By Obakeng Maje

The 2012 North West Provincial Youth Camp in Rustenburg got off to a roaring start early this week with more than 350 youth leaders sharing ideas with the likes of former Kaizer Chiefs defender Fabian McCarthy and MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Tebogo Modise, among others.  

The week-long camp is an initiative of Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) and the North West Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, in association with partners such as Lovelife and the National Youth Development Agency.

It runs till October 6, with youth from all four provincial Districts participating, ranging in age from 14 to 25. 

The idea follows international programme experience where youth camps were held with great success – which prompted the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula, to launch and implement an indigenous youth movement that will nurture a spirit of nation-building.

It is further aimed at providing young South Africans with life skills and values that will help them develop into proud and patriotic citizens. 

The camp, one of nine in all Provinces, is themed around Leadership, Nation-building and Social Cohesion – with youth from diverse racial and economic backgrounds. 

Addressing the youth at the opening of the event, Ms Modise emphasised that the notion that the youth was the future of this country was not a mere cliché.

“The notion is a real source of our inspiration as we embark on projects such as this one. We want you to understand your critical role in society, now and in the future” she said.

We want you to know that your actions and thoughts today have a bearing on what becomes of tomorrow. We want you to know that you are the future of a South Africa that will play a meaningful role in world history.

That is just how big the task ahead is. And it all begins today. It all begins in your heart. It all begins in your soul. 

“As you all know, there is a beautiful Chinese saying:

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.” Let this camp be your first great step towards a thousand miles of achievement. Let it be the first light to greatness and excellence.”