Welcome Gala Speech by MEC Martha Bartlett at the Northern Cape Provincial Road Safety Youth Summit, 28 May 2016
Executive Mayor, Mr David Molusi
The Acting Head of the Department Mr Lesego Wolfe and senior officials
Stakeholders in the Transport and Safety fraternity
Representatives of Political parties
Representatives from various media houses
Government Officials
Distinguished guests
Fellow citizens of the Northern Cape
Most importantly, our guests, the youth of our Province
Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great opportunity to address a room filled with young people on the eve of the Provincial Youth Road Safety Summit under the theme: #BeingSafeIsCool (Being Safe Is Cool) because it means I have an opportunity to contribute to your thinking towards the important task that lies ahead for all of you.
You are here to make history and you are here to contribute towards impacting on the lives of others especially your peers by shaping their thinking towards road safety. You are here to further shape government’s agenda of saving people’s lives on our roads by actively participating on ways this important task of saving lives can be achieved.
Today, is not about anyone else but the contribution you as youth can make towards decreasing the number of people dying on our country’s roads, getting injured or the number of accidents happening on our roads. So, I urge you to take yourselves seriously and seize the moment to make a difference in the lives of all South African’s and the people of this Province.
Maybe you have heard this before or maybe it will be new to your ears but you are an important resource of this world and where we end up as a country because you are tomorrow’s leaders. It is important that we raise responsibility, proactive and vibrant young leaders of tomorrow, impacting on changes being made today in society.
When people speak about a youth that made history, they always refer to the Class of 1976, a youth that stood for something but be another great example of what the youth can do when they unite towards great ideas.
Have your story and contribution as an anecdote in my next address, to speak about the difference the Northern Cape youth of 2016 achieved when they were given an opportunity to influence government policies and people’s thinking.
On behalf of the Provincial Government, tonight we welcome you into your role as being game changers, but the question which remains to be answered by you is: “are you taking this role and responsibility serious? Do you see the opportunity to have your say and realise your contribution can shape the future of this country’s state of road safety and save people’s lives?”
The perception to some is that the youth are irresponsible and are too playful, but I see potential and I know there is potential. Prove them wrong. Yes, it true that some of your peers are risk takers and make irresponsible decisions but it cannot be that a handful of youth can overshadow the potential and good attitude of others. So, prove to us that the high expectations we have for you are achievable and realistic.
The Northern Cape Provincial Government has chosen you to speak on behalf of the youth of this Province, all 200 of you from your various Districts and backgrounds.
With this summit, we expect great and exciting ideas from yourselves. This is an opportunity to give your voice as young people on issues of road safety and to contribute towards a shift in attitudes and behaviour towards road safety among your peers.
You are given an opportunity to contribute towards the “Youth Declaration for Road Safety” – a document describing the views of young people on what they, their parents, teachers, government leaders and others can do to improve road safety, which will be used to catalyse attention and spur action around the world.
In conclusion, grab this opportunity with both hands because 40 of you will have an opportunity to represent the views of our Province at the National Youth Road Safety Summit next month and stand a chance to form part of a team that will co-lead Road Safety in the Province with the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison.
I thank you
Enkosi
Ke a leboga
Dankie
#BeingSafeIsCool
