NARYSEC continues to empower young people
Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza and the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, welcomed 1000 National Rural Youth Services Corps (NARYSEC) young people at Narysec College in Thaba-Nchu on 27 January 2020.
The two ministers were joined by Kgosigadi Moroka of Barolong Boo Seleka, and the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Provincial Treasury, Gadija Brown, who had attended the event on behalf of the Premier of the Free State, Sisi Ntombela.
At a packed NARYSEC College hall, Minister Didiza implored on young people to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the programme.
“Many of you represent the hopes of your families and communities, and I am making a humble plea that you make full use of your time here. Exercise discipline at all times and work hard to achieve your goals. Your time here will prepare you for your future. Do not engage in activities which could potentially ruin your future,” said Minister Didiza.
The NARYSEC programme is a 24 month skills development programme within the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform which targets unemployed rural youth between the ages of 18 and 25, in possession of Grade 12, as part of the rural economy transformation strategy.
Since the trailblazing programme’s commencement in 2010, NARYSEC has recruited youth in the thousands, from all Provinces. The programme develops
the skills of targeted NARYSEC participants through various skills development initiatives in partnership with other public and private sector institution in line with rural economy transformation strategy.
The programme exposes participants to different skills fields which focus on instilling a culture of discipline, patriotism, community service as well as technical and vocational skills that equip participants with skills on, but not limited to: Construction, Agriculture, Household Profiling, Welding and Records Management.
MEC Brown said that the skills development programme has proved to be a stroke of genius as many young people now possess skills which will come handy should they decide to start their own businesses.
