MORE than two hundred unemployed youth in North West completed a week-long youth camp training at the South African Military Base in Zeerust. The youth camp was organised by the Youth Entrepreneurship Services (YES) in the Office of the Premier.

YES programme director, Thapelo Sekawana said the aim of the initiative was to address poverty, unemployment and inequality within the society. He said they previously held youth camps in Potchefstroom and another intake will be in July.

North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo said the young people in the province shall claim their rightful place in the world. He said young people need to be employers and not employees.

“I came up with the idea that we must have Youth Entrepreneurship Services (YES) because I would like to see young people in the North West being developed. They need to be developed and assist the government in job creation. We want them to participate on village development programmes.

“They must remember that challenges are necessary platforms for success. They must become role models and live their lives accordingly. We know there are many challenges that our youth come across. We need to help them on their mission. We have HIV and Aids epidemic, crime, unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse and teenage pregnancy. Working on these socio-economic issues will improve their lives,” Mahumapelo said.

SANDF colonel, Bruce Motlhoki commended Mahumapelo for organising the youth camps. He said they were very grateful to present the training, knowledge and better skill developments to the youth.

“The youth have completed the most rigorous training and passed the test. They have been given the opportunity to make something for yourselves. They have learnt how to become better human beings and make better decisions. The youth are the future leaders of our country and they must have the ability to accomplish great things.

“Life coaching programme are necessary within the youth. We also encouraged them to live positive life-style. They must know that their background does not determine their future. We instill discipline, dedication and determination within them. We also encouraged them to study harder,” Motlhoki said.

One of the young people who completed the youth camp training, Tlotlo Sekgweleo said: “We highly-appreciate this initiative. We are honoured to have the leader of Mahumapelo’s calibre. He is a visionary and we want to be part of decision-making process in the province. We have benefited a lot from the programme and we believe this will be worthwhile. We come from different backgrounds and learning about morals and values of life was imperative.”

-TDN

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