13 December 2007
Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has encouraged young women to take
responsibility for their lives. She was addressing over 900 delegates at the
conference of young South African Women in Dialogue (Sawid) from around the
country.
She encouraged young women to take care of their health with regard to HIV
and AIDS, as recent statistics have shown this as the most vulnerable group in
South Africa. The Deputy President encouraged the delegates to take personal
responsibility saying when one was HIV positive they needed to ensure that they
did not infect others and re-infect themselves; when negative they needed to
stay so.
"You do not need an organisation to tell you how to handle yourselves
sexually. Make a commitment to yourself and say you, as young women, you will
never be involved with older men. If you do that you will be investing in
yourself and the country". The Deputy President further encouraged the young
people to use education to empower themselves. She encouraged them to use all
available funding resources such as the Thabo Mbeki Education Trust to further
their education.
"It is a sin not to learn" she said.
Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka, urged young people to learn to be entrepreneurs and study
to be employers. "Think of you as someone who is doing something to empower the
country", said the Deputy President. "It is important for young people to have
well guided determination. Even if you fail, failure is the biggest teacher,
make choices that are smart and seek mentorship", she continued.
The conference is themed "personal development and economic empowerment",
which aims to encourage young women to take up the challenges. She also
bemoaned the level of violent crimes against women and children in particular
and challenged good men to stand up and be counted.
Issued by: The Presidency
13 December 2007
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za)
