East London - An invitation for students from an Eastern Cape university to participate in government's National Planning Committee's online dialogue later this month has been met with mixed reaction.
Committee delegates on Wednesday addressed students from Walter Sisulu University's Potsdam campus outside King Williamstown ahead of the NPC's Jam event, scheduled to run from September 28 to August 1.
Third-year marketing student Mzikayise Kweleta said she didn't see the need for the event.
"I'm very sceptical about this initiative. It just seems like another case of dialogue instead of action by government. I want to see a little less conversation and a little more action," said the 23-year-old.
The NPC's visit was aimed at interacting with the nation's youth ahead of the NPC Jam, an event aimed at engaging the public in a nationwide dialogue regarding the country's 2030 vision.
"The Jam is a collaborative, on-line brainstorming event designed to bring massive audiences together to share and discuss ideas on important social, economic and business challenges. We are engaging with students to get them involved and to register for the event," said NPC spokesperson Beatrice Drost.
She said the department was reaching out to the youth, NGOs, community-based organisations, associations, government officials and academics.
Second-year student Bongani January (21) said he thought the Jam was a great initiative and said he would support the event.
"It's good that the government is giving young people a nationwide platform to discuss the country's future. I will definitely be participating in this historic dialogue," said January.
Drost added that only 20 000 people will be allowed to register to be able to participate.
"Our team will provide regular progress reports on registration. Although the event's primary target is young people between 16 and 35, all citizens are urged to register and participate," said Drost.
Registration for the event was officially launched on August 25 and will close on September 28.
Drost added that participants' suggestions and contributions will be analysed and used to inform government's vision for 2030. - BuaNews
