While no country can afford an unfocused or undisciplined young population, the dynamism of youth should be nurtured and responsibly channelled, Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya said on Friday.
Speaking at Kwa-Makutha, KwaZulu-Natal on World Population Day, Skweyiya said the young were blessed with huge supplies of irrepressible energy, vibrancy and initiative.
”Youthfulness is a gift that should be treasured and enjoyed to the fullest as it is an experience that does not last forever.
”A characteristic of being young is that one is forward looking. The young constitute the hopes, dreams and aspirations that we all have for the future,” he said.
There were abundant opportunities in the 21st century for social, economic and political advancement and the realisation of positive individual and societal ambitions and goals.
But there were also threats like poverty, HIV/Aids, conflicts, illiteracy and teenage pregnancies that the youth should guard against, he said.
Skweyiya said it was critical that the needs of young people be considered at all levels of government planning.
”I am proud to say that since 1994, the ANC-led government has made great advances in the way in which it deals with the interests of young people.
”Young people today are presented with far more possibilities and opportunities than in the past. Be it in relation to access to education, health, housing, water and other social services,” he said.
Skweyiya said the National Youth Service Programme would play a ”catalyst role” in enhancing the skills of youth involved in economic activities.
”It will complement existing learnership, social development, health and public works programmes.
”The Community Based Public Works Programmes make resources available to young people to participate in the rehabilitation of public buildings for the benefit of people with disabilities.”
Through access to economic opportunities presented by the Umsobomvu Youth Fund, young people will be assisted to access finance, business support and requisite education and training opportunities to start and sustain their own businesses.
”Young people of South Africa, you are not only our future. You are a critical part of present and you are highly valued. We salute you,” he said. – Sapa