MEC Ishmael Kgetjepe reiterates the importance of the youth
MEC Ishmael Kgetjepe, Department of Education, delivered his keynote address during a special Youth Day celebration on Tuesday, 13 June
POLOKWANE – “The children of any nation are its future. A country that does not value its youth does not deserve its future.”
This quote from Oliver Reginald Tambo was one of two used by MEC Ishmael Kgetjepe, Department of Education, during his keynote address during a special Youth Day celebration at the Department of Correctional Services in Polokwane on Tuesday, 13 June for the education internship students.
Kgetjepe said times have changed and the youth can no longer be swept aside.
“Investing in youth is a prerequisite for further progress and our investment has to be fast, smart and targeted to develop sectors, the education sector in particular, where the youth can make positive changes and progress. We expect you, the young employees of our department, to reflect on your critical roles, commitment and responsibilities towards the advancement of the strategic goals of the department, which I am sure you know by heart. As young people in the department, you must be able to express your concerns in relation to the welfare of the department and what you think can bring about realistic and lasting solutions to some of the challenges experienced in the various sections so we can operate like a well-oiled machine,” Kgetjepe said.
He added the youth’s active participation will help to create a conducive environment where everyone can start doing things differently and adhering to a common organisational culture of adherence and excellence.
“It is you, the youth, who can instill a sense of energy and urgency while allowing yourselves to learn as much as possible about the job and to be guided on processes in the system. This is your department and we expect you to be part and parcel of the processes regardless of the position you occupy. It is in this regard we urge you to be agents of clean governance, good democrats and civil even when expressing your grievances. The militancy in every young person must be directed towards service to others rather than violence. It must worry us immensely that our department has aged in the manner it has. Out of 56 101 employees, only 5 341 employees at head office and districts (excluding interns and experiential learners) are youths as at May 2017. Of the 5 341 only 4 426 are teachers under the age of 35. This is a serious concern, especially as times are changing at an exponential rate and the need to stay relevant is greater than before. In addition to the wise counsel and experience we already have, we need young people who are abreast of the ever changing and evolving technologies and feel the urge and need to keep up and fit in in this sector. I wish you all a very lively, productive, engaging and interactive Youth Month this June, together we can move South Africa forward,” Kgetjepe concluded.
