Issued by: Office of the Executive Deputy President Mr T. Mbeki
9 February 1998
THE National Youth Commission and representatives of Provincial Youth Commissions began a 3-day Strategic Planning Workshop in Rustenburg today designed to consolidate a common foundation from which to take forward initiatives related to the 1998 National Youth Policy.
The "bosberaad" is seen by many observers as a precursor to greater high profile activity by the NYC in 1998 as it moves to ensure implementation of programmes mooted in the National Youth Policy. In particular, the conscious involvement of provinces in the planning of NYC's work strategy suggests that the organisation is moving away from its formative planning phase and laying the basis for greater practical work in 1998. NYC Acting CEO, Paul Johnson, said the broad range of items mandated by the Youth Policy required the NYC to develop a detailed action plan to prioritise items.
"The planning and consultation phase of NYC work is drawing to a close," said Johnson, "and we need to be certain that we embark on our delivery year in systematic fashion with a detailed, practical plan."
Johnson added it was imperative for the NYC to raise the public profile of its work this year. "The NYC cannot afford to continue doing good work in the shadows, particularly in a year where youth need to understand and engage with the National Youth Policy in so far that it directly affects their lives," he said. He pointed out that the NYC's total communications budget for 197 had been R108 000. "One of the first things we need to do over the next three days is correct that ridiculous situation, "he said.
The planning workshop is being funded by USAID, which has been a key supporter and funder of the Youth Policy development process.
Issued by: BONGANI DLADLA, NYC Communications Officer.