Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
PRESS RELEASE, 8 JUNE 1998: NATIONAL YOUTH DAY 1998 "YOUTH IN SERVICE FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT" OFFICIAL NATIONAL EVENT DAN QEQE STADIUM, ZWIDE, EASTERN CAPE 10 AM - 5 PM, 16 JUNE 1998
Speakers: Deputy President Tahbo Mbeki Mahlengi Bhengu, NYC Chair
THEME
In accordance with one of the key mandates arising from the one-year National Youth Policy consultation process - that of National Youth Service - the National Youth Commission,in conjunction with the official youth bodies of various provinces, has adopted the theme "Youth in Service for National Development" for Youth Day 1998. The theme is a reflection of the articulated aspirations of the over 300 000 youth who were represented in this policy development process and signifies their commitment to contributing to nation-building, skill development and patriotism as well as a recognition of the rights and responsibilities of youth in ensuring the continued transformation of South Africa.
SELECTION OF THE NATIONAL EVENT
Having agreed on the official theme for National Youth Day 1998, the National Youth Commission then asked each province to submit respective proposals on each's National Youth Day Programme, with a view to selecting one on which to build the official national event. Although the proposals of all provinces were both reflective of the theme and of a high quality, the NYC Executive eventually agreed that the Eastern Cape provided the most suitable proposal on which to develop the national event. The official National Youth Commission Youth Day programme, as well as the keynote government speakers, were then integrated into the Youth Day plans of the Eastern Cape Youth Commission. This event will take place at Dan Qeqe Stadium, Zwide, from 10 am - 5 pm on 16 June. Deputy President Thabo Mbeki and NYC Chair Mahlengi Bhengu will be among the keynote speakers.
ACTIVITIES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Gauteng: Provincial Youth Parliament; Youth Day Rally (Mohlakeng Randfontein Stadium)
Free State: Provincial Youth Parliament; Youth Day Rally against HIV/AIDS (Welkom)
Western Cape: Youth Unemployment Workshop; Youth Day Rally and Expo on Service by and for youth
Northern Cape: Official Visit of Kimberley Youth Projects; Youth Assembly on Community Service; Youth Awards Ceremony
Mpumalanga: Launch of cemetery cleaning, landscaping and school renovation projects; Launch of the Graduate Experience Bridging Initiative; Cultural & sporting activities
North West: Youth community service projects; Seminar on The Role of Youth in promoting National Unity
Northern Province: Cultural & sporting activities
For further information or comment, please contact NYC Acting CEO Paul Johnson on Cell / Voicemail 082 771 8465