The eMadlangeni Municipality’s Youth Council hosted a three-day conference last Saturday.
This conference was divided into three sessions, with discussion at each centred on issues of unemployed youth, HIV and teenage pregnancy.
Proceedings got underway with a speech by council President, Senzo Ndlovu.
Ndlovu encouraged young Utrecht residents to become proactive in seeking out opportunities for development, which would help them realise dreams and aspirations.
Also read: Residents tripped up by Utrecht power
He also emphasised the importance of further education.
This, he explained, ensured youth obtained the necessary skills and knowledge to help them plough back into the community and stimulate economic growth.
“Utrecht is the only town within a game park, hence there are a lot of tourism opportunities. With good education and training, one can make a successful living from that.”
Ndlovu told conference attendees to stop waiting for government to create opportunities, but to meet national and provincial leadership ‘halfway’.
He said this could be achieved through education and new skills.
Another speech was given by Community Portfolio Chairperson, Hezekiah Mthethwa, who pointed out the need for youths to utilise technology in uplifting themselves.
He condemned the prevalence of teenage pregnancies and HIV infection among youths.
Mthethwa further discouraged young Utrecht residents from unprotected sex and implored them to practise abstinence until they were mature enough to make informed, healthy decisions.
A key note address was delivered by MEC of Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo.
He urged youths to embrace their individualities and to strive towards fulfilment of their natural potential.
“As government, we are painfully aware of the cry of young people, who are faced with unemployment.”
Dr Dhlomo also called eMadlangeni strong in terms of agriculture, and emphasised the need to ensure schools and hospitals bought fresh produce directly from young entrepreneurs.
He said this was reiteration of government’s commitment to empowerment.
As a political champion for the Amajuba District’s Operation Sukuma Sahke, Dr Dhlomo concluded with a pledge of support to the youth of Utrecht.
“I believe government’s actions will assist in eradicating poverty, unemployment and illiteracy.”
Other stories on the site:
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
Add us on WhatsApp today! 082 874 5550
and BBM pin D1EF333B.
You can also email our offices on Reveshni Douglas at reveshni@caxton.co.za Quinton Boucher at newsun@caxton.co.za Bruce Douglas at Newed2@caxton.co.za Tersia Gopi at newed@caxton.co.za Zianne Leibrandt at ncschools@caxton.co.za
