Mayors urge youth to focus on development
THE youth had a responsibility to create a better society through a proper value system, knowledge and education, Lukhanji executive mayor Nozi Makanda said in a statement.
Makanda said the local authority recently had a youth summit with important resolutions taken. “We are fully supportive of ensuring that those are implemented. We have a duty to ensure the youth is guided towards social, economic and political development so that they are armed with skills, competencies and a mind-set towards broader development.”
There was a constitutional duty to mould the youth so that they were better citizens. “We must provide the necessary resources. We join the nation in congratulating our youth in all their endeavours towards emancipation, under the theme, 'Youth, Moving South Africa Forward’...”
Lukhanji would partner with the transport department in a youth transport career expo on June 22. “We appeal to the youth to keep engaging in social dialogues so that we are able to own up towards the planning and decision processes of our municipality and government.”
Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) mayor Mxolisi Koyo, also in a statement, said CHDM called on young people to use this period to reflect on the nation’s history, to discuss the status quo and map their future and that of the country.
CHDM remained committed to making the lives of young people better and would consult with the district youth through a summit. The district authority has a R5-million budget for business opportunities for youth and other designated groups.
“CHDM will also launch internships and learnerships that will benefit over 200 young people and we will host the Siyandiza Aviation Camp in partnership with the South African Air Force and the Department of Education for Grade 10 and 11 pupils. We are reviving youth centres in Inxuba Yethemba and Emalahleni and will host a session with the CHDM bursary holders as they complete their degrees. “We are facilitating the opening of the National Youth Development Agency office in our district and will appoint a youth coordinator in the municipality.”