The political battles have been won by our youth but the battle for socio-economic liberations continues. The development agenda of our youth in the province must therefore continue to be refocused towards the social and economic development of the youth. The Integrated Development Plans and District Growth Plans of the Local and District Municipalities must therefore put priority on youth development and linked to the youth formations. The province has a lot of untapped potential in value addition linked to manufacturing, agro-processing and mining and if we are to win the war against poverty and unemployment, these sectors must be fully explored. The economic downturn must not undermine our development effort to grow these sectors and as the youth have a role to play in contributing towards the growth and impact of these sectors. It’s about time we take a deliberate position as government to make sure that we have a sector focused approach. This will not only grow our economy but will create a provincial economy driven by knowledge, jobs, skills development, empowerment and sustainable livelihood. This require the coordination of all government efforts geared towards youth, disabled, women, SMME, rural and sector development in the province. I wish to call upon all aspiring entrepreneurs in the municipalities and in the districts as well as the province to rise and take forward the struggle for social and economic emancipation. They can do this through proactive participation in youth development programmes offered by government and in institutions such as the National Youth Development Agency as well as the youth institution established by the municipality.
The political battles have been won by our youth but the battle for socio-economic liberations continues. The development agenda of our youth in the province must therefore continue to be refocused towards the social and economic development of the youth. The Integrated Development Plans and District Growth Plans of the Local and District Municipalities must therefore put priority on youth development and linked to the youth formations. The province has a lot of untapped potential in value addition linked to manufacturing, agro-processing and mining and if we are to win the war against poverty and unemployment, these sectors must be fully explored. The economic downturn must not undermine our development effort to grow these sectors and as the youth have a role to play in contributing towards the growth and impact of these sectors. It’s about time we take a deliberate position as government to make sure that we have a sector focused approach. This will not only grow our economy but will create a provincial economy driven by knowledge, jobs, skills development, empowerment and sustainable livelihood. This require the coordination of all government efforts geared towards youth, disabled, women, SMME, rural and sector development in the province. I wish to call upon all aspiring entrepreneurs in the municipalities and in the districts as well as the province to rise and take forward the struggle for social and economic emancipation. They can do this through proactive participation in youth development programmes offered by government and in institutions such as the National Youth Development Agency as well as the youth institution established by the municipality.