Parliament hosts Sowetans for an economic indaba

Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Amos Masondo says it is time for women and youth to actively participate in playing a key role in driving economic development and job creation.

Masondo was delivering the closing remarks at the women and youth economic empowerment indaba and exhibition held under the theme ‘Towards an inclusive economic growth and equality society’ in Naledi, Soweto concluding government’s long programme for women’s month.

The Indaba and exhibition is part of the Zojazem/Motlana Parliamentary Constituency office extensive programme aimed to increase job creation, investment and empowerment.

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“Women empowerment is about ensuring that women enjoy the same rights, opportunities, and resources as men, just as provided for in the Constitution.

“Some of the most common means of empowering women to take up their rightful place in society include ensuring that women have access to economic opportunities, such as jobs and credit.

“When women have financial independence, they are better able to make their own decisions and to take certain actions to improve their lives,” he said.

The Indaba and exhibition featured a plethora of exhibition stands mainly from government entities that highlighted presentations on the opportunities that are available for youth and women.

Masondo said it was important to bring education and empowerment to townships as they are marred with high unemployment rates.

“Youth empowerment is critical in that it gives young people the skills, knowledge, and resources they need. It is important that we promote youth-led initiatives so that young people can be able to develop solutions to address the challenges they face, particularly unemployment.”

Business woman and founder of In-Pursuit, Hleziphi Mtshizana agreed with Masondo adding that such initiatives were more imperative now more than ever as the country faced uncertain times.

Mtshizana, who has been a part of the community engagements with the Parliamentary office, said she was equally about using her business to develop young people, women and small businesses.

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She has trained 100 young people in three provinces, 40 of whom have secured paying internships with companies in the renewables space in Gauteng, she said.

“Since we have been here, one of our passions was to make sure we activate the industry in Naledi.

I’m happy to announce that we are working with the office of the cllr in ward 52 in collecting information to create a database for young people who will be earmarked for the next training in the next 12 months.

“Similarly, we will be looking for at least three businesses within the ward and this will be happening in the next 24 months from September.”