KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu has called on young people in KwaZulu-Natal and the people of this province in general to send in their inputs to shape the KZN Youth Development Strategy. To access the strategy visit www.kznonline.gov.za and send your inputs or critique papers to youth@kznpremier.gov.za
MEC Mchunu stated that: “We are currently holding consultative workshops across the province as we draft the strategy for the province. Importantly, on the 22nd August 2014, we have convened a Youth Summit as part of efforts aimed at consolidating inputs and views from the members of the public especially young people.
“This period leading up to the summit is an important time for us because it gives us the opportunity to mobilize the people of KwaZulu-Natal and the whole country behind this effort aimed at guiding KZN youth on how to Move South Africa Forward.
“The people of KwaZulu-Natal, especially the youth, are its greatest resource. It is critical that the talent and potential of our youth is fully developed and harnessed so that we can guarantee the continuous socio economic development of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa as whole.
“I appreciate all the existing organisations with programmes focusing on youth development however, whilst these efforts are appreciated, there is a need for integration of such programmes to ensure an impact.
“The Office of the Premier has decided to take a number of initiatives on youth development in the next five years.
These initiatives will be underlined by five pillars, mainly:
- Increase intake of youth in the Public and Private Employment Programmes;
- Expanding learning and skills development opportunities;
- Assistance to youth to fight social ills;
- Supporting youth to participate in strategic sectors of the economy;
- Youth leadership development.
“To this end, I have directed that a Chief Directorate on Youth Development be created. This will be located in the Office of the Premier. The directorate will coordinate all youth development initiatives in the province to ensure synergies. It will focus on research on youth development and promote the interests of young people in general. All of these should be done by September 2014.
“It is my view that we also need to ensure long-term planning on youth development. It is for this reason that I have directed that we develop a comprehensive youth development strategy. A youth summit has been convened to consider all the above and other matters on youth development. This will take place on the 22nd August 2014 at Coastlands Hotel in Durban.”
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