Press Release, 8th June 1998
NATIONAL YOUTH DAY 1998
"Youth in Service for National Development"
Official National Event
Dan Qeqe Stadium, Zwide, Eastern Cape
10 am - 5 pm, 16 June 1998
Speakers:
Deputy President Thabo Mbeki
Mahlengi Bhengu, Chairperson of the National Youth Commission
THEME
In accordance with one of the key mandates arising from the one-year National Youth Policy consultation process - that of National Youth Service - the National Youth Commission, in conjunction with the official youth bodies of various provinces, has adopted the theme "Youth in Service for National Development" for Youth Day 1998. The theme is a reflection of the articulated aspirations of the over 300 000 youth who were represented in this policy development process and signifies their commitment to contributing to nation-building, skills development and patriotism as well as a recognition of the rights and responsibilities of youth in ensuring the continued transformation of South Africa.
SELECTION OF THE NATIONAL EVENT
Having agreed on the official theme for National Youth Day 1998, the National Youth Commission then asked each province to submit respective proposals on their National Youth Day Programmes, with a view to selecting one on which to build the official national event. Although the proposals of all provinces were both reflective of the theme and of a high quality, the NYC Executive agreed that the Eastern Cape provided the most suitable proposal on which to develop tha national event. The official National Youth Commission Youth Day programme, as well as the keynote government speakers, were then integrated into the Youth Day plans of the Eastern Cape Youth Commission. This event will take place at Dan Qeqe Stadium, Zwide, from 10 am - 5 pm on 16 June 1998. Deputy President Thabo Mbeki and NYC Chair Mahlengi Bhengu will be among the keynote speakers.
ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Launch of the National Youth Action Plan - The National Youth Action Plan, the practical implementation proposal to government based on the National Youth Policy, will be presented to Deputy President Thabo Mbeki at a special handover luncheon in Port Elizabeth on National Youth Day. The plan identifies the urgent delivery tasks for government and identifies delivery agencies which will ensure the National Youth Policy becomes a reality in the lives of young South Africans. All national media will be invited to attend this event
- Launch of the 1st government Inter-departmental Committee on Youth Affairs Programme Plan, co-ordinated by the National Youth Commission - One of the key mandates of the National Youth Commission Act is that the Commission has to facilitate a uniformity of approach across government to matters of youth development. In this regard, the NYC constituted an Inter-departmental Committee on Youth Affairs within government at the end of 1997. The Committee, incorporating all 38 government departments, will unveil its first Programme Plan for delivering more effective, targeted services to youth in 1998/1999. The intention is to rationalise existing government youth programmes in order to avoid duplication and increase co-ordination and effectiveness.
- Launch of National Youth Information Services Pilot Project - The three-month pilot run of the NYC's foundational Youth Information Services Programme, incorporating a national "Youth Line" 0800 number and an on-line Internet information service, will be operationally launched on 15 June. This service, supported by Intekom, the HSRC, the CSIR, the Universal Service Agency and Life-Line, will provide youth with instant access to key information regarding HIV-AIDS, youth rights and career mentoring advice. You can also read everything about the National Youth Commission, upcoming events on the youth calendar and much more. Key service partnerships on this project has been provided by a range of leading telecommunications and technology organisations and further details will be announced at the 15 June launch as well as on Youth Day.
- Announcement of NYC support for Street Children's projects - A forum dealing with issues of street children and organisations working with them will be held at Mamelodi YMCA Centre on 15 June. As part of its commitment to assisting organisations working in this key area of youth development, the NYC will use the occasion to announce the outcomes of its negotiations with international funders in this regard.
- Volunteer renovation of Pendla Primary School by young people - In support of the Youth Day theme, youth volunteers in the Eastern Cape will participate in the renovation of Pendla Primary School in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth on Youth Day. Deputy president Thabo Mbeki will visit the school on the morning of Youth Day. Such activities are reflected in the Youth day programme of other provinces as well.
PROVINCIAL EVENTS:
Gauteng: Youth Day Rally (Mohlakeng Randfontein Stadium)
Free State: Provincial Youth Parliament; Youth Day Rally against HIV/AIDS (Welkom)
Western Cape: Youth Unemployment Workshop; Youth Day rally and Expo on Service by and for youth
Northern Cape: Official Visit of Kimberley Youth Projects; Youth Assembly on Community Service; Youth Awards Ceremony.
Mpumalanga: Launch of cemetery cleaning, landscaping and school renovation projects; Launch of the Graduate Experience Bridging Initiative; Cultural & Sporting activities.
North West: Youth community service projects; Seminar on The Role of Youth in promoting National Unity
Northern Province: Cultural & Sporting activities.
For further information or comment, please contact NYC Acting CEO Paul Johnson on Cell/Voicemail 082 771-8465.
Release ends
8 June 1998
