P Mlambo-Ngcuka: Durban Girls' College Senior Founders Day
ceremony

23 October 2007

I look around me and see promise that can only benefit our beloved country.
My optimism is further strengthened by the triumph of the Springboks this past
Saturday. We are the world champions! Ours is a country that is alive with
possibilities and opportunities, especially and in particular for you the
youth.
We live in a country of challenges and difficulties. Yet, it is also a country
full of hope.

We had positive growth for 10 solid years from negative growth. In 2007, we
reached five percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). But to create enough jobs
and reduce poverty significantly we need more growth, more shared growth.
Our economic growth is not being shared by all our people. We have unacceptably
low levels of education and skills in sectors that stimulate economic growth
like engineering, accountancy and artisans training.

For you education has to be everything. It is the biggest divide that
deprives many of our citizens' progress and prosperity. You cannot let than
happen to you. We have focussed on a plan that reaches out to all children and
youth of a school-going age from early childhood which is being made free for
the poor. Primary education and secondary education also has been made free for
those who cannot pay. But quality in many schools is still a problem so is
drop-outs from grade eight.

I want to emphasise to you the importance of completing your education. Girl
children and growing women hold the key to ending poverty and many of our
social ills affecting families and children. Without more and more educated
women, we are doomed. For those of you who are completing there is a big demand
out there for particular skills. Please make your choice carefully.

The Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (Jipsa) has identified
the following skills shortages: high level engineering, town and regional
planning, sector skills like tourism, technical skills, financial management.
We have to compete globally. We live in a knowledge-based world economy that
emphasises technology-driven industries.

Matching skills demanded by the economy can be achieved through good
education, smart and proactive career guidance. Young people are most likely to
benefit from the era of technology. Young people in Africa and in South Africa
are the future and you make up close to 40% of our population. The
sustainability of our country is dependent upon your contributions. Your future
and that of our country is in your hands. You are leaders in the making and
leaders today in many cases in relation to:

* technology
* arts and sports
* the fight against HIV and AIDS and an AIDS-free Africa depends mostly on
youth. And therefore:
* delay your sexual debuts
* live a responsible life
* listen to your inner voice.

Quality education is an important tool to match skills needed by the
economy. The world-class education received at this College provides you with
rare opportunities. These opportunities enable you to contribute in creating a
caring and sharing society. Do not do things that will be your downfall. You
can play your part in creating a country alive with possibilities by making
practical your learning to the poor and unemployed. Contributing to grassroots
communities will develop your people skills. Do not forget the young people who
are less fortunate than you.
Be part of a National Youth Service (NYS) in service to other young people. Be
part of Brig Brother and Big Sister programmes. The vulnerable young people are
alienated and excluded from society with a result that they are amenable to
engage in anti-social behaviour. You must not be in that risky slope but you
also have to care and reach out! Never lock yourself in the ivory tower or be
indifferent to the needs of your country. Imagine if Mandela did that, Ghandi,
Florence Nightingale, John Langalibalele Dube, Mother Theresa, and Victoria
Mxenge? Do we know what those people did? So stand up and be counted in your
own small way.

As President Mbeki stated in the 2007 State of the Nation Address, we have
made a commitment of encouraging volunteerism among young people. The campaign
is to mobilise 20 000 youth participants into the National Youth Service and
30,000 youth volunteers. I am glad to tell you we will achieve the target, but
we need all of you. That is your civic duty.

I repeat, ours is a country alive with possibilities and opportunities. You
have to take those opportunities, grab them with both hands. Do it for
yourself, your community and the nation. I know what you are capable of. I know
what you can do to with your skills, knowledge and abilities. We value you
greatly! As Madiba said in 1994, "Youth are the valued possessions of the
nation. Without them there can be no future." To those of who are being
honoured today, well done! Live up to the honour. You are chosen because you
had a promise, there is a spark in you.

Be the light and let your light upon us and never cover it and above all,
share the spark.

I thank you.

Issued by: The Presidency
23 October 2007
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za)