The Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality, Nhlakanipho Zuma, and the Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Dr Sunshine Myende, officially launched Phase V of the Revitalised National Youth Service (NYS) Programme in eMbalenhle on July 17.

The launch honoured a commitment made during the Phanda Thursdays programme in May, when Myende promised to return with opportunities for unemployed young people who had submitted their CVs.

A total of 280 unemployed youth signed six-month contracts to participate in the programme, through which they will receive a monthly stipend while gaining practical work experience and skills aimed at improving their future employment prospects.

Launched under the theme ‘From Service to Sustainable Livelihoods’, the programme seeks to transform community service into a pathway for active citizenship, skills development and sustainable livelihoods.

The day’s activities began at the eMbalenhle Aged Group Service Centre as part of Nelson Mandela Day commemorations.

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Forty-eight NYS volunteers cleaned the facility, expanded its vegetable garden and refurbished a storage room through painting and repairs.

Mayor Zuma joined volunteers in planting seedlings and painting the storage facility during his 67 minutes of community service.

“As we celebrate Mandela Day, we want to contribute through our labour.

“We are here with the NYDA to assist with painting and expanding the gardening area so that our elderly residents do not go hungry.

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“We have also provided small hygiene gifts and sweets for the elderly to help them regain their energy,” said Zuma.

The NYDA and its partners donated paint, seedlings, gardening tools and cleaning equipment to support ongoing work at the centre.

The official contract signing ceremony was later held at the eMbalenhle Sasol Club, where Mayor Zuma welcomed the participants and thanked the NYDA for addressing the socio-economic challenges facing young people.

He also acknowledged Myende, Youth Life, the National Youth Service, councillors and government officials for their collaboration in bringing opportunities to local youth.

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“When we were here the last time, I indicated that I was one of those who assisted in the formulation and foundation of the NYDA.

“We created an institution that would recognise and advocate for young people. I am overjoyed that Govan Mbeki Municipality has become the first municipality to host the launch of Phanda Thursdays, which will yield positive results for our youth,” Zuma said.

Myende revealed that although the programme initially aimed to recruit more than 600 unemployed youth across Mpumalanga, only 280 applications were received and successfully processed.

She expressed concern that many young people remain unaware of government development opportunities and encouraged them to actively seek information about available programmes.

Myende explained that participants would be placed at public institutions located close to their homes to reduce transport costs during the six-month programme. She urged beneficiaries to make full use of the opportunity by developing new skills while serving their communities.