Youth urged to realise their dreams

Monday, June 24, 2013

Kempton Park – The Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, Bulelani Magwanishe, says government stands ready to help the youth realise their dreams.

Speaking at the official opening of the five-day Youth Camp in Kempton Park, Magwanishe reminded the youth present of the commitment of the 1976 generation, who fought relentlessly to realise their dream.

“Their hunger, zealousness and bravery opened the way for us to produce our own engineers and industrialists,” said Magwanishe.

“Your presence here during this historic month bestows upon you the task of bringing about that change. We are mindful that your endeavour would be futile if we fail to arm you with the necessary information.”

He appealed to the youth attending the camp, which include about 100 Grade 10 and 11 Maths and Science learners, to grab the opportunities presented to them.

“Generations of youth before you were never exposed to educational options,” he said.

June is observed as Youth Month in South Africa as an ode to the youth of 1976, who led a series of protests seeking better education for African youth.

The Youth Camp, which starts today and ends on Friday, is jointly hosted by the Department of Public Enterprises and the Free State Department of Tourism. It is held under the theme, ‘Working together for youth development and a drug free South Africa’.

Also speaking at the opening of the camp was Denel Chief Executive Officer, Mike Kgobe, who encouraged the youth to have a hunger for knowledge.

“Government is there to ensure that the youth realise their dreams,” he said.

During the week, the learners will be taken on a tour to a number of State Owned Companies (SOC) such as Eskom, Transnet, Denel and SAA to inspire them to consider studying towards scarce skills in the technical fields after matric.

This also includes focusing on job creation, skills development, entrepreneurship development, Corporate Social Investment (CSI) and related initiatives.

The SOCs will also provide learners an opportunity to participate in several experiential programmes designed to entice young minds into a myriad of critical and economic fields available at these companies.  – SAnews.gov.za