Youth urged to grasp opportunities
The main thrust of the event was to motivate and inspire today’s young generation to make full use of the opportunities available to them.
YOUNG people came from all corners of the uThungulu District to celebrate Youth Day at Oshwashweni Reserve, KwaMthethwa, last Saturday.
The main thrust of the event was to motivate and inspire today’s young generation to make full use of the opportunities available to them.
Popular Ukhozi FM personality Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule reminded the youth to be thankful of the prospects they have and to make use of them to change their lives for the better.
‘No matter how bad your background is, if you work hard enough, you will achieve success.
‘Have dreams and avoid material possessions. Link up to mentors to position yourself, so when the right opportunity arrives, you can grab it with both hands,’ she said.
To the young women, Mbokazi-Nkambule said, ‘Respect yourselves and your bodies, so that men can also respect you.’
Substance abuse
Souls for Life, a Non-profit Organization (NPO) responsible for fighting drug and alcohol abuse in and around Empangeni, painted a bleak picture of the extent of substance abuse in schools.
Njabulo Mthembu, a substance abuse survivor himself and youth advisor, said they are currently working with 2 000 pupils who suffer from the scourge.
‘Our job is to advise them against the dangers of substance abuse, and also provide them with an opportunity to visit rehabilitation centres for help,’ he said.
Focusing on young women, uMfolozi Municipality Mayor Smangaliso Mgenge advised them about the dangers of having unprotected sex.
‘Make sure you always use protection to avoid unwanted pregnancies and exposure to HIV/Aids,’ he said.
