Pretoria - Deputy Minister for Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Buti Manamela has congratulated and applauded all the youth volunteers who are making a difference in their communities giving their time to the service of others.
Deputy Minister Manamela made the remarks during an annual International Volunteers Day, which is celebrated on 5 December.
The Deputy Minister said that young volunteers are contributing to social cohesion and nation building by acts of kindness and selfless service.
He also noted that since the advent of democracy, the South African government has worked tirelessly to promote a culture of volunteerism in our country.
“Through youth volunteerism we are able to reduce unemployment, poverty and inequality, and promote social cohesion and nation building." said Deputy Minister Manamela.
The National Youth Development Agency has partnered with the Departments of Public Works, Human Settlements and Rural Development to create youth volunteerism programmes.
These programmes not only allow young people to gain critical skills but also provide them the opportunity to serve to their communities.
“Young people who volunteer their time are less susceptible to substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and other social ills,” said Deputy Minister encouraging more young people to be volunteers. – SAnews.gov.za
