Address by the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, at the Durban Girls' College, Senior Founders Day Ceremony, Durban

I look around me and see promise that can only benefit our beloved country. My optimism is further strengthened by the triumph of the Springboks this past Saturday. We are the world champions! Ours is a country that is alive with possibilities and opportunities, especially and in particular for you the youth.
We live in a country of challenges and difficulties. Yet, it is also a country full of hope.

We had positive growth for 10 solid years from negative growth. In 2007, we reached five percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). But to create enough jobs and reduce poverty significantly we need more growth, more shared growth.
Our economic growth is not being shared by all our people. We have unacceptably low levels of education and skills in sectors that stimulate economic growth like engineering, accountancy and artisans training.

For you education has to be everything. It is the biggest divide that deprives many of our citizens' progress and prosperity. You cannot let than happen to you. We have focussed on a plan that reaches out to all children and youth of a school-going age from early childhood which is being made free for the poor. Primary education and secondary education also has been made free for those who cannot pay. But quality in many schools is still a problem so is drop-outs from grade eight.

I want to emphasise to you the importance of completing your education. Girl children and growing women hold the key to ending poverty and many of our social ills affecting families and children. Without more and more educated women, we are doomed. For those of you who are completing there is a big demand out there for particular skills. Please make your choice carefully.

The Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (Jipsa) has identified the following skills shortages: high level engineering, town and regional planning, sector skills like tourism, technical skills, financial management. We have to compete globally. We live in a knowledge-based world economy that emphasises technology-driven industries.

Matching skills demanded by the economy can be achieved through good education, smart and proactive career guidance. Young people are most likely to benefit from the era of technology. Young people in Africa and in South Africa are the future and you make up close to 40% of our population. The sustainability of our country is dependent upon your contributions. Your future and that of our country is in your hands. You are leaders in the making and leaders today in many cases in relation to:

* technology
* arts and sports
* the fight against HIV and AIDS and an AIDS-free Africa depends mostly on youth. And therefore:
* delay your sexual debuts
* live a responsible life
* listen to your inner voice.

Quality education is an important tool to match skills needed by the economy. The world-class education received at this College provides you with rare opportunities. These opportunities enable you to contribute in creating a caring and sharing society. Do not do things that will be your downfall. You can play your part in creating a country alive with possibilities by making practical your learning to the poor and unemployed. Contributing to grassroots communities will develop your people skills. Do not forget the young people who are less fortunate than you.
Be part of a National Youth Service (NYS) in service to other young people. Be part of Brig Brother and Big Sister programmes. The vulnerable young people are alienated and excluded from society with a result that they are amenable to engage in anti-social behaviour. You must not be in that risky slope but you also have to care and reach out! Never lock yourself in the ivory tower or be indifferent to the needs of your country. Imagine if Mandela did that, Ghandi, Florence Nightingale, John Langalibalele Dube, Mother Theresa, and Victoria Mxenge? Do we know what those people did? So stand up and be counted in your own small way.

As President Mbeki stated in the 2007 State of the Nation Address, we have made a commitment of encouraging volunteerism among young people. The campaign is to mobilise 20 000 youth participants into the National Youth Service and 30,000 youth volunteers. I am glad to tell you we will achieve the target, but we need all of you. That is your civic duty.

I repeat, ours is a country alive with possibilities and opportunities. You have to take those opportunities, grab them with both hands. Do it for yourself, your community and the nation. I know what you are capable of. I know what you can do to with your skills, knowledge and abilities. We value you greatly! As Madiba said in 1994, "Youth are the valued possessions of the nation. Without them there can be no future." To those of who are being honoured today, well done! Live up to the honour. You are chosen because you had a promise, there is a spark in you.

Be the light and let your light upon us and never cover it and above all, share the spark.

I thank you.

Issued by: The Presidency
23 October 2007