Message of support by the Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Mr Sifiso Mtsweni at the occasion of the launch of NYDA Empangeni full service branch, Empangeni near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
Honourable Executive Mayor of Umhlathuze Local Municipality, Cllr M.G. Mhlongo
Deputy Chairperson of the NYDA Board, Ms Bavelile Hlongwa
Speaker of the Umhlathuze Local Municipality,
Chiefwhip of the Umhlathuze Local Municipality,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Partners in youth development,
Future of South Africa,
It gives me great pleasure and honour to deliver the message of support on behalf of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
Today marks another important day in the life of the NYDA Board of Directors which was appointed last. Assuming office, the NYDA Board committed to move the NYDA from boardrooms to where young people are. But this day is also of significance to the he youth of this region. This is because the NYDA is fulfilling its commitment to being accessible and offering its products and services.
It must be said without a shadow of doubt that this new full service branch will ensure that youth have access to products and services offered by the NYDA and other partners at one centre. This is commendable considering the challenges that face our youth. From today a young person of the district will benefit immensely from various developmental institutions relating to skills development, economic development and national youth service.
We are also proud to have worked with the office of the Executive Mayor of uMhlathuze Local Municipality without any hindrances. We must say that we hope our working relationship will persist to further the agenda of a socio-economically empowered youth. It is clear to us that the there is a good culture of prioritising youth development in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. this evident through how we have been working and continue to work in this province. We will again this week open a branch in Newcastle. This is because of our good relation with all stakeholders in the Province. On behalf of South Africa’s youth NYDA thanks you.
At the beginning of April this financial year, our memorandum of agreement kicked in with the Office of the Premier of Kwa-Zulu Natal, UBaba Mchunu. The three-year MOA to the total value of R5,5 million rand will continue to 2020. This allocation is ring-fenced to provided services of entrepreneurship to youth of the province. The province further sponsored the NYDA with 6 mobile vehicles that serve at outreach vehicles reaching rural parts of the province and ensuring that youth people benefit from the NYDA.
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) understands that the struggles waged by young people to ultimately bring apartheid to its knees are befitting enough for young people to be celebrated. Thus government and private sector carries an obligation to provide an avalanche of opportunities for economic emancipation of the youth.
In celebrating the centenary year of Tata Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu, we have called on all young people of South Africa to emulate the good deeds and values of these stalwarts by becoming of service to others and in particular develop a patriotic spirit about their country.
The NYDA has called on youth to become critical role players in the fight against the scourge of violence against women and children. Young men must at the centre of defeating this Horrible actions and declare “not in my name”. Stop the violence against young women. We cannot any longer. The time has come for the abuse to stop.
I want to encourage everyone here to take youth development seriously. Progress is inevitable, and it requires a radical struggle. But that’s the story of how we overcame Apartheid, and women’s rights, and workers’ rights, and voting rights. Ours is a generation who will lead the change. We will rise to Economic Freedom. Rise young people, rise, our time is now!
Ngiyabonga!
