Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) hosted a youth celebration at the AJ Swanepoel Stadium last Friday in honour of Youth Month.
Youth from all over the district packed the stadium to enjoy the day’s festivities.
Executive Mayor of GSDM, Mr M Chirwa, mayors, councillors and leadership of all seven municipalities were in attendance.
The festivities kicked off with a welcome from Msukaligwa councillor, Ms Julia Bal, and Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme councillor, Mr M Ngwenya, explaining the purpose of the day.
Mr Chirwa presented the keynote address, alluding briefly to the 16 June 1976 Soweto uprising and how the youth play a big role in modern society.
“We have set aside R500 000 for donations in the recently tabled budget which will be used to assist non-profit organisations, individuals and other structures who are involved in communities. R2 million has been allocated to youth development, so I encourage you to exhaust the district and your local municipality’s resources in order to create businesses, grow your communities and build a better life for yourselves,” said Mr Chirwa.
25 business cooperations from across the district, run by the youth, were presented with starter packs by GSDM to kick-start businesses with the municipality set to monitor them and progress reviews done frequently.
Local poet Intonga Yamantunga was given R10 000 to help with travelling costs and expenses, as she will be attending the National Arts Festival this week.
“This is part of the GSDM’s purpose to recognise, nurture and promote talented individuals and groups of the district as a whole, because we know our district has talent in abundance,” said GSDM Chief Whip, Mr T. Nkosi, who was master of ceremonies (MC) for the day.
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