Education will help young people to shape SA
'Young people have an integral role to play in accelerating growth and development in South Africa.'
On the commencement of the 2016 academic year, Brand South Africa extends a message of encouragement to all pupils and students.
Most educational institutions commence their academic year this week. This brings hope to young people for whom education would enable other opportunities for a better life.
Brand South Africa’s CEO, Mr Kingsley Makhubela said: “Everyone has the right to a good quality education, as this provides young people with necessary skills, the ability to think critically and confidence, thus creating a solid foundation for success in life.”
The National Development Plan (NDP) identifies education as a prerequisite for South Africa’s socio-economic development.
Chapter 9 of the South Africa’s NDP states that improving education, training and innovation are the core elements in eliminating poverty and reducing inequality. Dubbed the long-term socio-economic development roadmap, South Africa’s NDP or Vision 2030 – identifies the key constraints to faster growth and presents a roadmap to a more inclusive economy that will address the country’s socio-economic imbalances.
The NDP states that a “a strong educational system spanning early childhood development, primary, secondary, tertiary and further education is crucial for addressing poverty and inequality.” The NDP’s youth centric lens therefore prioritises youth development and empowerment through, amongst others, the delivery of quality education.
Mr Makhubela added, “Young people have an integral role to play in accelerating growth and development in South Africa. Through the NDP we have opportunities to fully develop the potential of our youth so that they can contribute effectively towards the national agenda.
I encourage our young people to play their part and be active citizens who are able to shape a new growth path for the future of the nation by accessing opportunities provided by education, skills development and training in order to improve the quality of life for all. We wish you all a successful academic year. Do our nation proud.”
