Johannesburg – With 50% of young South Africans between 15 to 24 unemployed, Youth Day not only represents South Africa’s achievements of the past, but also places the spotlight on the challenges of the future says global human rights and advocacy organisation World Vision South Africa.
Statistics like the above by the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risk Report 2014 also places the country third when it comes to the highest employment rate in the world for youths.
“The 16th of June highlights that South Africa needs to not only celebrate and remember the achievements and struggles of the past but also use it to pave a way for the future that highlights the plight of the unemployed youth,” said Paula Barnard, national director of World Vision South Africa
“As an organisation we deal with the causes and results of unemployment on a daily basis and therefore challenge government, business and NGOs to offer practical and feasible solutions to the youth of the country. Surely June 16 should celebrate the future and current examples of change and advancements.”
The WEF’s Global Risk Report 2014 in particular highlights the role of education.
“”It’s vital we sit down with young people now and begin planning solutions aimed at creating fit-for-purpose educational systems, functional job-markets, efficient skills exchanges and the sustainable future we all depend on,” states the report.
“Apart from access to education, South Africa needs to move beyond its talk shop mentality and implement a system and environment that fosters sustainability, entrepreneurship and cements a generation that contributes proactively to the economy of our country,” said Barnard.
“The reality is unemployment leads to social decay, crime and a country riddled by instability which ultimately impacts future generations of children trying to carve a full life for themselves in the world.”
With education in mind, World Vision SA’s Area Development Programmes (ADP) across the country have used Youth Day to highlight its importance through practical and sustainable interventions in various parts of SA.
World Vision SA is currently active in 20 in-community projects and programmes, in six provinces throughout South Africa, impacting and serving over 87 000 children directly through child sponsorship, and indirectly impacting a further 15 million children, and over 1 million households through advocacy and in-community programming efforts which includes access to education.
SAPA
Monthly Archives: June 2014
Protesters throw rocks at passing vehicles
Johannesburg – Residents in Mofolo, Soweto, protested on Tuesday morning by burning tyres and throwing rocks at passing vehicles, Johannesburg metro police said.
“Motorists are advised to use alternative routes as it is not safe to drive in the area,” spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said
The protests started at Mofolo and Vincent roads, he said.
It was not immediately clear why the residents were protesting.
SAPA
All eyes on Zuma
Cape Town – President Jacob Zuma is expected to make his first public appearance in over a week when he delivers his seventh state-of-the-nation address on Tuesday evening.
Parliament is expected to be a hive of activity as workers cleared the ceremonial path Zuma is expected to walk before he enters the National Assembly.
Zuma is expected to be escorted through the streets of Cape Town by the military and mounted police.
The roads in the Cape Town CBD will be lined with members of the SA National Defence Force.
A red carpet will be laid out along Parliament Street for Zuma and members of other branches of state who will accompany the President.
Before entering the National Assembly to make his speech, Zuma will observe a 21-gun salute and a fly over by the SA Air Force.
All eyes will then be on the president who will enter the House and make his speech at 19:00.
Political parties and NGOs are expecting Zuma to outline government’s plans for the next year.
Opposition parties want Zuma to focus on the economy, which has taken a knock following South Africa’s longest ever strike, in the platinum sector.
The Treatment Action Campaign called on Zuma to renew his focus on access to quality health care for all South Africans.
“We cannot afford for President Zuma and his new administration to paper over the serious cracks in both our public and private health care systems,” the TAC said in a statement.
The TAC said Zuma and his administration should be commended for the massive progress made in the fight against HIV/Aids over the past five years.
However, Zuma needed to set out an “ambitious plan” to rid the health care system of serious problems which were impeding access to health care.
“Unless fundamental changes are made in government’s approach to delivering health services, the president and his newly elected administration’s worthy goal to enrol at least 4.6 million in the anti-retroviral programme will be undone by corruption, poor public administration, a lack of skilled management, cadre deployment and lack of political will at provincial level,” the TAC said.
Equal Education wants Zuma to provide leadership on how problems facing the country’s schools will be prioritised.
This included the norms and standards for school infrastructure, which was enacted last year.
“This law requires that we eradicate mud schools within three years, and that schools without water, electricity, sanitation and safety receive priority treatment,” EE said.
“Promises about mud schools have been made in SONAs going back to former President Thabo Mbeki in 2004, but for the first time this is now a legal requirement. We are interested to know what are government plans to make sure they comply with this new law within the set time frames.”
Zuma’s state-of-the-nation address will mark his first public appearance since being admitted to hospital for tests and being booked off by doctors following a gruelling election campaign.
SAPA
June 16th Memorial acre launched
Johannesburg – A memorial acre, housing the June 16th Memorial and Youth Institute, was officially launched in Soweto on Monday.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura, Infrastructure Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza and Culture MEC Molebatsi Bopape launched the R48m memorial acre on the 38th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto uprisings.
“The Institute will become a centre for memory and a resource for young people to contribute to community development through various youth developmental programmes that will be run from the institute,” the Gauteng government said in a statement.
The memorial includes a double-storey building in the shape of an AK-47 assault rifle, a symbol of the struggle against apartheid, and a statue of Tsietsi Mashinini, one of the student leaders of the march.
On 16 June 1976, a group of schoolchildren set off from Morris Isaacson High School in Orlando, Soweto, to protest over Afrikaans being the medium of instruction, among other grievances against the apartheid government.
There was a stand-off with police, who opened fire on the children. The township was sealed off and attacks on government buildings followed; as well as the flight of many youths and political leaders into exile. This day is now commemorated as youth day.
Trade unions and political parties also marked youth day on Monday.
The National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) wished young people well on youth day, spokesman Sizwe Pamla said in a statement on Monday.
“The high rate of unemployment and the super-exploitation of young people in the different sectors of our economy, are some of the biggest challenges facing today’s young people.
“The battle for fair wages and better working conditions needs unity and mobilisation by all workers, especially young ones, who are the custodians of the future.”
Left behind
Nehawu remained committed to supporting young workers.
The union appealed to the youth to confront the problems facing their generation, including substance abuse and HIV.
“The HIV and Aids pandemic still poses the most serious challenge for young people in South Africa because they are the most vulnerable from the disease,” Pamla said.
Mpumalanga chairman of the Democratic Alliance Youth Muso Kubheka said in a statement that more needed to be done about youth unemployment.
“Young people are at risk of being left behind by a lack of education, study funding and poor work prospects…”
Government needed to make sure there were further education opportunities for matriculants and that every school delivered quality education.
The DA was circulating a petition in Mpumalanga calling on the government to increase the National Student Financial Aid Scheme to R16bn and increase internship opportunities in co-operation with the private sector.
“At the end of Youth Month, all signed petitions from across Mpumalanga and South Africa will be sent to our national head office, and presented to the relevant national government ministers,” Kubheka said.
The African National Congress Youth League said the youth should never forget the sacrifices of those who stood up for their beliefs against the apartheid regime in 1976, spokesman Bandile Masuku said in a statement.
Encourage youth
“As this generation of young people, we commit ourselves to take South Africa forward to economic freedom under the leadership, care and guidance of the ANC.”
The ruling party’s election manifesto set out a progressive plan to make South Africa’s economy prosperous and stable, with particular emphasis on industrialisation and job creation, he said.
“We challenge all young people to be the watchdog of government programme implementation,” Masuku said.
Western Cape Economic Opportunities MEC Alan Winde’s office said in statement that the provincial government would invest R330 million over the next three years in skills development programmes targeting the youth.
“Young people are our future and we need to give them the support they need to create a better future for themselves and make a valuable contribution to our society and economy,” Winde said in Cape Town.
“We want to encourage youth to take every opportunity presented to them to increase their skills profile.”
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was speaking at the national youth day celebrations in Kimberley on Monday, while DA Parliamentary leader Mmusi Maimane would speak at a youth day rally in Pretoria.
SAPA
Mahumapelo: Young people must be in the forefront
Young people particularly those in rural communities should be at the centre of sustainable socio-economic development, North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo said on Monday.
“We have to foster youth economic participation, enhance youth entrepreneurship, accelerate the growth of youth-owned and managed enterprises and increase youth self-employment and innovation to respond to the high level of unemployment among the youth which was raised sharply with us during door-to-door campaigns in the run-up to the 7 May 2014 elections,” Premier Mahumapelo assured community leaders he met in Tsetse village outside Mahikeng.
Mahumapelo agreed with the leaders that the provincial government would consider a road infrastructure development and investment in social infrastructure for the benefit of unemployed youth in the village.
“We are optimistic that the engagement with the Premier will assist accelerate service delivery and address our concern regarding the water and sanitation project implemented in our village,” Ward Councillor Amos Dibe affectionately nicknamed “Premier” by the community said after the meeting.
Support for agriculture youth cooperatives, high level of crime among youth were also indentified as issues that need urgent attention.-TDN
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Metro FM Presenter Eddie Zondi dies
Johannesburg – Metro FM’s legendary disc jockey Eddie Zondi has died.
According to reports, Zondi apparently had a heart attack at his home in Johannesburg. He was rushed to hospital where he passed away.
Metro FM manager Martin Vilakazi confirmed the news.
Zondi hosted the hugely popular The Romantic Repertoire on Sundays from 3pm to 6pm.
He has also released four compilation CDs titled Zondi’s Romantic Ballads.
As news of his death broke, people took to Twitter to pay tribute.
@SITHOLEEXPRESS tweeted: I can’t remember radio before Bra #EddieZondi. We will miss you! RIP.
Another tweet by @NangaX said: OMG We grew up listening to #EddieZondi on Sundays and took it for granted that his voice will always be there. RIP Eddie Zondi.
For more http://www.iol.co.za
Bonang Matheba leaves MetroFM
Cape Town – Bonang Matheba announced that she decided to leave MetroFM, after the SABC refused to allow Matheba to continue with a World Cup Lifestyle show on SuperSport.
The SABC says that no one that works on any SABC platform is allowed to be part of any other broadcasters in any medium.
Subsequently, Matheba decided that she could not agree to those terms as it did not align with her future plans.
“Metro FM is a fine station and it is a pity that my journey with them has been so short.
“I am an independent freelancer and have been working peacefully with all broadcasters over the years.
“My future potential cannot be jeopardised by accepting terms that will not grow my career. I could not agree to the SABC’s blanket terms – in restricting me to work with other broadcasters even though my contract with them was on radio.
“Thank you to the team at Metro FM for a wonderful time thus far. Onward and upward!,” Matheba said in a statement.
News24
North West cars collision cause traffic jam
By Obakeng Maje
Potchefstroom- Traffic was brought to a stand still on Thursday after three vehicles were involved in a collision only 12km away from Johannesburg on N12.
Er24 paramedics attended the scene and some of the victims suffered moderate injuries.
The traffic was cleared and thing went back to normal after some time.
Those who were injured were taken to various hospital for medical attention. The details regarding the collision are not clear and police investigations continie.-TDN
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Pedestrian involved in a fatal accident in North West
By Obakeng Maje
Potchefstroom- Police are investigating a Fatal pedestrian accident on the Rooipoortjie road and Er24 paramedics were called.
The details surrounding the accident is sketchy at the moment.
-TDN
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Sabc 1 YO-TV presenter Merica flying higher
Pic (supplied): Beautiful YO-TV presenter Merica Monamodi
By Obakeng Maje
Johannesburg- She is a famous face on television and as one of pioneering female presenters, Merica Monamodi is known for her crisp, unaccented diction and perfect presenting skills.
Born and bred at Vanderbijlpark, near Vaal but later moved to Johannesburg, Merica Monamodi inspires the young and old alike. She always permeates informative information to enormous chunk of population.
As distinctive young woman, a 21 year-old presenter said she is fun, loving and a caring human being who is full of life. “I love smiling, laughing and making people happy even through bleakness. I have dreams and aspirations, and nothing will stop me until I achieve them” said optimistic presenter.
Monamodi also took time to share her thoughts regarding education and she has this to say. “Education is everything, it changes mindset and situations. It helps one grow as an individual.”
Merica is currently studying BCom Accounting at The University of Johannesburg(UJ) and said education opens doors and is a tremendous advantage that one will never go wrong with.
The sassy presenter said she grew up watching YO-TV and all previous presenters inspired her. “Well presenting is all about personality. One must fall in love with camera and must be willing to learn every single day. Adjusting to live shows was not easy, but it was a skill I had to learn and enjoy’’.
Vanderbijlpark-born presenter is currently single and said her books keep her busy. Merica said is easy to jungle her studies with her job as YO-TV schedule favours her.
South Africa is celebrating June 16 (Soweto Uprisings)
South Africa is celebrating Youth Month; our crew ask YO-TV presenter what June 16 really means to her. “Youth month represents me. I am free to be who I want to be and I can embrace myself at all times. I am surrounded with many opportunities and it is my responsibility to take and use them in a significant way. I can be who I want to be without explaining myself to anybody. I am well aware of the struggle our parents went through. I am so grateful for lessons they taught us, very grateful to live in beautiful and democratic country like South Africa.”
Unmacho Merica also holds no punches on burning issues facing the country especially the youth and admonishes them.
Unemployment, Crime, Poverty, Teenage pregnancy, Drug and Alcohol Abuse.
“These are the struggles that we facing as the youth. All this inevitable issues take joy away from us. If you have gone through them, you must be willing to learn from your mistakes because we are not perfect either” said YO-TV presenter.
Merica said all this hinder one’s dreams and stop one from achieving what one meant to achieve.
“One must not let the past determines her/his future. Our future is in our hands, so let’s be responsible and cling closely to what is important. I would like to be happier than I am right now, so God knows where my life is heading to and in him, I trust as he will lead me” she smiles.
A cathartic presenter said she is eyeing an acting role and with her artistry skills, will delve through in many people’s lives and make them happy as that will also helps her to become a better person.
You can watch beautiful Merica Monamodi Weekdays on Sabc 1’s YO-TV show or alternatively follow her on Twitter@Simply_Merica and Facebook as Merica Monamodi.
-TDN
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The Guardian 