Although the government encourages South Africa’s youth to volunteer to work for the reconstruction of the country and Africa, many still show a lack of interest.
The National Youth Commission spokesperson, Monde Mkalipi, says there is a lot that needs to be done before the youth see the importance of the voluntary work that the country is embarking on. He says there is no sustainable plan to get the youth to rally behind the voluntary projects.
In a major boost for President Thabo Mbeki’s call for people to do it for themselves a new movement was launched last weekend to encourage youths to contribute to society.
The South African Youth Volunteer Movement was launched in Johannesburg and claims to represent young people across the country. The movement says more than 30 000 volunteers were recruited in March alone.
Representative Khulekani Ntshangase says ”through voluntary work young people can get skills and experience”. He says young people across the country are doing such work.
He said the membership is open ”to everyone regardless of their political, economic and social orientation … The movement will try to help the youths to acquire skills, expose them to new working environments, create job opportunities and fight social dislocation.”
The group has declared June ”youth month” and various activities have been planned. The youth commission, along with the new group and other volunteers from various youth organisations, have been doing voluntary work in some provinces.
This was done to encourage the youth to join in. Last week African National Congress Youth League president Malusi Gigaba led 4 000 young people in cleaning Johannesburg?s inner city.
In the Northern Cape Minister of Social Development Zola Skweyiya and Premier Manne Dipico helped youths register underprivileged children for child-support grants. Volunteers also assisted in the distribution of food packs at the Kimberley Social Centre.
In the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs Thoko Didiza unveiled a youth food garden in the Lusaka settlement. The garden was sponsored by the department and the local council, which donated the land to the youth so that they could engage in work aimed at feeding their communities.
Limpopo Premier Ngoako Ramatlhodi joined a group of youths in cleaning a dump that will be converted into a youth recreational centre.