Remarks by the Minister of Communications, Ms Faith Muthambi during a Youth Imbizo in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape
Program Director: Mr Zamokwakhe Khuzwayo and Sipho Kilani
Let me start by greeting you and thanking you for running this event so professionally thus far. You are indeed an example and an inspiration to the upcoming generation.
My colleague, Minister for the Public Service and Administration: Hon. Adv Ngoako Ramatlhodi (Dr), MP
Our host, Executive Mayor of Buffalo City: Cllr Alfred Mtsi
Deputy Executive Mayor of Buffalo City: Cllr Xola Pakati
Speaker of Buffalo City Metro: Cllr Zoliswa Matana
Executive Director: National Youth Development Agency (NYDA): Ms Angie Motsoahae
Last but most certainly not least, beautiful young people of the Eastern Cape, greetings to you all, MOLWENI! NINJANI? I am very happy to be here, I hope you are too.
I have been asked to talk about professional opportunities available for young people at State Owned Entities that report to our Ministry, the Ministry of Communications.
I must be very clear the promises I am about to make are promises i intend to fulfil.
I strongly believe in honesty, transparency and youth empowerment.
Programme Director, just for clarity, allow me to state that I am here today to paint a picture of possibilities, to give hope for the future.
I am here to talk to you about the various doors some of which you may need to kick open to ensure that you progress. I am here to share the inside story so that you are prepared to access opportunities in the Ministry I am responsible for.
Some of your parents and relatives are looking at you as the only hope to bring a fundamental change in your families.
This government under the direction and leadership of the oldest liberation movement in the continent, the African National Congress has the political will to create an enabling environment to ensure the success of all its citizenry.
When I talk to young people I see the future and I get animated.
I am also a young adult and I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would be a Minister today. Through the policies of this government, that seek to empower the youth here I am as a Minister serving South Africa people. I encourage each of you redouble your efforts and make your dream real.
Many of the former ANCYL leaders are also Ministers today. This is the clearest indication that this government is serious about recognising talent and the contributions that the youth can make.
As I talk to you today, you will be well advised to remember that our economy has not been growing at the pace anticipated in the National Development Plan.
We are however confident that we are turning the corner. We are also confident that the investment rating agencies will rate South Africa’s economy at investment grade.
The June month as you know, is a month of youth where we celebrate the gallant efforts of the Class of 1976. These were young people who fought to defend the right to education and the recognition of the young people’s human potential.
These young people defied the brutal and murderous apartheid system and decided that they would rather die than succumb to the inferior Bantu education system which amongst others forced them to learn content subjects in Afrikaans.
In fact this very stadium brings sad memories of torture that were carried out here by the apartheid regime and its collaborators. Holding this event here is in fact very symbolic. It symbolises that our democracy has defeated the apartheid regime.
The excitement and hope I am witnessing in your eyes today is inspired by the sacrifices of our fallen heroes, Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela, Lilian Ngoyi, Charlotte Maxeke, Solomon Mahlangu and Parks Mankahlana.
Programme Director, it is my duty to provide this important historical context so that as these young people eventually join the public service. They must understand the origins, the ethos and the posture of this ANC led government which, with their support we are very confident that it will continue to deliver the much needed services.
Programme Director, allow me to give an overview of the career opportunities in the Ministry of Communication portfolio.
The Ministry of Communications houses two national departments, the Department of Communication (DoC) and the Government Communications and Information System (GCIS). There are many varied careers in these two departments, with opportunities in:
Media Specialist, Graphic Design, Communication Researcher/ Researcher, Journalist, Social Media Specialist, Web and Content Developer, Photography, Videography, Human Resource Specialist, Supply Chain, Finance, Accountant, Media and Data Analyst, Language Specialist, Radio Producer and News Writer, Development Communicator, Media Planner and Marketing. We run internship and learnership programmes at GCIS to support graduates to acquire skills to prepare them for the job market.
The Ministry also has the following institutions in the portfolio.
ICASA, SABC, the Film and Publication Board, MDDA, and Brand SA. I will briefly touch on some of the career or entrepreneurial opportunities that are possible at these entities.
Film and Publications Board (FPB)
Career opportunities at FPB: There are a number of opportunities at FPB,and recently the entity has finalised a formal course for Content Classifiers. The entity will train hundreds of Classifiers who will be employed to classify films and online content. This is a new career path leading to, Regulation Management, Cyber Media Content Analysis, Broadcast Analysis, Human Resources and Policy Management
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)
Career opportunities at ICASA: Every year, ICASA has an intake of graduates that train for 2 years in the following:
Law with specialisation in Communication Services, Communication, Regulation Management, Policy Development and Engineering. For young people who want to enter the technology entrepreneurial space, contact ICASA to find out how you can apply for opportunities to roll out WIFI hotspots in your community.
Brand SA
Career Opportunities in Brand SA
The most exciting opportunities are in their Marketing division as you will get the opportunity to see the world.
Young people that have honed their skills in branding and activation must look for the following opportunities at Brand SA: Marketing Specialist, Content Writer, Communication, Stakeholder Management, Exhibitor, Market Research, Social Media Specialist, Website Management, and News Management
The SABC
The broadcasting sector presents various opportunities at SABC such as:
News Anchor, Videography, Social Media Specialist, Journalist TV and Radio, Online journalist, News Producer, Disk Jockey, Music Compiler, Music Producer, Media Buyer, Technician TV and Radio, Marketing, Media Planner and Media Research.
Programme Director, South Africa's population is largely made up of young people. Those who are below the age of 35 years constitute about 66% per cent of the total population. As government we are cognizant of high unemployment amongst young people, and we have policies in place to fight the scourge of unemployment.
The participation of young women and men in the mainstream economy will enable all of us to bridge the socio-economic divide.
As I close, allow me to convey a small extract from the message by the President of the Republic, His Excellency, President Zuma which he delivered at the historic centenary celebrations at the University of Fort Hare last month.
“Students must reflect and think deeply about whose interests they are serving when they go all out to destroy their future and the future of their country.
Burning schools, libraries and university buildings means burning the future. History will judge those who burn university buildings and schools very harshly.
There are some who claim that people resort to violent protest because this is the language that government understands. Any analyst or leader who says that is completely mistaken and should reconsider this position.
Such a view does not take South Africa forward.
There can be no justification of violence and anarchy, especially in a country where people have freedom of speech and expression and where government has formal programmes of engaging the people.
We have a responsibility as leaders to ensure that our hard won freedom and democracy are defended and protected from those with sinister agendas, who wish to sow mayhem and undermine our hard-won freedom and democracy.”
This extract was in reference to the destruction of public assets that accompany protest activities in our communities including the University of Fort Hare.
Let me assure you that as government we are confident that despite the challenges in the country, you as the progressive youth are more than ready to meet those challenges to advance our young democracy.
We are firm and unwavering in our conviction that you deserve a better future and we commit to creating an enabling environment for all of you.
In the spirit of the Class of 1976, I wish you strength as you observe the 40th commemoration of June 16 1976, Soweto student uprising. I Thank You.
Enquiries:
Mishack Molakeng
Cell: 082 469 3997
