Programme Director
Chairperson of the Board of Denel, Mr Kunene
MEC for Economic Development and Tourism
The CEO of Denel, Mr Riaz Salojee
The CEO of the Denel Foundation
Members of the South African Air Force
Members of the media
Teachers and caregivers of the learners
Our esteemed guests
The learners from the Free State
Ladies and gentlemen.
It is in winter when the fields are fair.
In delight we sing as we come together on a purpose common to us, young people. As we reach autumn, we can then write about our experiences of the last winter.
This month in 1976 brought young people together on a purpose common to them and the country. The desire to be freed galvanised them. The hunger for knowledge drove them to fight on. In autumn we were able to write about their bravery and brilliance.
Today in winter as young learners in Maths and Science you are gathered. Given the challenges facing the country we can rightly say, your purpose is common. Generations of youth before you were never exposed to educational options. Theirs were limited to teaching, nursing, policeman and clerical work.
To become an Engineer at that time was just a dream. These are the remarks that were made by the Minister of Education, Minister Verwoed in 1953. There is no place for [the Bantu] in the European community above the level of certain forms of labour ... What is the use of teaching the Bantu child mathematics when it cannot use it in practice?
That is quite absurd. Education must train people in accordance with their opportunities in life, according to the sphere in which they live." Close quote.
I wish the late Minister Verwoed was here to listen to some of the aspirations of South African children. In his letter of motivation for the camp, Dikonelo Mofokeng from Zamdela wrote: I have a passion of being a chemical engineer. This is because I enjoy creating things such as making skin products. I know deep down that manufacturing will be my hobby. She further says that it will be great to see all of us getting along regardless of cultures and background. Kambule Mpiyakhe from Nkgopoleng Secondary School wrote: I am expecting to learn more, to improve my knowledge in Maths and Science, so that my dreams would come true to bring changes in this beautiful country, South Africa.
The difference between that government of Verwoed and this government is that this government is your partner in realising your dreams. The June-76 winter generation fought to realise that dream. Their hunger, zealousness and bravery opened the way for us to produce our own engineers and industrialists.
Your presence here during this historic month, bestows upon you the task of bringing about that change. We are mindful that your endeavour would be futile if we fail to arm you with the necessary information. That is why we are here this winter.
The June-76 winter generation fought to realise that dream. To quell and suppress dissent defence equipment was used to maim learners who defied the standing discriminatory laws of the past. This brings up the importance of why we are launching this Youth Camp here.
This is one of our National Key Points as a country. Denel is one of the SOC under the DPE’s oversight. This is the company that developed the Rooivalk, the one of its kind combat support helicopter which we are proud of. This is the company destined to lead Africa through its MRO.
Denel is the largest manufacturer of defence equipment in South Africa. Their influence extends beyond the borders of South Africa. Today we are dealing with Denel that supports the course of all South Africans.
A Denel that advances the interests of young people than maim them. We are proud of Denel. On 9 December 2012, we made a promise to the province of the Free State about this camp. Through this camp you will have the benefit of interacting with young engineers at Denel, Transnet, Eskom and SAA.
The benefit includes visiting those SOC. The opportunities in these SOC remain rare and critical to building a strong economy. As we know, building a strong economy requires of individuals with strong values to run the mile. Ours has always been that the transformation of the economy should benefit future generations.
This therefore says, this struggle we are starting with you is not yours, but that it starts with you. The skills you are going to learn from this camp should teach you about the South African pride. We expect you to leave here understanding the importance of respecting each other and the South African flag.
Most importantly, you will leave here having been exposed to careers critical to our economy. Thus preparing you for informed choices beyond schooling. When your autumn comes, invite us as you write about your winter of June 2013.
I declare this camp opened.
I thank you.
