Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, gave a powerful speech at the Sharing of Best Practices Workshop, emphasizing the vital role of youth in the tourism industry and the global economy. He called for creative strategies to empower and celebrate young individuals, especially those in developing nations. Mahlalela highlighted the impact of the recent health crisis on the tourism sector and urged for collective efforts towards recovery, including supporting small businesses and providing opportunities for youth in tourism and hospitality. He expressed optimism for a more inclusive, innovative, and interconnected future for the industry.
The Youth Cadet Programme in Cape Town is a rigorous threeyear course that aims to mold its participants into holistic individuals with leadership traits. The programme covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including communication, professional conduct, physical fitness, arts and culture, navigation, agriculture, and environmental awareness. Through participation in outdoor activities, cadets acquire knowledge about teamwork and leadership, putting them in a strong position to tackle future challenges and act as representatives for law enforcement agencies.
Phateka Mrwebi founded the Silver Girls Netball Club to offer atrisk girls in Khayelitsha a positive outlet and prevent them from falling victim to drug abuse and teenage pregnancy. Through netball, Mrwebi has created a supportive environment for the girls to steer clear of hazards in their surroundings and pursue a more promising future. The team has achieved considerable success in the sports field, and many of the young girls have recognized the lifechanging effect it had on their lives. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of sports in shaping the lives of young people.
Vuk’Talks is a collaborative initiative between the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) and educational institutions in South Africa, aimed at empowering the country’s youth. The initiative offers a platform for young people to discuss critical issues like career opportunities, entrepreneurship, skills development, and training. In addition to the dialogue series, Vuk’Talks launched a podcast in June 2023, which caters to the increasing trend of mobile news consumption among South Africa’s digitally connected youth. The success of the Vuk’Talks initiative demonstrates the South African government’s commitment to ensuring that the youth are informed, engaged, and empowered.
Masiphumelele is a township located in the bustling metropolis of Cape Town that has been long associated with poverty and suffering. However, a group of nine high school girls from Masiphumelele has collaborated with photography students from the Stellenbosch Academy of Photography and Design to showcase the true spirit of the township. Their project, Masiphumelele: Through The Struggles We Rise, captures the beauty, culture, and resilience of the community.
The Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department of the City of Cape Town launched the Rapid Employment and Development Initiative (READI CT) in 2021. This program aims to empower young individuals by offering them learning opportunities and enhancing their skills. By increasing their employability, READI CT seeks to foster meaningful contributions to the community.
Cape Town is a cultural hub that has become a breeding ground for artistic expression. Recognizing the transformative power of art, the Arts and Culture Branch of the City of Cape Town launched the Arts Aweh! programme. It aimed to provide a creative and nurturing environment for young people to explore various art forms, build connections, and appreciate each other’s unique perspectives.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a weekly highdensity operation named Operation Shanela, aimed at tackling genderbased violence and femicide (GBVF) related crimes. This nationwide initiative has been led by Provincial Commissioners in all provinces, focusing on engaging young men across the country to develop strategies and plans for the prevention and combating of GBVF crimes.
In Botshabelo, located in the Free State Province of South Africa, the Department of Tourism, along with the Department of Small Business Development and the Free State Department of Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism and Environment Affairs, is organizing a community engagement event aimed at empowering the youth in the tourism sector.
The Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (POCS) held a successful Youth Day Programme on June 19th, 2023, at the Delft Civic Centre. The event aimed to empower and support the youth in Delft, addressing critical issues such as GBV and personal trauma.
On 22 June, the Department of Tourism, in conjunction with the Department of Small Business Development and the Free State Department of Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism and Environment Affairs (DESTEA), organized a community engagement event in Botshabelo, Mangaung. The aim was to provide the youth of Botshabelo with opportunities to upskill and empower themselves in the tourism sector.
In June each year, Mangaung, Free State Province, South Africa commemorates the 47th anniversary of the 1976 student uprising. This historical moment has inspired a new initiative to empower and uplift the youth of today through tourism. The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Small Business Development and the Free State Department of Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism, and Environment Affairs (DESTEA), has announced a community engagement event to discuss opportunities for upskilling and empowering the youth in the tourism sector.
National Youth Day is a significant event in South Africa’s history, celebrated on June 16th each year. This year marks the 47th anniversary of the uprising led by courageous young men and women who stood against the inhumane apartheid regime. As we commemorate their sacrifices, we also look forward to the future of South African youth and their contributions to the country’s ongoing development.
In recent times, the Western Cape’s youth have been in the limelight. Premier Alan Winde proudly highlights the government’s dedication to empowering young talent. During a digital conference, six individuals who are a part of various Western Cape Government (WCG) programs shared their dreams and how these initiatives have played a significant role in their lives.
The Department of Employment and Labour is set to host a Youth Month Career Exhibition in Mkhondo on June 19th. The event is aimed at empowering young people economically and creating a sustainable future for them. ### Joint Effort for Accelerating Youth Economic Emancipation
The Western Cape Government (WCG) of South Africa is dedicated to supporting and uplifting the youth by addressing the challenges they face, including unemployment. As the nation celebrates Youth Day on June 16th every year, the WCG is proactively seeking ways to engage with young people and help them realize their full potential.