Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Buti Manamela interacted with young people from Philipi, Nyanga and Gugulethu in Cape Town. The objective of the Imbizo was to highlight the dangers of substance abuse and other social ills affecting young people.
The Imbizo also contributed in imparting knowledge about services provided by government to young people pertaining to further education and career choices. Services that were provided from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) as well as the Department of Higher Education.
Prior to the Imbizo, Deputy Minister paid an unannounced visit to the Mvula Primary School where he handed over school shoes and bags to needy children. Subsequently paid a monitoring visit to the Siyakuyenza substance abuse treatment centre where he was briefed on challenges relating to a shortage of resources which deter them from providing the best treatment to young people.
Deputy Minister took the opportunity to government's commitment to do whatever it takes to fight the scourge of drug abuse, crime and corruption in society. The report will be shared with the department of social development which is the custodian of the centre. Constant monitoring will also be conducted by the Department of planning, monitoring and evaluation to ensure an efficiency of services.
"Drugs and alcohol abuse is a major problem, we need to get together as young people to fight the scourge of substance abuse, not to be part of the problem. We need to also drive out the criminal elements in our communities that provide young people with drugs." Said Deputy Minister Manamela.
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