Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu says government’s responsibility is to empower and educate young people so they can provide for themselves.

“Our responsibility as government is to empower you [young people], educate you, provide you with work experience and opportunities and to the extent that you are provided with jobs,” Minister Sisulu told young people during the National Human Settlements Youth Summit.

The summit, which was held at Gallagher Estate Conference Centre, aimed to share the department’s programmes with the leadership of youth formations.

The programmes are targeted at young people and how they can participate in the implementation of these programmes.

The summit also aimed to identify opportunities in the private sector for young people to participate in the implementation of the Social Contract for the Development of Human Settlements.

“When we fought for you to be free, we intended to ensure that you are truly free … We are here for you and would rather teach you to fish and provide you with fishing rods than give you fish. We would rather sufficiently empower you to build houses for the State and to build your own houses,” the Minister told the youth.

Youth Brigade Programme

The summit was held ahead of the launch of the National Human Settlements Youth Brigade Programme. The Youth Brigade Programme will be launched at Savanna City in Walkerville, Johannesburg.

Minister Sisulu explained that the concept of Youth Brigade is based on the quest to create a vast group of well-trained young people, who will have the requisite skills in the construction sector.

“The concept of a Youth Brigade cuts across political affinities and includes all young people, irrespective of gender and geographic location. Any young person, who desires to craft a career in the construction sector, qualifies to be part of this Youth Brigade.

“The idea of a Youth Brigade does not just seek to avail opportunities to youth in the construction sector, it seeks to engender a certain form of work discipline, work ethic and an appreciation of doing things for oneself,” Minister Sisulu said.

Last month alone, 76 houses were built by 100 young men and women volunteers. The houses were handed over to families at Lindelani Informal Settlement and contributed in the restoration of the dignity of the community.

Agents of change

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Buti Manamela challenged the youth to be drivers and agents of change and ensure that they are not passive recipients of government services.

“You must be active and involved in your communities and not be part of those who destroy them but redirect energies to build and protect communities. As government, we believe that you, more than ever before, are change-makers,” Deputy Minister Manamela said.

He said the shaping of young people as active and productive citizens is critical for the development of the country.

“All over the world, youth are driving social change and innovation, claiming respect for their fundamental human rights and freedoms, and seeking new opportunities to learn and work together for a better future.”

Minister of Small Business Development Lindiwe Zulu encouraged young people, who are running businesses, to have the necessary skills and fully understand what their businesses are all about, even if they have someone doing the books for the company.

She said young people that need assistance should contact the call centre on 086 1843 384.

Meanwhile, chairperson of Legacy Group, Bart Dorrestein, encouraged South Africans to do it themselves, saying that importing was not a sustainable solution.

“South Africans have great potential, only if we go out and do something about it,” Dorrestein said.

During the summit, representatives from various companies shared information on internship programmes offered by companies and how to apply for them. – SAnews.gov.za