Chairperson Sifiso Mtsweni: Limpopo Youth Month launch

Address by the Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Mr Sifiso Mtsweni at the occasion of the Limpopo Provincial Government Youth Month launch

Premier of Limpopo, Mr Stan Chupu Mathabatha
Kgoshi MM Mashashane
MEC OF Sports, Arts and Culture- Ms. Onica Moloi
Executive Mayors
NYDA Board and Executive Management,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Youth of South Africa,

Dumelang,
We meet a few days after the official launch of National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Youth Month 2018 held at Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum in Soweto. Addressing the official launch on behalf of government, Minister in the Presidency, responsible for planning urged all young people to be at the center of changing the course of history; like the generation of 1976. It is that context that we call the youth to “Live the Legacy: Towards a Socio-Economically Empowered Youth”.

During the launch, the NYDA took time to remember an unsung hero; a leader of young people who in deeds and action resonated with the aspirations of the youth. A fearless revolutionary who raised unpopular views and stood-up to be counted towards the liberation of South Africa. Affectionately referred to as the Lion of the North, Peter Mokaba, a son of the soil took his last breath in this historic month sixteen (16) years ago.

The radical and ever militant Peter Mokaba better understood the redistribution of land struggle. Known for his infamous slogan “Kill the Boer, kill the Farmer”; 24 years into democracy our youth understands the importance of expropriating of land without compensation within the confines of the law. In celebrating the centenary of Tata Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu; and honoring Peter Mokaba; all young people must make use of the opportunity by government to participate in the review of section 25 of the Constitution and other sections necessary, to make it possible for the state to expropriate land in the public interest without compensation; and propose the necessary constitutional amendments where applicable with regards to the kind of future land tenure regime needed.

The closing date for the invitation to object or support amendments to the constitution is 15 June 2018. A day before the Youth Day celebrations, to be held in Soweto, Orlando Stadium with His Excellency President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa delivering the keynote address, we urge all young people to have their say by visiting www.dearsouthafrica.co.za/section-25/. Land is dignity and an opportunity to redress the economic disparity that exists, especially for black young people being the most affected by challenges of unemployment poverty and inequality.

Honorable Premier, the NYDA is extending an invitation to young all young people to participate in our month long programme of celebrating the sacrifices and commitments of young people to liberate this country. We have always maintained that the youth should be celebrated, encouraged and supported 365 days of the year, 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.

We particularly invite youth of Limpopo, progressive youth alliance structures and other formations to join as we visit Peter Mokaba graveside on the 08th of June 2018, to recommit ourselves to placing youth development at the epicenter of government and private sector planning. We shall (on behalf of the youth of South Africa) declare that Peter Mokaba, Hector Pieterson, Mbuyiseni Makhubo, Kgotso Seatlholo, Abraham Onkgopotse Tiro, Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu, Mama Winnie Mandela, Olier Reginald Tambo, Chris Hani, and many others will never die whilst we are still alive!

The NYDA will use this youth month to broaden its reach through the NYDA-GOES-RURAL programme. This will see the NYDA expanding its footprint by opening new full service branches and service centers. In the Province of Limpopo, we will be launching centers in Lebowakgomo, Tzaneen and Groblersdal.

Yesterday, we began our annual road shows as the NYDA Board. Our first stop was Rosebank College in Polokwane, wherein young people engaged on products and services of the NYDA. The dialogue session convened under the theme #BeTheLegacy.

Part of our deliberations is the role of young people in the fight against abuse and violence of women and children. We are call on all young people to become the solution and play a meaningful role in the creation of a safe environment and society. As Samora Machel “The Emancipation of women is not an act of charity, the result of a humanitarian or compassionate attitude. The liberation of women is a fundamental necessity for the revolution, a guarantee of its continuity and a precondition for its victory.” Therefore, we carry an obligation to ensure safety of our women and children. Let all youth declare: NOT IN MY NAME!

Honorable Premier, we are indeed humbled and grateful for the opportunity to allow the NYDA to address this important occasion. The entire Board of the NYDA will in this period visit our beneficiary sites, to amongst others encourage young people to be the ones that tell their story. Today, we have begun a programme through our National Youth Service (NYS) Programme, to engage young people of Ga-Ramatjowe village, Mmotong village and Lebowakgomo.

The NYDA declared 2018, the year against youth unemployment. In partnership with the University of Johannesburg, we established a first-ever Youth Development Institute of South Africa (YDISA). This institute is tasked to deal away with sporadic youth development. It will produce cut-crossing research on all matters of youth development. On the 29th June 2018 we will release the status of youth report naming and shaming all institutions that have not moved an inch in implementing the National Youth Policy (2020) and many other youth development policies.  

In conclusion, the time has arrived to change the face of responsibility and authority in the country. Young people are urged to occupy all centers of struggle for the future is youth. We call all public and the private sector to ensure 40% representation of young people in all positions.

Experience to entry level vacancies must be scrapped for young people to “Live the Legacy: Towards Socio-Economically Empowered Youth “.

More on

Share this page

Similar categories to explore