Premier Sello Moloto's message on Youth Month: June 2007

Each year on 16 June the entire country stands united in saluting the spirit of young martyrs who laid down their lives so that we may be free.

Government is consciously aware that the freedom and democracy we attained in 1994, owing largely to the sacrifices of the youth, demand that the democratic State addresses overarching challenges that affect young people in the main. This means addressing such challenges as unemployment, HIV and AIDS, poverty and underdevelopment.

Whilst these challenges might be different from those experienced by the youth of 1976, we still expect today's youth to offer their hands in volunteering to rebuild their communities. This demands that the youth seizes the opportunities brought about by democracy and work both with government and the private sector to uplift themselves from poverty, ignorance and lack of skills.

Through volunteering in such programmes as Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and the National Youth Service (NYS) programme the youth will have more to benefit in terms of skills and patriotism while at the same time also contributing to the well being of their country. This is a patriotic duty for which all young people should be proud to do both in the interest of their country and her people. Together let's use this year's youth development month to deepen youth participation in development by taking part in volunteer work.

Work with youth to build the future now!

I thank you!

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Limpopo Provincial Government
11 June 2007