Youth must contribute to the economy, says Executive Mayor

Young people should acquire skills that will ensure that they contribute to the growth of the economy and reducing unemployment, says Executive Mayor of Mopani District Municipality, Nkakareng Rakgoale.

Speaking at the Youth Month dialogue hosted by the Colourful Women Empowerment Foundation at the Nwamitwa Tribal Hall on Saturday, Rakgoale said that young people should take advantage of the opportunities available to them and change their lives.

“The youth of 76 fought for equal and quality education for all. The best way to honour their legacy is for you to finish your studies and make your contribution in building a better South Africa, a better Mopani, “ she said.

She said government is working hard to improve the quality of education, and that young people have choices to make now than before. “We are doing our best to ensure that our education at all levels is responsive to market demands and skills expectations.

“There were not many choices before. You had to be a teacher, a policeman or a nurse. We had to spend many years studying about intestines of antelopes and counting the legs of locusts. Now, you have an opportunity to study economics and engineering – take advantage and contribute to our economy,” said Rakgoale.

Rakgoale said that young people should never allow their poor background to determine their future, saying “I know first how it feels to go to school barefooted and without food, but that should not stop you from pursuing your dream. We are doing our best to assist deserving students from poor background to further their studies through the Executive Mayor’s bursary fund, but I also personally make a contribution where I can,”.