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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 20 Apr 2008 Title: Youth encouraged to take part in building projects -------------------- By Kagiso Metswamere Vryburg - Public Works Minister Thoko Didiza has encouraged young people in the North West to take part in the construction projects. Speaking during the launch of the National Youth Service (NYS) programme held at Vryburg on Friday, the minister said more young people must participate in the projects to reduce the high rate of unemployment in the country. "The project that we launch here today has proven in so many instances that young people in our county have potential. "We need more young people who are unemployed to participate in this programme so that we can address the high rate of unemployment amongst the youth in our country," the minister said. The NYS is a Presidential initiative that seeks to create employment opportunities and eradicate poverty by involving young people in the delivery of crucial government services. The project is part of the Expanded Public Works Programme to intensify the fight against poverty and unemployment. More than 3000 young people are expected to participate in this programme this year. The minister said the programme have shown a lot of success in providing skills in the country and must be seen as a tool to develop skills in the country. "We know that a lot of jobs have been created through this programme since it was officially launched in 2004. "Though this programme, we still need more young people to take part so that we have a lot of people who are skilled in our country," Minister Didiza said. North West Premier, Edna Molewa also encouraged young people to be part of the development of the Mafikeng Airport which has recently been granted international airport status by Cabinet. "We have just received the licence here of our airport in Mafikeng which means that more development must be done. "I want to encourage young people to be part of the development because we are going to need people with skills in the construction industry," Ms Molewa said. One of the participants in the programme, Lacky Komane, 23, from Huhudi in Naledi Local Municipality specialises in paving. He told BuaNews that participating in the programme has created better opportunities in his life. "I do have something better to do because after finishing my matric, I was sitting at home doing nothing. "I am very happy to be part of these projects because now I know what I am going to do with my future," said Mr Komane. - BuaNews |
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