Youth Day celebrations to kick off with bold new initiatives

North West province launches massive skills drive

- By Setumo Stone

North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi will host Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Potchefstroom on Monday as the government marks National Youth Day to commemorate the role of young people in the fight against apartheid, including the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

According to government briefing documents, Mokgosi and Mashatile are expected to address the event under the theme “Skills for the changing world, empowering youth for meaningful economic participation”, with the tag line “Gear Up for Greatness”. Their speeches will focus on education, skills development and strategies to boost youth participation in the economy, particularly in sectors such as ICT, manufacturing, sports, agriculture and hospitality. The official communication highlights the need to preserve the legacy of anti-apartheid youth activists and urges today’s youth to “build on this legacy by seizing opportunities for personal and national growth”.

Government messaging places particular emphasis on the creation of an inclusive economy, youth economic emancipation, and dismantling social, economic and racial barriers.