06 Jul Youth Induction Programme

On 30 June 2023, the Department’s Special Programme Unit held a Youth Forum Induction at Steve Biko Centre in Ginsberg, King William’s Town under the theme: “Accelerating Youth Economic Empowerment for a Sustainable Future”.

The stakeholders that graced the event with their presence are the South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Community Safety (DoCS), and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Office of the Premier, Let Us Find Them, South African Youth Council, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Young Men and Women in Business, Eastern Cape Men’s Movement and Masimanyane Women’s Rights International.

The youth structure was established with an aim to address issues affecting young people both internally and externally, with a goal to have a well transformed, motivated, proactive and community impact makers as well as a platform to give the youth an opportunity to express their ideas, opinions and needs to decision making, community staff and other youth. There are 5 competencies of a healthy youth, these are: Positive Sense of Self, Self-Control, Decision Making Skills, a Moral System of Belief and Pro-social Connectedness. 

The Department of Community Safety’s MEC Xolile Nqatha, spoke on the importance of a youth forum structure and the constitution which guides its processes and functioning. The commemoration of the youth month aims to recognize the contributions of young people to society, to raise awareness of the challenges they face and give young people direction. It is important to reflect on the sacrifices made and the importance of education in transforming lives. Continuation to strive, to equal access, to equality education for all, empowering young people to unlock their full potential and shape a better future. “There is nothing as important as knowing where you come from, where you are and where you are going. Freedom did not come for free because those that came before us made huge sacrifices”, said MEC Nqatha, while emphasizing the importance of conducting ourselves as young people, and the need to lead by example to our peers.