“When nothing about the youth happens without the youth in Thembisile Hani.”
KWAMHLANGA – The birth of a youth structure in the Thembisile Hani municipality is set to bring hope for the broader development of young people within the municipality.
The structure, dubbed Chris Hani Youth Brigade, was officially unveiled on Tuesday, June 11, at KwaMhlanga Government Complex.
The launch, spearhead by mayor Lesetja Dikgale, marked a significant milestone in the municipality’s efforts to empower its young people.
Council speaker Poppy Msiza and municipal manager Dumisani Mahlangu also braced the momentous occasion.
Mayor Dikgale explained that the launch follows policy directives that align with a coordinated approach in terms of youth development in the municipality. “The youth structure will advocate for and support the improvement and growth of society in terms of economic stability and social well-being for young people,” he said.
He added that youth development will be a process that prepares a young person to meet the challenges of adolescence, adulthood and achieve their full potential. “This, at the same time, will ensure that it is promoted through activities and experiences that help the youth develop social, ethical, emotional, physical, and cognitive competencies.”
The Brigade’s objectives include but not limited to reducing unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship, facilitating skills development and undermining all the social ills.
The municipal manager made an indication the Brigade has partnered with various government agencies and non-profit organizations.
“These are the municipality’s key stakeholders, which will be working together with the Chris Hani Youth Brigades because we don’t promote working in silos but together to reach a common goal,” he said.
“These stakeholders include, among others, the National Youth Development Agency, the South African Association of Youth Clubs, the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa and the Local Drug Action Committee.”
He further mentioned that he hoped the initiative will lessen unemployment and increase skill development. “The Census 2022 statistics, indicate rising social ills as a result of youth unemployment. So the expected outcome of this initiative, is the upskilling of young people within the municipality, eradicate unemployment and the many social ills that young people are faced with,” Mahlangu said.
“Despondency and gloom have never defeated adversity, and nothing about the youth without the youth will happen in Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, notwithstanding the fact that the future belongs to those that believe in the beauty of their dreams,” he concluded.
