The Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Department of Defence and Military Veterans, will host the second national youth camp in Lohatla Military Base, Northern Cape province.
The youth camp will bring together one thousand young people across race, ethnicity, gender, class and language from all nine provinces under the theme: “Working together for youth development towards a drug-free South Africa”.
The prime objective of this initiative is to promote national identity, nation building, social cohesion, patriotism and a strong sense of citizenship among young people of South Africa.
The South African government recognises the challenges associated with adolescents and youth and is committed to continue prioritising investments aimed at equipping and developing young people.
As such, during the youth camp young people will participate in discussions around the many challenges they face, including living without parents (child-headed households), access to education and skills training, unemployment, alcohol and substance abuse, sexual abuse, youth pregnancy, social and cultural integration, and HIV and AIDS, to name a few.
The discussions are held with the view to assist youth draw up community development plans they can implement as development champions to improve their communities and their own lives. Youth will also undergo life skills and leadership development.
Members of the media are invited to cover the Youth Camp, which will take place as follows:
Date: 7 to 19 December
Place: Lolhatla Military Base, Northern Cape Province
Time: 10h00
Media RSVPs may be directed to:
Jaconia Kobue
Cell: 073 026 1111
Lesego Pule
Cell: 072 358 7481
Members of the media who are in need for transport on the Opening Day of the Youth Camp on the 7 December 2013, must please contact Conrad Fortune on 079 873 0679.
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
