Building a brighter tomorrow for the youth

Deputy President Paul Mashatile said government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in addressing challenges that face the youth.

“We are all aware of the challenges that the current generation of youth face which include poverty, social inequality, poor mental health and high levels of unemployment. 

“We are also aware that funding has been a challenge as a result of the administrative challenges at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Together with the youth, we will ensure that NSFAS is administered efficiently, effective and that no one is left behind,” said Deputy President Mashatile while speaking at the Youth Month event held at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo recently.

“The NSFAS remains a critical vehicle that supports students from poor and working-class families, with over 70% of university students and more than 90% of Technical Vocational Education Training college students benefiting from NSFAS bursaries.”

He added that government was committed to addressing the plight of youth through the NYDA's entreprenuership programmes.

“As the government, we want to see more young people actively involved in the economy and participating in decisions that affect their lives. Our democracy has provided you, as young people, with unprecedented opportunities for growth and development.”

The youth were called upon to take part in socio-economic gains and leverage them to create a better future for themselves and generations to come.

Youth unemployment

According to the Deputy President, government has adopted a comprehensive approach to reducing youth unemployment including formal education, internships, and assistance for youth entrepreneurship through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention. These development and empowerment initiatives provide young people with the support they need to overcome obstacles they face.

“The government has implemented initiatives to increase youth participation in the economy, such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme. This programme has provided opportunities to over one million participants, 84% of whom are young people.”

Meanwhile, the Youth Month event was abuzz with students from all over Limpopo province attending the National Youth Day Careers and Opportunities Expo hosted by the NYDA and Government Communication Information System. 

Newly elected Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, said the Limpopo province has established a R600 million fund that would benefit 44 000 young people in entreprenuership. 

"Young people must take advantage of this opportunity," concluded Dr Ramathuba.