Pretoria – Limpopo youth have pledged their commitment to the country’s Vision 2030, which seeks to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality throughout the nation.
Learners and youth from across that province met on Saturday at Merensky School in Tzaneen, to take part in an outreach programme held by Brand South Africa, in partnership with The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment.
The Play Your Part - National Development Plan (NDP) outreach programme saw youth discuss the role they should play to ensure South Africa realises its Vision 2030.
“It is vital that young people become part of the conversation about South Africa’s development so they are able to contribute to the implementation of Vision 2030, which is our blueprint for social and economic development that will ultimately reduce the levels of inequality in our country,” said Brand SA.
Youngsters, who are already making a difference in their communities, participated in the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment initiative.
Goitse Konopi, assistant researcher at the National Planning Commission (NPC), made a presentation to the young people before discussing their views on the NDP.
Thabiso Magodielo, Manager: Stakeholder Relations at Brand South Africa, said: "As citizens continue to reflect on the gains of our political freedom since 1994, with South Africa celebrating 20 years of democracy this year, the NDP … firmly asserts the importance of owning the plan to change our country for the better.
“It is inspiring to see young people giving up their Saturday and coming together to talk about our collective future with their peers. Government agencies and other stakeholders should continue to provide platforms for the young champions in our society, with the hope that more young people will be inspired to be the change they wish to see in their world.”
The President’s Award coordinator, Palesa Matuludi, said: “On a daily basis, we see and work with young people who are not waiting for government to make things happen. Instead, they initiate community development through our interventions.
“With government’s support, through Brand South Africa and the NPC partnership, these young people can only be encouraged to do more and embrace the NDP as their own because they now get why they should be involved from wherever they are.”
Similar dialogues and workshops will continue to be held around the country, with the aim of highlighting the objectives of the NDP and the role young people can play. – SAnews.gov.za
