The Western Cape Government will invest R330 million into special skills development programmes targeting young people over the next three years.
Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, said increasing the skills profile of our young people was a key priority.
Today, 16 June 2014 in celebration of Youth Day, Minister Winde spoke to young people at the International Food and Agricultural Management Association Symposium and World Forum.
The event took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre and was attended by grade 10 to Grade 12 pupils who are set to pursue a career in the agricultural sector. Twenty young farmers also attended.
Minister Winde said over the next three years the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Department of Agriculture would invest R167 million and R163 million, respectively, into skills development programmes targeting youth.
“Young people are our future and we need to give them the support they need to create a better future for themselves and make a valuable contribution to our society and economy. We know that globally young people are the demographic with the highest unemployment rate. This is why our skills development programmes , including our Work and Skills Programme and Artisan Development Programme, target youth. We want to encourage youth to take every opportunity presented to them to increase their skills profile,” said Minister Winde.
The annual IFAMA Symposium and World Forum attracts 400 researchers from across the world.
Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, the youth segment of the programme was organised by Stellenbosch University and the Elsenberg Agricultural Training Institute.
The school pupils received information about the different agricultural science courses on offer at universities and colleges.
In addition, they met with young people working in the sector.
“In the future, the agricultural sector will have to produce more food for more people on less land and with less water. In South Africa, this challenge is compounded by the uncertainties around climate change and uncertainties around regulations on land reform and agricultural policy. We need all the bright minds and talent we can get to solve these challenges for us,” said Minister Winde.
Bronwynne Jooste, Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 082 454 4365
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
