Conquer the fear of maths and science

is: “To provide a space for young people to forge and strengthen linkages with policy makers…” Many of you may not be aware that we are required by law to table every proposed labour law and/ or amendment at the National Economic Development and Labour Council before they could be signed into law. Whilst the law also requires that Fiscal and Monetary Policies, Trade and Industrial Policies, Developmental policies to be tabled at National Economic Development and Labour Council(Nedlac), it is more stringent on labour laws.

How is this relevant for the young people who yearn for direct participation in shaping policy in this country? Among the constituencies that participate at Nedlac is what we call a Nedlac Community Constituency, which includes representatives of the National Youth Council.

It is significant that as we speak, the current Overall Convenor of the Nedlac Community Constituency is Thulani Tshefutha, who is the current president of the National Youth Council.

I strongly believe that it will be through this platform that the voice of the youth will be heard on matters relating to policy formulation.

There are already existing platforms where the youth can influence and shape policy. Maybe what we need to do is to find ways to link the young people with these structures.

The Department of Labour has introduced the Employment Services Act, which establishes public employment services.

The employment services play a catalytic role in enhancing the employability prospects of work seekers and those seeking career counselling and training opportunities. I suggest that you familiarise yourselves with how our employment services work and the programmes that they provide.

While generally speaking, the government should ramp-up its efforts of creating opportunities for our young people, young people themselves should show an appetite by grabbing these opportunities wherever they present themselves.

I want to leave you with one message in this regard, and that is, you need to conquer the fear that science and maths are difficult subjects.

Yes, these subjects may not be easy, but they should not be seen as being different from any other subjects.

To the young and future leaders, let me leave you with this as food for thought, and I quote: “If a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.” Martin Luther King, Jr. Just think about it.

This is an edited version of the speech.