Today (June 16), South Africans will commemorate Youth Day, marking the anniversary of the June 16, 1976, Soweto uprising. On that day, the socio-political landscape in South Africa was changed. Youth Day is celebrated annually as a reminder of the importance of youth and their voices. This year, Youth Day will be commemorated under the theme ,“ Promoting sustainable livelihood and resilience of young people for a better tomorrow”.
Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Director-General and government spokesperson, Phumla Williams, said the government acknowledges and appreciates the contribution of young people towards the advancement of the country.
“It is equally alive to the challenges faced by the youth such as high unemployment rate, gender-based violence and substance abuse.
The government remains determined in dealing with the challenges faced by the youth.”
Minister in The Presidency, Mondli Gungubele said, “The youth are the future of this country and therefore, government remains resolute in creating a favourable and supportive environment for youth to become successful entrepreneurs and leaders”.
Williams added, “In helping to draw more young people into the economy, the government has under the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention initiated various youth development and empowerment initiatives to support young people. The Youth Employment stimulus ranges from formal education and training, learnerships and internships as well as support for youth entrepreneurship. Since its launch in October 2020, the first two phases of the Presidential Employment Stimulus programme supported over 850 000 work opportunities, of which 84 per cent of the participants were young people.”
She said President Cyril Ramaphosa during his 2022 Budget vote speech, indicated that over the next three years, R25 billion will be allocated to support black women, youth and worker-owned companies.
“This forms part of the country’s drive to create a new generation of black industrialists, create jobs and transform the economy.” Williams said.
Read the full statement from government here.
What will you be up to on Youth Day? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za.
