said Magagula.
ALSO READ: Ehlanzeni District Municipality promotes environmental sustainability on World Environment Day
She said the municipality is closely monitoring their academic progress.
“Twenty-three young people have completed apprenticeships in electrical engineering. One hundred young people have completed learnerships in plumbing, while 10 young people have completed learnership in water purification, and 10 others have completed learnerships in water services. More young people have completed learnerships in water reticulation and road construction, and 20 young people are currently undergoing training in local economic development. Twenty young people are currently undergoing training on water reticulation. Twenty-five young people are on an experiential training on water and sanitation and also electrical services. Eighteen young people are on an internship and have been placed in various departments and public libraries to assist Grade 12 learners with tertiary schools applications,” she announced.
With this subregion being on the doorsteps of neighbouring countries, the Kingdom of eSwatini and Mozambique, Magagula said that there is a huge need to promote tourism in Nkomazi.
“Our geographical location is essentially strategic to make Nkomazi the hub of tourism. The municipality has partnered with the district municipality in identifying 25 tourism accommodation establishments for incubation. The purpose of this programme is to assist previously disadvantaged tourism businesses to attain star grading and ensure that the establishments continue giving quality standard and service. We are proud to announce that 14 accommodation establishments will go through the star grading with the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
ALSO READ: Nkomazi couple arm underprivileged children with free education
The municipality has embarked on a feasibility study that seeks to examine possibilities of developing a sustainable tourism destination based in villages, which include Mbuzini, Masibekela and Mananga. Mbuzini Village comprises the Samora Machel Monument, which is one of the most visited tourist attraction areas,” said Magagula.
