The NPC dialogue, billed as “Our future, our plan”, aims to reach in particular the massive youth audience who do not have easy access to traditional computers and the internet. The NPC hopes to reach more young South Africans, many of whom are economically excluded and as a result, feel neglected and voiceless, the NPC hopes to provide a platform.
This audience represents a marginalised voice who need to be part of the dialogue to ensure that they shape the future of their country.
Mxit has over 50 million registered users, with an average of 3 million unique users on the platform every day. On a typical day Mxit users send over 750 million messages.
Today, at the Mxit offices in Stellenbosch, NPC representatives engaged in a chat with users. Minister Manuel joined the chat live from Johannesburg and said, “it is time for young people, as the new generation, to take over the baton from the youth of 1976 and shape the country you desire”
He called on Mxit users to become actively involved in the NPC Mxit dialogue which runs till the end of May. Each week NPC representatives will participate in a one hour chat with mxitusers. At all other times, Mxit users who join the portal, will be able to make their views and comments known.
The Mxit NPC portal contains a brief illustrated summary of the 13 chapters of the draft national development plan.
Each week the best contribution will receive a prize of 100,000 Moola (R1 000). The best contribution each week will win the opportunity to meet with Minister Manuel, who chairs the NPC, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, the deputy chair of the NPC and the other 24 commissioners to explain their winning ideas.
By this morning over 6 000 users had joined the NPC Mxit portal. During the one hour live dialogue, Mxit users made a number of suggestions and comments. “Bokkie”, for instance raised the issue of unemployment and education. “The Black Apostle”, on the other hand, made a very practical suggestion about how high-speed rail across South Africa would fundamentally change the landscape for commuters. Another participant raised concerns about the current salary levels for members of the police and argued that they should be raised.
These comments, and many others, were responded to by NPC representatives and Mxit users were urged to use the NPC Mxit portal to leave comments and join the dialogue.
Mr Alan Knott-Craig, CEO of Mxit, said after the live dialogue that “I have read the draft national development plan and its vision is of a country that I would like my children to grow old in. We are excited that the NPC has approached us and will make every effort to make sure that this dialogue reaches our Mxit users. I would urge them to make use of this wonderful opportunity to shape the future of our country.”
For further information contact:
Cameron Dugmore (Convenor of NPC Communications)
Cell: 079 494 7258
