The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has applauded the official signing of the National Youth Policy 2020 (NYP 2020) by the government on Wednesday.
It was signed by Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe in a ceremony in Cape Town as part of International Youth Day commemorations.
International Youth Day is commemorated every year on August 12 to raise awareness about issues concerning the youth.
“As the NYDA we view the signing of the new National Youth Policy 2020 as an important step in consolidating the gains we have made in the past 21 years of democracy.
“Most importantly as a key milestone in taking forward the development of young people jointly with social partners,” said NYDA’s Yershen Pillay.
Pillay went on to thank the government for committing itself in ensuring that there is a clear and purpose driven policy about the youth.
The theme for International Youth Day this year was Youth Civic Engagement. This theme is all about promoting youth service as a strategy for youth development.
“Our message to youth on International Youth Day is ‘Learn to Serve and Serve to Learn’.
“We believe that more young South Africans should dedicate more time to volunteer work and in so doing, they will be able to acquire valuable life skills, job skills and leadership skills.
“Youth service should become part of our culture as the youth movement both locally and globally,” concluded Pillay.
