Ngaka Modiri Molema youth lauds information expo as empowering
Young people who yesterday attended the Youth Development EXPO at Itsoseng township stadium say this first of its kind information sharing platform was beneficial and exciting. Spearheaded by the office of the Deputy President Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, the expo was aimed at creating a platform for unemployed young people to connect with public and private institutions, and be exposed to development opportunities.
Engaging young people who came in huge numbers to gain knowledge from this occasion, the Deputy President said government’s intention through this initiative is to advance the lives of the youth, since the future of the country is in their hands.
“We challenge you to take up opportunities brought to you by government and its partners. Look out for training opportunities and arm yourself with marketable skills. Above all, you must never give up until you succeed”, said Deputy President Ramaphosa.
Present at the youth development expo were institutions such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), 17 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA), National Employment Fund, National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Microsoft SA, Google SA, Anglo American, Chamber of Mines, Shanduka Black Umbrellas and South African National Aids Council amongst others.
Addressing young people on their offerings, various heads of institutions encouraged them to also consider entrepreneurship as a viable opportunity, and to prioritise education and skills development.
Premier Supra Mahumapelo who also attended the expo said this platform was a solid foundation for the advancement of the young people’s future. “We view this progressive initiative as one that will help in moving the country forward, and we remain positive that the youth in our Province will use this unique occasion to their advantage”, said Premier Mahumapelo.
“The information presented to us as young people of Bokone Bophirima province to shape our future, is truly appreciated. Because of this session, we now know which doors to knock at for guidance and general assistance. Our wish is for this initiative to be sustained for all of us in the province to benefit”, said Lesego Sello, a 27 year old from Mahikeng Local Municipality.
As part of the first phase of this engagement, the youth development expo was attended by young unemployed people from around Ngaka Modiri Molema District. It is envisaged that the same approach will in future be arranged for young people in other Districts of the Province.
The national delegation led by the Deputy President included the Minister for Small Business Development Ms Lindiwe Zulu, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency Mr Buti Manamela, the Deputy Minister for Economic Development Mr Madala Masuku and the Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training Mr Mduduzi Manana.
For more information contact:
Ms Bonolo Mohlakoana, Acting Provincial Head of Communication
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
Nthabiseng Rantau-Machiya
The Presidency, Media Liaison
Cell: 082 570 5503
E-mail: Nthabiseng@presidency.gov.za or Nthabiseng8@gmail.com
