Scores of young people from across Mogale City attended the Youth Dialogue with MEC Panyaza Lesufi: A conversation from kasi to kasi held at Kagiso Memorial and Recreational Centre.
The dialogue forms part of Gauteng Provincial Government’s Tshepo 1 Million which is a youth skills empowerment initiative designed to break down the barriers that young people encounter when looking for work opportunities.
Young people had an opportunity to discuss and share information about careers, employment opportunities, bursaries and various educational resources that are available to them.
In his address, Mogale City Executive Mayor Patrick Lipudi who was also in attendance encouraged the youth to play an active role in the country’s economy. “We must learn to be entrepreneurs and participate in the mainstream economy. As young people, you are innovative and energetic, which should bring about the change that is needed in South Africa,” said the mayor.
The National Youth Development Agency, iCollege and Gauteng Provincial Government were amongst the exhibitors that shared information on matric rewrite, entrepreneurship and also gave away free K53 Learner’s License Books.
Young entrepreneur and member of Vision-View Production Thabang Ketshabile said the youth of Kagiso must participate in youth programmes and grab development opportunities that will enhance their growth. “We are part of the lifeblood of Kagiso and need to positively participate in youth programmes that government grants us. We know and understand that there are many challenges that young people are faced with but together we can overcome anything,” said Ketshabile.
The Youth Dialogue with MEC Panyaza Lesufi comes on the heels of a successful Mayoral Bursary Programme which was spearheaded by the Office of the Executive Mayor to ensure human resource development amongst the youth.