Deputy President visit Diepsloot National Youth Service project

Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Gauteng Housing MEC Nomvula Mokonyane visited one of the National Youth Service (NYS) housing projects in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg on 23 October 2006.

Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka and the MEC took a tour of the site wherein 1000 units are being built. The national government requested that all ministers including the presidency identify NYS projects.

In her address MEC Mokonyane said that "part of what we are doing today is to help our youth on how to manage and create wealth so that we become a skilled nation with capabilities, knowledge and wisdom".

Concurring with Ms Mokonyane the deputy president encouraged volunteerism among the youth and urged them to utilize their skills. She also commended them for being part of the group which is committed to give off their time and make South Africa a better place to live in.

Deputy President quoted struggle icon O. R. Tambo's who said: "a country, a movement that does not value its youth does not deserve its future".

National Youth Service is an initiative by government to promote involvement of young people in activities which provide benefit to the community whilst developing their abilities through service and learning. This initiative also serves as a platform for youth to acquire skills and make a career or profession.

The programme is a partnership between Umsobomvu Youth Fund (UYF), National Youth Commission, Gauteng Department of Housing, Johannesburg Metropolitan Council, and the Department of Labour.

This partnership implemented the NYS programme with 200 young people from the communities of Mogale City and Diepsloot. About 70 young people who are participating in the programme come from Diepsloot.

All the participants are provided with an opportunity to learn technical construction skills related to community house builder qualification, life skills, business skills and leadership skills with an emphasis on community service, social justice and social responsibility.

So far 13 000 youth have participated in the programme and of this 7 000 came from UYF funded programmes to the tune of R93 million to cover training, stipends and materials.