Stakeholders came together for Youth month celebrations
Recently different stakeholders came together to celebrate Youth month.
Department of correctional services, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), loveLife, Emalahleni Youth Against Substance Abuse (Eyasa), Khulisa Social Solutions and other stakeholders came together for the celebrations.
The gathering was held at the department of correctional services on Thursday, June 25.
Under the theme: ‘Youth moving South Africa forward’
After the representatives were welcomed, Ms Jabulile Mkhwanazi from NYDA explained the purpose of the day. She said as young people they need to come together and have a conversation. She also said they wanted to salute the class of ’76 for their contributions in the struggle for a free society. “We need to show young people who are in conflict with the law that we still love and will support them when they come out of prison. We need to define our role as young people as we take our country forward. We are grateful for the support we get from other stakeholders and for their part in making sure that our young people are rehabilitated. While we celebrate, we need to contribute to our societies as young people. You still have a role to play in the society, it is never too late, let’s learn from our mistakes and move forward. We are here to give you hope, the future is still bright.”
Ms Mkhwanazi urged the young people to reflect so that they can make meaningful contributions to the society. She said NYDA was there to help them with their programmes.
“We need to engage with young people in order to understand the significant of the month and on what roles we can play in order to support you,” added Ms Mkwananzi.
New chaplain of the Witbank Prison Mr Oscar Madlala indicated that women should be embraced and that as stakeholders they need each other. He went on to talk about choice. “We are what we are because of choices; do not blame anyone because it was your choice. Whether it was because of a good or bad choice, but it was your choice. Whether you had bad or good friends, it was your choice. After all the choices you made, your mind is not arrested. You stand a good chance of studying and making a good choice. Your future is in your hands. If you want to die poor, it is your choice, if you want to die rich, it is your choice. We have a lot of choices. Your value is not gone,” concluded Mr Madlala.
