EMADLANGENI YOUTH TO REMAIN FOCUSED ON THEIR VISION OF CREATING BETTER OPPORTUNITIES
The eMadlangeni Local Municipality youth council recently had a 3 day youth conference where they engaged with one another on issues that are facing them as youth in Utrecht. This event was held on Saturday, 14 October 2017 at Balele Game Park and had 3 sessions. Issues of discussion revolved around youth unemployment, the scourge of HIV infections amongst the youth and the prevalence of teenage pregnancies.
The president of eMadlangeni youth council Mr Senzo Ndlovu spoke to the youth and encouraged them to be proactive in seeking opportunities for development in order to realise their dreams and aspirations. He emphasised the importance of pursuing further studies in higher education so that the youth can obtain the necessary skills and knowledge that will help them to plough back into the community of Utrecht and stimulate economic growth.
He further stated that Utrecht is a very rich town and it is the only town within a game park hence there are a lot of tourism opportunities, with good education and training one can make a successful living out of it. Instead of sitting back and waiting for government to create opportunities, it is better to meet government halfway by being well equipped with education and the relevant skills. He ended his talk with saying “Muntu omusha vuka unzenzele”.
The Community Portfolio chairperson Mr Hezekiah Mthethwa then addressed the youth where he encouraged them to utilise technology to improve their lives and grab all the opportunities presented to them with both hands. He condemned the prevalence of teenage pregnancies and the increasing rate of HIV infections amongst the youth; he discouraged the youth from engaging in unprotected sexual activities and implored them to rather practise abstinence until they are matured enough to make informed and healthy decisions about their sexual lives.
The KZN Health MEC, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo then delivered the keynote address where he encouraged the youth to embrace their unique individuality and strive to fulfil their individual potential. He further stated that as government, they are painfully aware of the cry of young people who are faced with unemployment and acknowledged the need to strengthen programmes of RASET.
Dr Dhlomo spoke about the strength of eMadlangeni in terms of agriculture and emphasised the need to ensure that hospitals and schools buy fresh produce directly from young entrepreneurs. He reiterated government’s commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs by means purchasing directly from them. As Amajuba OSS political champion, Dr Dhlomo pledged his support to the eMadlangeni youth. He concluded his address by saying that he believes government’s actions will assist in eradicating poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy.
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