people development in celebrating the Youth Month
28 June 2006
The Department of Correctional Services and the National Youth Commission
(NYC) will jointly host a commemorative event to mark the 30th anniversary of
the historic Soweto uprisings of young people on 29 June 2006 at the
Johannesburg Correctional Centre.
The celebration is meant to acknowledge the immense contribution of young
people in attaining democracy and development while also using the platform to
reflect on various interventions, their impact and the challenges still facing
the administration of the criminal justice in general and correctional services
in particular.
Although major interventions such as participation in sports, studies and
employment were made resulting in a renewed sense of hope for a better future
for young people by the government and the Department of Correctional Services,
there is still a huge challenge of many young offenders between 18 and 25 years
of age making up 37,26 percent of the total offender population in South
Africa. The choice of Johannesburg Correctional Centre is informed by this
challenge as it houses one of the highest numbers of young people
nationally.
Correctional Services Deputy Minister, Loretta Jacobus, Commissioner Linda
Mti, National Youth Commission Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lwazi Mboyi and
Chief Executive Officer of Umsobomvu Youth Fund, Mr Malusi Kekana, are expected
to grace the commemoration. These leaders will reflect on efforts to ensure
that young people enjoy good quality of life as a manifestation of an age of
hope as well as various integrated interventions aimed at affirming the
significance of young people, including those in conflict with the law.
Besides speeches and statements, guests will be treated to exclusive pieces
of music and cultural exhibitions as well as the signing a pledge by area
commissioners to do all in their power to assist young people deal with their
offending behaviour.
In another event jointly organised with the Premier of North West Province
and Minister Ngconde Balfour, MP, will receive a donation of more that 50
computers for helping young offenders to gain Information Communication
Technology (ICT) skills and bridge the digital divide.
The event will take place at Rustenburg Juvenile Correctional Centre at
9h00.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Tel: (012) 305 8204
Cell: 083 626 0304
Sukthi Naidoo
Cell: 082 417 7724
Luphumzo Kebeni
Cell: 082 453 2244
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
28 June 2006
Source: Department of Correctional Services (http://www.dcs.gov.za/)
