The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) calls on young people to support government interventions as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Executive Chairperson of the NYDA, Mr Sifiso Mtsweni says that “Young people have an opportunity to demonstrate the highest form of discipline and patriotism. We need to cooperate, assist our government and protect our communities by strict adherence to the interventions. “
In response to the announcement for the national lock down from the Thursday, 26th March 2020 at midnight until the 16 April 2020, the NYDA will be closing its operation from 26th of March 2020 at 13h00.
However, applications received for the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative Programme in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development for 1000 enterprises funded in 100 days; will still be processed as received thus far. Further applications will only be received and processed after the lifting of the National lockdown and State of Disaster.
Young people are urged to adhere to measures which include a change in individual behaviour and hygiene:
- washing hands frequently with hand sanitisers or soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
- covering our nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or flexed elbow;
- avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
The NYDA understands the importance of building an entrepreneurial ecosystem and encouraging entrepreneurship as critical in the fight against poverty, unemployment and inequality. In this context, we urge young entrepreneurs and to utilise all measures put in place by government to ensure their enterprises survive during the national lock down.
We call on young people to utilise the Debt Relief Fund and the SMME Support Intervention by the Department of Small Business Development. The fund is accessible by enrolling through the SMME South Africa platform (www.smmesa.gov.za).
“Our actions as the youth during this period will contribute immensely in fighting the spread of COVID-19. Let us exercise the greatest caution and stay at home and ensure that we avoid the spreading of fake news.”
“In protecting ourselves against the virus, we are duty bound to provide necessary care for the elderly and the vulnerable. We call on all of us to rise, unite and demonstrate our utmost commitment to the country and emerge victorious as a resilient nation that we are known to be” added Mtsweni.
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