MEC Leah Mabuza urges youth to register and vote

The MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation, Leah Mabuza, has urged the youth to register to vote in the forthcoming local government elections set for November.
Mabuza said this during her address at the provincial commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising, held in the Dr Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality on June 15.

She emphasised the struggle and fight of the youth of 1976, highlighting their courage and sacrifices, while urging today’s youth to fight by going to the polls.
“The youth of 1976 demonstrated extraordinary courage and sacrifice by challenging an unjust system and paying the ultimate price for the freedom and democracy we enjoy today. Their struggle reminds us that young people have always been at the forefront of social change and nation-building,” she said.
Youth Day was celebrated under the theme “Reset@50: The future calls, freedom lives in every generation”.

ALSO READ: Captain Pottie Potgieterto be honoured at MEC Jackie Macie’s budget speech

Mabuza said that government, the private sector and communities have a responsibility to ensure that the dreams of the youth are not limited by poverty, unemployment, crime, substance abuse and inequality.

Speaking on behalf of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, she also promised youngsters that the government will continue to create an enabling environment that fosters economic growth and sustainable job opportunities. She mentioned the Premier’s Youth Development Fund as a critical intervention aimed at combating youth unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship.

ALSO READ: City of Mbombela mayor hands over community hall and bulk water scheme

Mabuza further encouraged young people to be proactive and self-reliant, rather than depending on handouts..
The commemoration was attended by youth organisations and members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Executive Council, including MECs Jesta Sidell and Thulasizwe Thomo.