11 June 2007
Each year on 16 June the entire country stands united in saluting the spirit
of young martyrs who laid down their lives so that we may be free.
Government is consciously aware that the freedom and democracy we attained
in 1994, owing largely to the sacrifices of the youth, demand that the
democratic State addresses overarching challenges that affect young people in
the main. This means addressing such challenges as unemployment, HIV and AIDS,
poverty and underdevelopment.
Whilst these challenges might be different from those experienced by the
youth of 1976, we still expect today's youth to offer their hands in
volunteering to rebuild their communities. This demands that the youth seizes
the opportunities brought about by democracy and work both with government and
the private sector to uplift themselves from poverty, ignorance and lack of
skills.
Through volunteering in such programmes as Expanded Public Works Programme
(EPWP) and the National Youth Service (NYS) programme the youth will have more
to benefit in terms of skills and patriotism while at the same time also
contributing to the well being of their country. This is a patriotic duty for
which all young people should be proud to do both in the interest of their
country and her people. Together let's use this year's youth development month
to deepen youth participation in development by taking part in volunteer
work.
Work with youth to build the future now!
I thank you!
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Limpopo Provincial Government
11 June 2007
